How to tell the sex of a kitten

Determining the sex of a kitten can be tricky, especially when they’re very young. Knowing whether your kitten is male or female can help you make the best decisions about their care, vaccination, and spaying or neutering. Here’s how to tell.

How do you tell if my kitten is male or female?

The easiest way to tell the sex of a kitten is by looking at the area just below their tail. In both males and females, the genitalia will be visible from this area. Male kittens have a noticeable distance between the anus and their penis, which appears as a small dot. Female kittens have a much shorter distance, and their genitalia looks more like a slit.

How early can kittens be sexed?

Kittens can typically be sexed from about 3 to 4 weeks old. At this age, their sexual organs are developed enough to distinguish between male and female. Before this, it can be difficult to tell with certainty.

How to tell the sex of a female kitten

Female kittens have a short distance between their anus and genital opening, making the shape resemble a vertical slit. When you gently lift the tail, look for a small slit or indentation. The genital area will appear more closely aligned with the anus.

How to tell the sex of a male kitten

Male kittens have a greater distance between the anus and their genital opening. This creates a round or dot-like shape that’s easily identifiable. A small, visible penis may be present as well, though it can sometimes be hard to distinguish at a young age.

Do male kittens have nipples?

Yes, male kittens do have nipples. Both male and female kittens are born with nipples, as they develop before the sex of the kitten becomes fully clear. While males don’t use their nipples for nursing, they still have them. The number of nipples can vary, but most kittens, regardless of sex, will have between six and eight. These nipples may be more noticeable as the kitten grows, but they don’t serve any functional purpose in male cats.

The connection between kitten coat colour and gender

In some cases, a kitten’s coat colour can provide a clue to its sex. For example, most calico and tortoiseshell kittens are female, as these coat colours are linked to the X chromosome. Male calicos and torties are rare, as they need an extra X chromosome (XXY), a condition called Klinefelter syndrome.

While coat colour can sometimes suggest gender, it’s not a reliable method for sexing kittens. Always check the genital area for confirmation.

Should you get a male or female kitten?

Choosing between a male or female kitten depends on your preferences and what you’re looking for in a pet. Both males and females make great companions. Here’s a breakdown of some common considerations:

• Personality: Male kittens are often (but not always!) more playful and social, while female kittens can be more independent and reserved. However, personalities vary widely by breed and individual temperament.
• Behaviour: Unneutered males may exhibit more territorial behaviour, such as marking, while unspayed females may go into heat. Both of these can be managed by spaying or neutering.
• Health: Both male and female kittens can be equally healthy. However, spaying or neutering is important for preventing health issues and avoiding unwanted litters.

Ultimately, the sex of the kitten may not be as important as its temperament, and both males and females can make wonderful pets.

Do male and female kittens get along?

Yes, male and female kittens generally get along well, especially if they’re raised together from a young age. Kittens are social animals and often form strong bonds with their littermates, regardless of sex. However, their personalities can differ, with some kittens being more playful, while others are more independent. As they grow, spaying or neutering them can also help reduce any potential territorial or aggressive behaviours. Overall, the environment, early socialisation, and proper care play a larger role in how well kittens of different sexes get along.

Things to remember

• Spaying and neutering: No matter the sex, it’s important to spay or neuter your kitten. This can prevent health problems, unwanted pregnancies, and reduce certain behavioural issues.
• Kitten temperament: While sex can influence behaviour, a kitten’s temperament is largely shaped by socialisation. The way they’re raised and interacted with can make a big difference.

For information about how to look after your kitten, including preparing for their arrival and essentials like litter training, read our handy guide.

FAQs about determining the sex of a kitten