Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Is your cat a boy or girl? Here’s how to tell

This is important to know for lots of reasons

Young kitten on a log chirping
VIVIANE6276 / Pixabay

Whether you’ve adopted a new kitten or you’ve rescued an adult cat, distinguishing males from females can be tricky, even for professionals. Figuring out how to tell if a cat is a boy or girl is even more difficult with kittens and neutered male cats, especially if you don’t have another cat to use for physical reference.

However, there are some physical characteristics — as well as behavioral cues — that can help you determine a cat’s sex. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to tell kittens’ sex and whether you should name your new feline friend Alex or Alexis. 

Recommended Videos

When can you tell the sex of a cat?

A litter of newborn kittens on black blanket
Reynaldo Yodia / Pexels

According to Dr. Jennifer Coates, determining the sex of a kitten is extremely difficult when cats are younger than 8 weeks old. Because kittens are so tiny and have soft, downy fur, making out the shape of their orifices is easier said than done. Once your kitten is 8 weeks old or older, you should be able to determine the shape of his or her genitals. 

How to determine your cat’s sex

Two kittens playing on a tile floor
birgl / Pixabay

With your kitten on your lap or cradled in one arm, scratch above the tail until it naturally lifts in response to stimulation. If your new kitten is a female, she’ll have an elongated line beneath her anus — this is the entrance to her vulva. Male cats have a smaller, circular penile opening beneath the anus. Additionally, the distance between the penis and the anus is also much longer than the distance between the anus and the vulva. (For a visual reference, you can consult the ASPCA’s guide.)

If you still can’t tell whether your kitty is a boy or a girl, you may want to ask your vet. Please refrain from feeling for the penis and testicles, as kittens are frequently neutered at an early age, and a kitten’s penis is too small and delicate to be felt. 

Other ways to determine a cat’s sex

A tiny orange tabby kitten sits on a sidewalk in front of a hedge.
mrngochuy / Pixabay

While both male and female cats come in a wide variety of coat colors, there are exceptions to the rule: calico cats and tortoiseshell cats. Because genetic inheritance requires two X chromosomes to produce the coloration seen in calicos and torties, they are almost always female. Similarly, almost 80% of orange tabby cats are male. Behavioral traits aren’t the most reliable way to determine a cat’s sex, but in the case of fur babies who haven’t been neutered or spayed, their traits may hint at your cat’s sex. 

Typically speaking, male cats are more likely to attempt to escape your home, spray urine to mark their territory, or display aggressive behaviors like biting and scratching. On the flip side, female cats who haven’t been spayed tend to be more docile and affectionate than male cats who haven’t been neutered. There’s a common misconception that male cats are more loving, which causes some prospective pet parents to refuse to adopt female cats. However, research indicates that your cat’s behavior has more to do with their home environment and how well you’ve bonded with your feline friend than it does with their sex. 

Why is it important to know your cat’s sex?

Two white kittens looking curious
ryanandsheen / Shutterstock

If you’ve ever suffered from a urinary tract infection (UTI), then you know just how painful and debilitating they can be. But did you know that your feline fur baby is also at risk of developing a painful UTI? Unfortunately for male cats, an otherwise painful infection may prove to be potentially life-threatening. A male cat’s urethra is thinner than that of a female cat, leaving them more likely to develop urethral blockages. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Frequent urination
  • Crying while urinating
  • Inability to produce urine
  • Presence of blood in urine
  • Urinating outside the litter box
  • Licking or dragging genitals across the carpet

Keeping your cat’s litter box clean, providing adequate fresh food and water, and adding wet food to your cat’s diet to increase hydration can all help prevent urinary tract infections. If you suspect that your beastie has a UTI, it’s time to see the vet. Once tested and diagnosed, your cat will most likely be given a course of antibiotics and possibly a painkiller to manage discomfort.

Do all male cats spray?

Persian cat sitting on a floor indoors
Sweetlouise / Pixabay

Spraying can be a menace to cat moms and dads — it smells and will cover your couch or curtains in pet urine. Spraying usually starts when kitties enter their teenage years and are able to reproduce, about 6 months old. Male cats are far more likely to claim their territory this way though females will do it, too. By and large, there’s a simple solution: Many felines stop spraying once they are spayed or neutered.

However, some other things can trigger a recurrence of the behavior. Having too many cats in the house, increased stress levels, or a new medical condition could all lead to a few more spray sessions after the procedure. Work to create a safe and relaxed environment for your furry friend and you’ll be just fine.

Closing thoughts

Gray kitten with green eyes looking up
Krysten Merriman / Pexels

Finding out your cat’s sex can be tough — even for experienced veterinarians — but it’s an essential step in becoming a pet parent. In addition to being able to match your kitty’s name to their sex, knowing your mouser’s sex can help you better predict their behavioral quirks if you decide not to neuter or spay. Most importantly, knowing your cat’s sex means you’ll also be able to keep an eye out for health complications, like UTIs.

Regardless of what some people think, you shouldn’t rule out a female cat because of the myth that males are sweeter. You also shouldn’t dismiss the idea of adopting a male because he may develop a UTI. (Urinary tract infections are incredibly rare in cats, with only 1%–2% of cats developing the infection.) Ultimately, the best cat for you is the one you feel drawn to adopt, male or female. 

Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Cats with big ears: Check out these adorable breeds
Cat breeds known for their large ears
Oriental shorthair cat with huge ears sleeping

Every pet cat is unique, showcasing their one-of-a-kind personality and adorable looks. While some cats may resemble each other, many fabulous felines have distinctive features that are hard to overlook — like cats with big ears. Even though their large ears may catch you off guard, it’s undeniable how cute these cats are.
Due to centuries of evolution and selective breeding, certain cat breeds naturally have larger ears than others. In addition to their impressive hearing abilities and big-eared appearance, these breeds are wonderfully diverse. There truly is a cat breed on this list for everyone.

Do big ears mean better hearing?

Read more
Can cats eat apples? What’s safe and what’s not
How to prepare apples for cats
Fluffy cat looking at table of apples

It's essential to feed your cat a nutritionally complete diet, but you have a lot more leeway when it comes to cat treats. Meals should make up most of your feline friend's diet, so the treats you choose don't have to be as nutritious and filling. Treats are for enjoyment and rewards! Many human foods are safe to share with your cat as treats and some are toxic, but it can be hard to remember what's on the list.
If you've ever wondered, "Can cats eat apples?" you're not alone. After all, fresh fruits are an essential component of a balanced diet for people, so is it the same for cats? Let's find out!

Can cats eat apples?

Read more
Why your cat sleeping at your feet is a big compliment
If you've ever wondered about this cat behavior, this article is for you
Calico cat lying on a white comforter

Have you noticed that when you go to sleep, your cat automatically heads to the foot of the bed and curls up by your feet? It's no mistake, and it's not your cat giving you the cold shoulder, either. This is a deliberate decision on your kitty's part, and there are many reasons why they might choose to sleep there instead of curling up on your stomach or by your shoulder. Actually, if your cat sleeps by your feet, you should take it as a compliment and feel flattered.

So, why do cats sleep at your feet? It's a mix of your cat's affection for you, a feeling of safety, and even the body heat you generate that plays into your cat's decision to sleep at the foot of the bed. It's both smart and sweet!
Why do cats sleep at your feet? The reason is sweeter than you think

Read more