Identifying Kitten Gender
It can be difficult to determine kitten gender immediately after birth. While kitten sex can be easily identified in older kittens, newborn kittens have smaller anatomical structures that make determining gender difficult.
The best way to identify a kitten’s gender is by close observation. First, lift a kitten’s tail and check out it anal/genital area. Hopefully, your kitten will allow you to examine its rear end without much resistance. If not, get a second person to hold and stabilize the kitten, so that you can get a closer look.
Upon examination, you should see two openings in both male and female cats. The first top opening will be the anus in both the male and female kitten. After that, gender differences make the second openings appear different.
In a male kitten, the second lower opening will be the entrance to the penis. This opening goes in backwards. The entrance to the penis is separated by to dark colored raised areas known as the scrotal sacs. These sacs house the testicles. In older kittens, (< 6 weeks of age) the scrotal sacs will be palpable and will appear larger and more developed.
In neutered male kittens, the distance between the anus and the scrotal sacs should be about 1 inches or more.
Female kittens have a slit beneath the anus. This slit is called the vulva or external genital area.
Male and Female Kitten Temperaments
Much has been said about the temperaments of male and female kittens. Some people say that male kittens are much more friendly and loveable than female kittens. Others say that females are the most affectionate. However, there really is little difference between the two sexes once they are spayed or neutered.
Unaltered cats can be a pain to deal with. With unaltered male kittens, you’ll have to deal with aggression, increased sexual impulses, roaming, and urine spraying. In unsprayed females, behavioral problems and roaming can be serious issues.
So, regard each kitten as an individual. Kittens of each gender can make wonderful, loving pets.
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