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Just found a stray cat. How to know its age, sex, and vaccine needs?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male

A small cat got into my garage yesterday and we got it out of there, then he sat outside in our grass, and he's been hanging around now we're thinking of keeping it seeing as though no one is looking for it but we need to know how old it is but don't know how to determine the age what shots it would need and if it is male or female?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Ladd, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 31st, 2017

If none of your nearby neighbors claim him as theirs, I would recommend setting some food out in a live trap. Once trapped your veterinarian can check the sex, determine if it is spayed or neutered, and proceed with the surgery if not. Vaccine status is unknown so likely you will have to start over to ensure protection.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
To determine his age he would need to be up to 8 weeks old, this is when the molar teeth are growing, after that it's not possible to know for sure how old he is. regarding the sex, this is usually easy to check but if you have never done it before the best option would be to bring him to the vet which will be able to tell you after examining him. he will need two vaccination in 3-4 weeks interval, usually the first vaccination is at 8 weeks of age.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Poor kitty. Well make sure it is not a feral cat for starters. Feral cats are nearly impossible to domesticate and can lead to injury to yourself and your family.
If kitty has a good attitude and personality, then you can bring him/her inside. A lot of the questions you seek are best answered with a simple examination; however I can help you get a head start on things.

Age- easiest when cats are younger than 6-12 months of age. AFter that it is merely a guess based on how much tartar are on the teeth. We have a teeth chart that we go by for kittens, as well as a weight guide (1lb= 1 month, 2lbs=2 months, and so on) that can help guesstimate.

Shots- most cats that have an unknown vaccine history need 2-3 vaccines. FVRCP and Rabies- if the cat is to remain indoors, and FVRCP, FeLV and Rabies- if the cat is to go outside frequently

Sex- male cats have noticeable testicles and a wide distance from the rectum down to the penis. Female cats have a comma lengthed, shorter space between rectum and vagina, which forms sort of a vertical slit. Here is a website link with a visual to help assist https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.petmd.com/sites/default/files/kitx3.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.petmd.com/cat/centers/kitten/health/evr_ct_determining_sex_of_cat&h=378&w=266&tbnid=ru-NtpzLKOyWfM:&vet=1&tbnh=160&tbnw=112&docid=1ui9al0cQ4d0GM&usg=__cSVrNSkjRE2KL-W-y4_Ce-SneMg=&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjG3vLYo-7RAhVpyoMKHbbQAU8Q9QEIHjAA#h=378&tbnh=160&tbnw=112&vet=1&w=266

Best wishes with your new kitty!
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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