Introduction
Determining the sex of a kitten or cat is important for several reasons. Knowing the gender allows you to choose a name, arrange spay/neuter surgery at the appropriate age, and understand behavioral tendencies associated with each sex. It also helps prepare potential pet owners for characteristics unique to male and female cats.
Spaying and neutering prevents unwanted litters and certain medical conditions. Since female cats reach sexual maturity faster than males, it’s recommended to spay them before their first heat around 5-6 months old. Males should be neutered as early as 6 months. Knowing the sex ahead of time allows planning.
There are general personality differences between the sexes as well. Males tend to be more playful and energetic. Females can be moodier, especially when in heat. Understanding these tendencies can help set appropriate expectations.
Physical Differences
There are several key physical differences between male and female cats that can help determine their sex.
Male cats tend to have broader, more square-shaped heads and prominent jowls, while females usually have more delicate, triangular faces 1. Males also have larger necks and overall body frames than females.
Coat length can vary by breed, but generally male cats have shaggier, longer fur while females have finer, smoother coats 2.
Males are typically heavier in weight than females of the same breed due to their larger size.
The most obvious physical difference is in the genitalia. Male cats have a penis and testicles while females have a vulva. The testicles are visible from a young age and are located between the hind legs.
Face Shape
The shape and size of a cat’s face and head can provide clues about its gender. Male cats tend to have broader, more square-shaped heads and larger jowls, while females usually have more delicate facial features and smaller, more rounded faces. This source explains that male cats’ foreheads and muzzles form nearly straight lines, whereas females have more rounded foreheads that slope into their muzzles.
Females also often have rounder eyes and smaller ears that are spaced farther apart on a more triangular or heart-shaped head. Males’ ears may sit closer together on a blockier skull. The size and shape differences can be subtle, but this source notes that females typically have a cuter, more feminine facial appearance compared to males’ broader, burlier heads.
Coat Length
One of the most noticeable differences between male and female cats is coat length. Males tend to have shorter, coarser coats than females. Neutered males in particular tend to develop a very short, dense coat as they age. Females, on the other hand, retain a softer, longer coat into maturity, especially if spayed at a young age.
The reason for this difference lies in hormones. Testosterone causes male cats’ hair follicles to produce a tougher outer coat that sheds more quickly, while estrogen promotes longer, softer fur in females. This is why neutering, which reduces sex hormones, often results in a fuller, fluffier coat in male cats but a shorter, thinner one in females.
So if you see a long-haired cat, chances are it’s female. Very fuzzy males are usually kittens or recently neutered adults whose coats have yet to transition to the shorter length. Examine the fur length relative to the body size – mature males have a distinctively short, close coat compared to the more flowing fur of females. This is one of the quickest ways to distinguish the sexes from a distance.
(Source: https://supakit.co/blogs/cat-guides/male-vs-female-cats)
Body Size
There are some notable differences in body size between male and female cats. Typically, male cats tend to be larger and heavier than females. An unneutered male that reaches sexual maturity can become even larger due to hormonal influences. The size difference is most pronounced in larger cat breeds. For example, Maine Coon males often reach 18-25 lbs, while females are usually 12-18 lbs.
However, factors like nutrition and genetics have a significant impact as well. With a high-quality diet, some female cats may grow just as large as males. Breed size standards also play a role. Siamese cats, for instance, tend to exhibit less of a size difference between sexes. Both males and females are typically 8-15 lbs.
Ultimately, while males generally grow larger than females, individual variation exists. Proper nutrition and genetics allow some female cats to reach equivalent sizes as males.
Genitalia
The most accurate way to determine the sex of a kitten is to look at their genitalia. There are distinct differences between male and female external cat genitalia.
Females have a vertical slit genital opening located directly below the anus. The distance between the anus and genital opening is very short in females.
Males have a circular genital opening farther away from the anus compared to females. The penis is contained in a sheath at the base of the tail. Males also have a scrotum behind the genital opening which is absent in females.
These genital differences are easiest to observe in kittens and younger cats. In adult neutered cats, the genitalia may appear less prominent making sex determination more difficult.
Sources:
https://www.aspcapro.org/sites/default/files/aspcakittensexingfinal_0.pdf
https://www.thesprucepets.com/male-or-female-555408
Behavioral Differences
Male and female cats can exhibit some differences in behavior and energy levels. According to How to Spot the Personality Differences Between Male and Female Cats, male cats tend to be more social and affectionate with both humans and other cats. They commonly form strong bonds with other cats in the home, even when they have been neutered. Male cats are often seen as the more playful and cuddly gender.
In contrast, female cats tend to be more independent and aloof. They can be affectionate with their owners, but are generally not as clingy or demanding of attention as males. Unspayed females will exhibit mothering behaviors like nesting and kitten rearing. They are protective of their territory, especially when raising kittens. Female cats tend to be calmer and more docile than males once spayed.
In general, male cats exhibit more kitten-like, energetic behavior throughout their lives. Females behave in a more serious, demure manner much of the time. However, personalities can vary a lot between individual cats, regardless of gender.
Marking Territory
Male cats spray urine as a way to mark their territory [1]. Intact (unneutered) males are especially prone to spraying since they have not been fixed and still have strong territorial instincts.
When an unneutered male cat sprays urine, he is leaving his scent for other cats to detect. The urine contains pheromones that communicate information about the spraying cat, such as his age, health status, and sexual availability. Spraying advertises the male cat’s presence and lays claim to an area as his territory.
Unneutered males will often spray walls, furniture, doorways, windows, or any vertical surface near the periphery of their perceived territory. They tend to target prominent objects that stand out, allowing the scent to be easily detected by other cats. Spraying alerts rival males to keep away, and lets female cats in heat know that this male has claimed the territory.
Neutered males are less likely to spray but may still urine mark on occasion, especially if another cat enters their space. Even after being fixed, some males retain the instinctive need to advertise themselves and define their turf [2]. However, the frequency and intensity of spraying is greatly reduced once a male cat is neutered.
Mothering Instincts
Female cats have a very strong maternal instinct, even after being spayed. As the Point Vicente Veterinary Hospital states, “Even after spaying, the maternal instinct remains strong in females. While neutered male cats may display some mothering behavior, the instinct is overwhelmingly stronger in females” (source). This mothering instinct causes female cats to exhibit nurturing behaviors like nursing, grooming, and protecting kittens. They may even try to “mother” their human owners by following them around, sleeping near them, and bringing them “gifts” of food or toys.
According to a Quora user, a female cat’s maternal instinct comes from within and is not dictated by whether she has had a litter before: “Maternal instinct is not dictated by having children, in humans or cats. Instinct is a natural part of one’s core being” (source). So even a female cat who has been spayed at a young age and never had kittens will still exhibit mothering behaviors.
Conclusion
Determining whether your cat is male or female can help inform decisions about spaying/neutering and provide insights into their behavior. Key physical differences include variations in face shape, coat length, body size, and genitalia. Behaviorally, male cats tend to roam more and mark territory by spraying, while females exhibit stronger mothering instincts. Knowing your cat’s sex allows you to make appropriate health choices and better understand their actions. With close observation and gentle handling, identifying gender is straightforward. We hope this overview gave you the knowledge to confidently tell whether your feline friend is a boy or a girl.