Wondering whether your purring roommate is a boy or a girl? Getting it right matters for behavior, health, and everyday harmony at home. Here’s a gentle, step-by-step guide to sexing kittens and adult cats—without stress for your little feline.
Why knowing your cat’s sex really matters
Sex influences roaming, marking, and how cats interact with you and other pets. It also guides decisions around spaying or neutering, which can reduce heat behaviors, spraying, and risky wanderings.
It’s also handy for choosing the right care and anticipating future needs. Not sure which personality might suit your lifestyle best? Explore key differences in our guide on male vs female cats.
How to tell a kitten’s sex
Timing helps: once kittens are a few weeks old, differences are easier to see. Look at the area under the tail with calm, clean hands and good light.
The anogenital “map” to look for
- Males: The anus and the genital opening are farther apart. Think “colon” shape (like “:”), with a noticeable gap where the testicles will develop.
- Females: The openings sit closer together. Think a tiny “i” shape, with the vulva just below the anus.
Step-by-step, gentle check
- Choose a warm, quiet room and keep the check brief.
- Gently lift the tail; do not press on any opening.
- Check distance and shape; note any developing testicles in males.
Practical tip: Hold a soft, warm damp cotton pad near the base of the tail for a few seconds. Many kittens relax, making it easier (and kinder) to see the area without fuss.
Common mistake to avoid: Don’t decide based on nipples—both males and females have them. Also avoid pressing to “make something appear”; this can cause injury or infection.
Surprising fact: Most calico (tortoiseshell-and-white) cats are female; the rare males usually have an XXY chromosome pattern and are often sterile.
If you’re checking because of spraying or house-soiling, you’ll also find useful tips in our guide to why cats pee everywhere.
How to tell an adult cat’s sex
With adults, anatomy and a few body cues help. Look from behind, under the tail, just like with kittens.
What to look for on adults
- Males: Wider anogenital distance; scrotal sac typically visible (even if small on neutered males). Intact males may have thicker cheeks or “jowls.”
- Females: Shorter distance; slit-like vulva beneath the anus. Nipples may be more visible in queens who have nursed.
Behavior can offer hints but shouldn’t be your only guide. For instance, intact males may spray; intact females may vocalize more during heat. Neutering often softens these behaviors.
Planning a spay or neuter and curious about the next steps? Here’s a helpful overview of recovery after neutering.
Myths and mix-ups to skip
- “Calico equals female, always.” Almost—but not always. Rare male calicos exist and are usually sterile.
- “Only females have nipples.” Both sexes do, so nipples don’t determine sex.
- “Fur length changes everything.” Long hair can hide details, but the anogenital distance still tells the truth.
- “Neutered males look like females.” Even after neutering, males keep a longer anogenital distance.
Vocal clues can be misleading—meowing has many meanings. If you’re curious about what your cat is “saying,” see our meow decoding guide.
When to call the vet
If you’re unsure after a careful check, call your veterinarian for a quick confirmation. It’s especially important if you notice swelling, discharge, pain, or anything that looks unusual.
New to cat parenting and tracking milestones? This simple method for calculating a cat’s age can help you plan spay/neuter timing and wellness visits.
Safety first
- Keep checks short and calm; comfort your cat afterwards.
- Don’t separate tiny kittens from mom for long; keep them warm.
- Never use force or sharp tools; if in doubt, ask your vet.
FAQ
How can I tell a kitten’s gender at 4–6 weeks?
Look under the tail: males have a bigger gap between anus and genital opening, females have a closer “i”-shape. Good light and a gentle hand are key.
Can you tell the sex of a neutered cat?
Yes. The anogenital distance remains longer in males and shorter in females, even after neutering.
Are all calico cats female?
Almost all are female, but rare male calicos exist due to an XXY chromosome pattern and are usually sterile.
What’s the best age to spay or neuter?
Your vet will advise based on health and lifestyle. Many clinics recommend the procedure around 4–6 months, before mating behaviors begin.
