Is Your Kitten a Boy or Girl? Quick Guide to Discover Their Gender

Determining the sex of a kitten can be exceptionally challenging – especially before about six to eight weeks of age. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to determine if your kitten is a 'he' or a 'she.'

Anatomy Basics

The first step in sexing kittens is remembering the differences between male and female genitalia. Although it may look similar in young kittens, the parts are quite different. Male kittens have testicles, which typically have descended into the scrotum at the time of birth. A male cat’s penis is enclosed in the prepuce and is situated just below the scrotum. Female kittens have visible vulvas. As with all mammals, both male and female kittens have nipples and an anus. While not part of the genitalia, the anus is an important landmark in determining a kitten’s sex. The anus is a circular structure located just underneath the base of the tail.

Handling Kittens

Remember to handle kittens gently at all times, as they are fairly delicate at young ages. Even though you’ll need to take a look under their tails, be sure not to lift them by the tail, as this can cause spinal injuries. It’s best to simply lift the tail while a kitten lays on a flat surface or hold them on their back, while supporting their head and neck.

Finding the Differences

There are two main differences to keep an eye on while determining a kitten’s sex. The first is commonly referred to as the “anogenital distance,” which means the distance between the anus and the genitals. The distance between a female’s vulva and anus is much smaller than that between a male’s penis and anus. The tricky part is not confusing a male kitten’s scrotum for other genitalia.

The second main difference is the shape of the genitalia. A female’s vulva is shaped as a vertical slit or small oval, whereas a male’s prepuce (the skin surrounding the penis) is a circular or dot-like shape. The testicles are typically descended into scrotum at birth, but can be extremely difficult to actually feel until a kitten is between 10 to 12 weeks of age, as they are very tiny.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can you tell a kitten's sex? Sexing kittens is possible at birth, but it's genuinely difficult until around six to eight weeks of age. By that point, the anogenital distance and the shape of the genitalia are more visually distinct, making it easier to tell males from females with confidence. If you're still unsure after eight weeks, your veterinarian can confirm the sex during a routine wellness visit. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet

Why is it so hard to sex very young kittens? In the first weeks of life, the genitalia of male and female kittens look remarkably similar — both are small, close to the body, and easy to misread. The testicles, though typically descended into the scrotum at birth, are so tiny that they're usually impossible to feel until a kitten is between 10 and 12 weeks old. The anogenital distance difference also becomes more pronounced as kittens grow, which is why age matters so much. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet

What's the easiest visual clue to look for? The two most reliable clues are anogenital distance and the shape of the genital opening. In females, the vulva appears as a vertical slit or small oval and sits very close to the anus. In males, the prepuce (the skin enclosing the penis) appears as a small, circular or dot-like opening, and the gap between it and the anus is noticeably larger. Think of it as a colon ( : ) shape for males versus a lowercase i for females. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet

What if I still can't tell after checking? That's completely normal — even experienced pet parents and breeders can struggle with very young kittens. The safest next step is to consult your veterinarian, who can confirm the sex during a routine exam. This is especially important before scheduling an altering procedure, since your vet will need an accurate identification. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners

Can I hurt a kitten while trying to check its sex? Yes, improper handling can cause injury. Never lift a kitten by the tail, as this can result in serious spinal damage. Instead, gently lift the tail while the kitten rests on a flat, stable surface, or carefully support the kitten on its back with one hand cradling the head and neck. Always handle young kittens with calm, deliberate movements. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care

When should kittens be altered, and does knowing their sex affect the timing? Knowing your kitten's sex is an important first step before scheduling an altering appointment. Your veterinarian will advise you on the appropriate timing based on the kitten's sex, overall health and development — so an accurate identification matters. The AVMA recommends discussing altering with your vet to determine the best approach for your individual kitten. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners

Male vs. Female Kitten Anatomy at a Glance

Use this side-by-side reference the next time you gently lift a kitten's tail. Keep in mind that differences are subtle before six to eight weeks of age, so take your time and handle each kitten with care. [vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet]

Handling reminder: Never lift a kitten by the tail. Instead, support the kitten on a flat surface or cradle him or her on your back while fully supporting the head and neck, then gently lift the tail for a brief look. Rough or prolonged handling can cause stress and injury in very young kittens. If you are unsure of what you are seeing, consult your veterinarian — a quick exam takes the guesswork out of it entirely. [vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet]

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.