How to determine the sex of a newborn or a very small kitten and distinguish a cat from a cat at an early age? How to determine the gender of a kitten and distinguish a boy from a girl How to distinguish a small cat from a cat

Determining the sex of a pet is usually not difficult. However, it happens that the primary sexual characteristics of the animal are not clearly visible or are completely absent. This is possible if the purr is less than a month old from the moment of birth or a thoroughbred, but probably castrated animal is picked up from the street. The degree of theoretical preparation also plays a role in the decision to take a tailed pet into the house for the first time.

How to find out the gender of a kitten

When a kitten is born into the world, one can only speculate about the gender of the pet. After all, the first 5-7 days, gender signs are very weakly expressed.

Determining the sex of newborn kittens is not always an easy task.

And if the animal is long-haired, then only an experienced veterinarian will help to find out who is in front of the owner - a cat or a cat, since the thick cover under the tail hides the reproductive organs of males and makes babies look like females.

Most clearly, sexual differences begin to appear after 10–12 weeks (2–3 months) from the moment of birth. If the sex of the kitten needs to be determined earlier, then it is advisable to wait at least until the baby is a week old.

In order not to make a mistake when determining the gender of a kitten, you need to know the main differences between cats and cats. These are the external genital organs of animals:

• scrotum with testicles - in males;
• vulva - in females.

When checking what the newborn has purrs under the tail, it is important to be careful:

1. First, wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Then take the baby in the palm of your hand and gently grab it.
3. Turn the cat upside down and only then study.

It must be remembered that the baby can be examined only if the mother cat is not worried about the kitten. Otherwise, you need to calm the animal and then conduct an examination.

Video: examination of week-old kittens

There are two proven ways to identify the sex of a kitten that was born:

• by the presence or absence of testicles under the anus,
• by the distance between it and the genital organ under the tail.

There are several folk methods, but they should be considered as additional, since each animal has individual traits and character.

There are several ways to determine the sex of kittens, the most effective is by the distance between the anus and the genitals

Distance between holes

If the pet is already confidently on its feet, you can put it on a flat, wide surface and slightly raise the tail.

Cats and cats have a different arrangement of holes under the tail

Under it, two holes will be found, which are located at a certain distance from each other:

• up to 10 mm - in seals;
• up to 3-4 mm - in cats.

In males, with careful palpation, one can detect small spherical formations - testes that have not yet descended into the scrotum. And the holes in their appearance resemble a colon.

The main thing when determining the sex of a kitten is to act delicately and not cause discomfort or even more suffering to the pet.

In females, the location of the anus and genital slit is similar in shape to an exclamation mark, and the lower opening is narrow and elongated upwards.

The kitty has a loop close to the booty. That is, if you turn it over on its back, then the second “hole” will be directly next to it, and if it is a cat, then the distance is about 1–2 cm. In a cat, the loop looks like a small cross and is often brightly colored. Looks like a bikini design.

Oksana Fund Friend

http://vladmama.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1541&t=43134

With age, the distance between the anus and genital opening becomes larger, but in cats it does not exceed 1 cm, but in cats it can reach 2–3 cm.

By the presence of hair around the genitals

Cats and cats are so different that even the hair under the tail of these fluffies grows differently.

Cats have more hair around their genitals than cats

So, in males, the coat around the anus and genital openings is dense and dense, increasing with age around the testicles. And if the breed is long-haired, then a long pile next to the “peas” is already present from birth.

In females, the hair under the tail grows in such a way that it forms an oval area with a short pile. And the appearance of wool between the anus and the vulva is out of the question.

Coat color

In addition to the main methods for determining the sex of a newborn kitten, there are several more that are more likely to be additional methods that do not give an absolute guarantee. For example, identifying a gender group by coat color.

Cats are tricolor, but not cats

The genetic features of the feline family are such that in certain cases, pigmentation of the coat serves as a marker of the sex of the animal.

Scientists have identified the following pattern - when the pigmentation program is formed in the embryo of a cat, sometimes three colors are laid in both X chromosomes at once. Thus, the presence of three pigments simultaneously in the villi of wool - black, red and white - is characteristic exclusively for females. And if, as a result of a genetic failure, a tricolor cat is born, then the baby grows into a cat that cannot have offspring.

At the same time, only cats are red. In the world, not a single cat with a cinnamon (as the red color is also called) shade of a fur coat has been identified.

By tone of voice

A very controversial method of recognizing the sex of a purr is the definition by the melodiousness of the voice.

Catlet

https://forum.cofe.ru/showthread.php?t=128959&s=

However, among experienced breeders of meowing animals, there is controversy regarding the correctness of this method of determining the sex of a purr.

Instructor

After all, like people, all cats are large individuals, and there are female individuals with a strong, rough voice, and there are also “boys” with a squeaky, thin voice.

According to the shape of the muzzle

Another way to identify the sex of a tailed pet is to assess the appearance and "facial outlines" of the cat.

Cats differ from cats in subtle features

So, cats are distinguished by wide cheekbones and a large nose, and their gaze is self-confident and open. Cats, on the other hand, are distinguished by their refined outlines and an elongated muzzle with a wary look.

I would define it like this: cats have self-esteem written on their faces, and cats have show-offs. At least mine is. There are also muzzles that say "I'm a thing in itself, and who you are - I don't care." These are cats. I had one. Meowed once a year.

Bastet

https://forum.cofe.ru/showthread.php?t=128959&page=2

This method of determining the sex of an animal is suitable for experienced purr owners, since it is relative and does not exclude the erroneous conclusions about who is in front of us - a boy or a girl.

Other methods

A few more folk ways to recognize the sex of a cat are to study the external data of the animal.

You can even determine the gender of a feline representative by walking

For example, some connoisseurs can understand the gender of a purr by watching the gait of a tailed pet. Cats at the same time walk smoothly and gracefully, making almost no noise. In cats, the gait is heavier and more expressive. Males walk as if pressing their paws into the floor, and sometimes stomp quite loudly.

Another characteristic feature of seals is a powerful skeletal structure and massive, well-developed muscles. The paws of males are wide, as are the forearms. And cats weigh 1–3 kg more than females of the same breed.

Cats are more powerful than cats, they weigh 1-3 kg more than females

What are the differences with age?

The first three to four weeks after the birth of a kitten, it is difficult to understand the gender of the animal. This requires experience and certain knowledge.

By the first month of life, male kittens grow larger than their sisters, and males have more activity. This manifests itself in constant competition for food, curiosity and fearlessness.

When the kittens are two months old, the reproductive system of animals begins to actively develop. Within two to three weeks, the testicles increase in size and descend into the scrotum. From this time on, gender differences between females and males begin to be clearly seen even with a cursory examination.

As they grow older, the external signs of cats and cats change - physique, voice, look.

With the onset of advanced age, males begin to differ from females in thickened skin, especially in the area of ​​the shoulder blades. Yes, and the head of older cats is more massive than that of elderly muroks.

Behavioral differences

One of the clearest manifestations of gender is the behavior of cats and cats. However, clear differences begin to appear only from the teenage period of the purr's life.

Kittens in infancy are mobile and playful, regardless of gender.

Only by the age of seven months, seals can be distinguished by the desire to soak up the sun and at the same time strive for leadership. The latter is manifested in everything - from the desire to take away a tidbit for oneself to the desire to be the first on the lap of the owner.

At the same time, cats become more cautious and even shy, and also begin to pick and choose food. This character trait remains with the females for life. In addition, in the future, cleanliness begins to appear. And Murka will never fit a dirty bowl. A cat will never eat or drink from such dishes.

The desire for cleanliness is also expressed in regular licking of fur, frequent use of scratching posts.

With age, behavioral differences begin to appear in the following:

• cats sleep most of the time, and cats hunt or play, imitating prey;
• during puberty, cats mark their territory, and cats meow loudly and fawn on household members (especially men);
• cats do not resist when they are picked up and “squeezed”, while cats show independence and sometimes aggression.

However, cats are also aggressive, especially those who have survived the removal of the genital organs - castration.

In the opinion of the author, the most correct methods are sex determination by studying the reproductive organs of kittens. And in order not to make a mistake, you need to show care and patience. In extreme cases, you can wait for the testicles to descend into the scrotum to be sure that the conclusions made earlier are correct, or contact a veterinary clinic. The most impatient will be offered to undergo a DNA examination, which gives a reliable and correct result.

There are several ways to determine the sex of a kitten, each of which will be effective in the infant and young age of the animal. And for pets who have lived their lives, a behavioral marker is added that will allow you to guess the gender with just a glance at the purr.

The need to find out the sex of a kitten arises when a fluffy baby meets a new owner, temporary or permanent. It is especially important to establish the sex of kittens found on the street or born to a domestic cat. In the article we will tell you in detail how to distinguish a boy kitten from a girl.

At what age is gender determined?

Differences in the anatomical structure of kittens of different sexes exist and can be determined from birth. The main assistants in determining the gender of a small pet are:

1. Kitten Age: The older the kitten, the easier it is to establish the gender.
2. The person conducting the examination has experience with kittens.
3. Ability to compare the anatomical features of several kittens.

Sexual characteristics of newborn kittens

A veterinarian or an experienced breeder who accepts several genera of cats every year accurately determines the sex of each kitten immediately after it is born. Of course, in newborn kittens there are only anatomical differences.

Knowledge of how professionals distinguish between them is easy to use if:

• you are observant;
• have good eyesight;
• your favorite kitty gave you a sufficient number of kittens, among which there are, with a high degree of probability, both cats and cats - for comparison.

The appearance of the reproductive organs of a newborn cat has characteristic features:

1. Holes of "causal places" have the form of a colon.
2. The distance between the anus and the penis is 1-1.5 cm (possibly more if we are talking about kittens of large breeds).
3. If you look closely, you can see the scrotum.

Anatomical details of the relevant organs of newborn cats:

1. The appearance of the anus opening and loop (vulva) looks like a semicolon or the letter i.
2. The distance between the holes is 0.5-0.7 cm for medium-sized breeds.
3. The hairline in the area between the holes in cats is usually less dense than in their brothers.

Sex determination in the first weeks

The older the kittens become, the more obvious their primary sexual characteristics. You can accurately determine the sex at the age of 2 months - by a clearly visible scrotum in seals and its absence in cats. At the age of several weeks, additional ways to determine sex appear:

• cats become noticeably more active than cats;
• cats often show dominant behavioral traits, the desire to lead in games;
• more successful results in the fight for the mother's nipples in boys during feeding, and in the future - for the best pieces in the bowl.

It is important to consider: the listed signs can only indicate, but not prove that the kitten belongs to the intended sex.

How to Prepare for a Kitten Checkup

Before the examination it is necessary:

1. Wash hands thoroughly with unscented soap.
2. Be sure to keep your hands warm.
3. Prepare the place of examination: it should be comfortable and well lit.
4. Provide a calm environment in the room where the examination will be carried out.

What can be done:

1. If a kitten was born in your home, you need to make sure that the mother cat calmly admits to the kittens.
2. Before examination, ensure that the kitten is calm, treat it kindly, hold it in both palms, gently stroke it, calm the baby enough so that it is not afraid and does not tuck its tail to its stomach. Ideally, choose the moment when the kitten is full and sleepy.
3. Inspection: turn the kitten with its belly up, holding it in the palm of your hand and gently holding its hind legs and tail with your fingers.

What not to do:

1. You can not take the baby from the cat if she is nervous, angry or feeding kittens.
2. Conduct an inspection roughly, with the use of force, if the kitten resists: press, pull by the paws or tail, hold by the skin fold in the area of ​​​​the withers (by the “scruff”).
3. Inspect without washing off foreign artificial odors that irritate cats (soap, detergent, perfume) from the skin.
4. Check with cold hands. We remind you: the body temperature of cats is more than 2 degrees higher than human. The usual temperature of cool fingertips for humans is perceived by a small kitten as an ice-cold heating pad, because of which the entire examination can go down the drain. If necessary, use a clean, iron-heated towel or a warm rubber heating pad wrapped in a towel or diaper, and try to warm your hands during the examination.

Definition by gender

If the sex of the kitten is not established after birth, The nearest convenient age of examination is 1 week. Even if the baby belongs to the breed of long-haired cats, by this age he has already grown up enough, but has not dressed enough with a fur coat, his eyes remain closed (which provides more peace of mind during the examination). Visual differences at this age persist, but they are more pronounced than immediately after birth.

An indirect way that caring breeders determine differences is through measurements. They are conducted from the moment of birth and are made daily, with records of each kitten. For measurements you need:

• electronic balance;
• "Marking" of kittens, if there are several of them (often brilliant green is used, which marks on the paws, if the kittens cannot be distinguished in another way);
• notebook.

Kittens are weighed in turn at the same time of day and records are taken. Quite often, cats gain weight noticeably faster than cats.

Probing is also considered one of the indirect methods. While examining the kitten, gently run the pad of your finger along the kitten's stomach: in seals, unlike cats, a bulge is felt.

Sex determination in other ways

There are several other methods for determining whether a kitten is of one sex or another. Below we will consider which are reliable and to what extent.

By color

A very reliable way if we are talking about a tortoiseshell kitten: black, blue-cream or patchwork (tri-color) "turtle". Tortoiseshell kitten - in 99% of cases a cat. This is explained by the fact that all colors without exception are formed by two genes - "black" and "red" (red). Blue and cream colors are "lightened" blacks and reds.

The color gene is always transmitted by the female X chromosome, so there can be no discrepancies in cats: XY - one color, black or red, transmitted by the mother. Cats have two chromosomes that carry color genes: XX - therefore, it is possible to transfer either red or black genes, or both at the same time, which gives a tortoiseshell color.

Tortoiseshell boys are born very rarely, and their color is a genetic abnormality (an extra X chromosome: XXY - giving the wrong second color gene). Therefore, "tricolor" cats are born sterile.
All other colors are normal for both sexes.

By voice

With a certain stretch, the method can be considered effective: it is believed that cats have more low overtones in their voices, and cats have more high overtones. In fact, quite a few cats have a rather gentle contralto, and the voices of some cats, on the contrary, sound menacing and by no means feminine.

On the muzzle

It is believed that the outlines of the girl's muzzle are more subtle and soft, and the "portrait" of the cat is sculpted roughly, with wider cheekbones and the back of the nose. In reality, the method, of course, cannot be considered reliable. "Facial features", as in humans, are inherited from parents. Which makes more than likely both the subtle aristocratic features of the appearance of the cat, and the harsh features of some four-legged young ladies.

Moreover, there are breeds of cats (a vivid example is the Maine Coon), whose breed phenotype obliges them to look like wild angry predators, regardless of gender. There are also breeds of graceful, thin-boned cats whose traits are reflected in the features of the males enough to confuse the observer with an untrained eye.

By weight

Weight is a criterion by which it is theoretically possible to establish the sex of an animal, but the reliability of the method is very low. It can be considered more or less reliable in two cases:

1. In the event that daily control weighings of the litter show a consistently high weight gain of some kittens compared to others (indicators vary for different breeds and individual body types of animals).
2. If the size and weight are breed-forming features and significantly exceed the indicators possible for cats, with a high degree of probability, luxurious dimensions belong to a representative of the stronger half. The downside of this method is that by the time they reach indicative sizes and weights, the animals are already grown enough to easily determine gender by anatomical features.

veterinary method

You can accurately find out the sex of a kitten by contacting a veterinary clinic. If a visual examination by an experienced veterinarian does not allow accurate results (for example, when the length and thickness of the coat of a very small kitten “confused the readings”), there is always the possibility donate blood for analysis. It makes sense to resort to this method when this is the only way, and for some reason the result needs to be known urgently.

Non-standard (folk) methods

Determination of sex "by signs" is often as unreliable as some of the above. But you should know about them at least so that they do not confuse you:

1. By the eyes. It is believed that "the look of a cat is arrogant, and the look of a cat is modest." As we understand, the eyes are the mirror of the soul, and there are hardly fewer "impudent" cats than cats.
2. By wool on the genitals- in cats it is thicker. The method is more related not to folk, but to the real observation of cat owners. However, when dealing with kittens, it is hardly possible to trust the density of baby fluff in "secluded places".
3. On a saucer of milk. One of the "grandmother's" methods claims that the cat will run to the bowl of milk, raising his tail vertically, and the cat - vice versa, lowering it. It would be possible to look for real physiological justifications or refutation of this version, if not for one "but". Contrary to popular belief, milk is harmful to cats and experimenting with it is not recommended. But with cream or sour cream - you can. True, popular beliefs are silent about them.

Useful video

A video that will clearly show how to determine the sex of a kitten:

Obviously, there are quite a few ways to determine the sex of a kitten at any age. If you are unable to find it out with absolute certainty, and you do not want to wait until the pet is older, the most reliable way is to contact a familiar breeder or veterinarian. Do you know any other ways to determine the sex of a kitten? If so, be sure to share it in the comments, we will be very interested.

Many will think that there is nothing easier, because there are obvious gender differences, which make it easy to determine the gender.

But what if you need to find out the gender of small or newborn kittens?

At this age, the primary signs are not as pronounced as in adults.

In this case, the following tips will help determine the sex of the kitten.

The sex of a kitten can be determined by various signs.

Gender difference

The primary sex characteristics of different breeds are the surest way to tell a cat from a cat, even in small kittens.

Before conducting an inspection, you must:

• Wash your hands thoroughly using unscented products. They must be warm.
• the kitten should be caressed, thereby reassuring. He must trust you.

Advice! Extend your palm, if the kitten calmly approaches, caresses, you can conduct an examination. If he behaves wary, it is better not to injure the kitten and postpone the examination.

• the baby must be placed on the stomach on the palm of your hand or a warm diaper.

To determine the sex at the age of three months, you can use the following methods:

1. Conduct a tactile inspection. To do this, gently with two fingers, index and middle, feel the place where the testicles should be. A small cat will feel small peas, no more than 5 mm in diameter.
2. In order to determine the sex of a kitten, you need to look under his tail. In a small cat, the anus and the genitals are two points located in parallel. And in a cat, the urinary canal looks like a gap, and a kind of exclamation mark is obtained. This difference can be seen in the photo.

If under the tail "colon" is a cat, "exclamation mark" is a cat

1. You can also determine the sex by the distance between the anus and the genitals. In cats, it is about 1 cm, in seals it is much larger. Upon reaching the age of three, this place will be occupied by the testicles. In the photo, this difference is clearly visible.
2. Another sexual sign, how to distinguish a cat from a cat, is the presence of wool between the anus and the genitals. In cats, it is quite thick in this place, but in cats it is not at all.

Sex determination by external signs

Another way to distinguish a cat from a cat is to carefully look at the muzzle and body of the animal.

However, this method is suitable for avid cat lovers.

A person who determines the sex of a cat for the first time is unlikely to be able to do this accurately.

A cat differs from a cat in the following ways:

• You can determine the sex of a cat by the muzzle and nose. They are quite wide;
• he has a powerful and large physique;
• paws are thick;
• A neutered cat can be distinguished from a cat by its large head and thick skin.

External signs of a cat:

• has a more graceful body, graceful curves. This is especially noticeable in short-haired breeds like the Oriental, Savannah and Cornish Rex;
• if you try to find out the sex by the muzzle, then you need to look at its elongation: in cats, it is more elongated in length, and not in width.

This can be seen in the photograph: the muzzle is narrow and elongated.

Gracefulness is the main sign of a cat

Another external sign of how to distinguish a cat from a cat is color:

• if a kitten at birth has a tricolor or tortoiseshell color, then we can say with full confidence that this is a cat. This is due to a genetic feature. Two X chromosomes are required for the appearance of black, white and red in wool. And only females have them. In a cat, this color can appear only in the case of a genetic disease, which is quite rare.
• cats also own the color of calico;
• only cats are red or cinnamon.

The color of the coat can sometimes accurately determine the sex of the cat.

Habits and character

It is possible to distinguish a cat from a cat by habits not earlier than seven months.

Until this time, kittens of both sexes are playful, affectionate and their characters differ little.

In adulthood, the differences become more pronounced:

1. You can distinguish an adult cat from a cat by habits: he is more lazy, calm. Sleeps most of the day. Unlike a cat, a cat can be safely picked up, most often he does not try to break free and run away. This does not mean that he is more affectionate.

1. You can determine the sex in adults by external signs. Males are much larger than females. The latter are more elegant. You can also distinguish the sex by the muzzle: in cats, it is already and more elongated.

Sex determination in sphinxes

Perhaps there is no more mysterious and unusual breed than the Don Sphynx or Peterbald.

A magical cat without hair attracts the eye, forcing you to admire yourself.

The main features of the difference between a sphinx cat and a cat are behavior:

1. Cats of this breed are more independent. Sometimes they choose only one family member and meekly obey him, show their love. Others may be treated with indifference.

Mythical cat behaves majestically

1. Unlike cats, a cat will prove its superiority by trying to show who is the boss in the house. Males are more lazy, they resignedly recognize dominance.

Knowing how to tell a cat from a cat is important.

Often the owners choose a pet on this basis.

But it is worth remembering that the kitten must choose a person.

And then everyone will find a true friend.

A cute fluffy ball will become a true friend with good care and attitude.

Agree, it is quite difficult to determine the sex of a small kitten, especially a newborn. You have to seek the help of a veterinarian or wait 10-12 weeks (2-3 months) before the sex is obvious. Learn to do it yourself at an earlier stage.

The article contains all the necessary information for the owner of the animal, supported by a photo in order to learn how to distinguish a cat from a cat. It will also be useful to learn how to properly feed a kitten at 10-12 weeks.

Do's and Don'ts for the First Time You Try to Gender a Newborn Kitten

The shape of the genitals

Consider the pictures below. These are approximate photos of 3 week old kittens. On the left is a boy and on the right is a girl.

Still, in this matter it is preferable to look not in the eyes, but under the tail. If you see a conditional colon (“:”) under the tail, then you definitely have a cat in front of you, and if the letter “i” is inverted, then, accordingly, the kitten is a girl.

You need to pay attention to the shape of the genitals. In a kitten-boy, the shape of the genital organs resembles a dot, and in girls - a vertical line.

The manifestation of the shape of the testicles in male kittens at 3 months

Part of the genital organs of the male cat are the testicles, which are located between the anus and the penis. At birth, almost imperceptible, they begin to appear and increase in pussies at the age of 10-12 weeks from birth. The photos below will help visually understand this issue.

Tactile probing of the genitals of kittens

Probing the genitals is an effective method for determining sex almost from birth. This method will help to tactilely determine the presence of testicles in a kitten. Even in a baby a few weeks old, this is feasible.

To determine, you will need to gently hold in the indicated place with two closed fingers (index and middle). If the kitten is male, then you will feel pea-shaped formations (3-5 mm in diameter) in this area.

Video how to distinguish a cat from a cat

Coloring can tell you how to find out the sex of a kitten

Oddly enough, the color of the coat can most likely help and suggest how to distinguish a girl's kitten from a boy.

Tortoiseshell (tricolor color - black, white, red) is a 100% indicator that this is a female, that is, a cat. This is because these colors are carried by the X chromosome and 2 X chromosomes are required for the appearance of tricolor. Thus, tortie is only found in cats because females have two X chromosomes, while males have only one X chromosome. Cats cannot have three coat colors at the same time, except in the case of a rare genetic disease.

The red color is a male marker, so most often these are cats.

They also say that you can find out the sex by the muzzle. However, I do not believe in this method and urge you to first try the 5 above.

Non-standard folk methods

Some experts determine the sex of a kitten by ... look! Indeed, a wary look is most often found in cats, and self-confident - in cats. But this method is not informative, because everyone can get too self-confident cat.
To consolidate the impression, pay attention to the wool. In male kittens, the hair grows very thickly between the anal and genital openings, but in females, there is no hair between these openings.

There is also a grandmother's method for determining the sex of kittens. Place a saucer of milk in front of the baby - if, while the kitten is drinking milk, its tail is triumphantly raised to the sky, it is definitely a male in front of you. If lowered to the floor - a female.

If you need to find out the gender of one cat or kitty, it is better to first look at thematic photos or videos.

What can be done

Examine the animal carefully so as not to harm it:

• the baby is taken with the whole brush, grabbing from above, fingers are closed on the chest and stomach;
• a person should place the crumbs in the palm of your hand or flat space;
• carefully raise the tail and examine the cat's organ.

What Not to Do

When visually determining the sex of an animal, it is prohibited:

• take or pull by the tail, paws, scruff;
• take a newborn from a cat in an evil state;
• tear off the crumbs during feeding;
• take the baby with hands with a smell - the mother may consider him "alien";
• put pressure on the genitals;
• damage or break off the remnants of the umbilical cord;
• keep the animal longer than 1 - 2 minutes - it may freeze, since thermoregulation is not yet developed.

At what age can you determine the sex of a kitten

Outwardly, it is easier to find out the sex of animals when they are 1 week old. They have not yet completely pubescent, and visibility is better. This is especially true for breeds with long hair or thick undercoat: Persian, British and Scottish kittens.

But at this age it is easy to make a mistake. It is even more difficult to understand the sex of 2 - 3-week-old animals: their hair grows and "closes" the view.

Kittens are easiest to identify when they are 3 months old, as the genitals are already well formed. With confidence, boys can be distinguished from girls at six months, when full puberty occurs.

Sexual characteristics in kittens

The main sexual characteristics of cats include:

• the shape of the genitals;
• external signs;
• behavioral factors.

When they appear (1 - 2 months)

At 3 - 4 months, kittens can already be distinguished by external signs - weight, shape of the muzzle, expression of the eyes. And at 6 - 8 months, in adulthood, behavioral factors appear - cats start estrus, cats mark their territory.

How and how are they different

Newborn cats and cats are similar to each other.

The first external differences appear at 2 months:

1. Cats grow faster and gain weight, cats are smaller and more elegant.
2. Females are more playful than males.
3. The look and expression of the muzzle of the boys is calm, haughty. Girls are alert and searching.
4. In cats, the chest is powerful and deep, the paws are larger, with large pads.
5. Both sexes have nipples, but cats have larger nipples.

These differences can be seen both in the photo (above) and in the video.

Is it possible to determine the sex of a kitten by other signs

You can also understand what gender the baby is by external differences: muzzle, voice and color.

On the muzzle

You can tell a cat from a cat by its face. In males, it is massive, with a wide nose, forehead and large cheekbones. They also have thicker necks. The female sign is refined, miniature features.

A veterinarian can determine the sex of a kitten of any age, but it is not easy for a non-professional to cope with this task, especially when the cubs are still very young. However, having the necessary knowledge, good eyesight and observation, it will not be difficult to find out the gender of the kittens on your own. When is the easiest time to determine the sex of an animal? How to determine the sex of a kitten by the structure of the genitals? How to distinguish a cat from a cat by body type and voice?

At what age is it easiest to determine what gender a kitten is?

The more time has passed since the kitten was born, the easier it is to understand what gender it belongs to. In a 2-3-month-old animal, anyone can determine the gender. By this age, the kittens complete their formation of the genital organs, the scrotum is clearly visible in the boys, and the genital slit in the girls.

You can determine the sex of a kitten immediately after birth, but inexperienced owners often have difficulty with this. If it was not possible to determine the gender immediately, you should try again after 7 days. This time is considered appropriate - a week-old baby has already grown a little, moreover, in the first weeks of life, the eyes of the felines are usually still closed, the animals are not distracted by external stimuli and behave more calmly.

The fur in the area of ​​​​the genitals of a newborn kitten is practically absent, which simplifies the task. From the age of 10 days, the hair begins to grow rapidly, covering the external genitalia. Hair is especially difficult to see in kittens belonging to long-haired breeds.

From the 10th week, the testicles begin to increase in size. By 1.5 months, the testicles are already clearly visible. After a few more weeks, behavioral traits characteristic of different sexes also appear. Boys are more energetic and playful, fight more actively for the mother's nipple, and are distinguished by dominant behavior. They are calmer, easier to make contact with a person. Kittens are more clean and devote a lot of time to caring for their fur coat. From the moment of puberty, cats begin to mark their territory. Cats can also leave marks, but their smell is less pronounced.

Is it possible to distinguish a newborn kitten-boy from a girl?

You can determine the gender of a newborn kitten. There are distinguishing features that allow you to do this. It is easier to notice them if there are several cubs, since usually both cats and cats are present in the litter, which allows you to make a comparison and draw the right conclusion.

Immediately after birth, cats can be distinguished from cats externally only by differences in the structure of their genitals. Other signs that make it possible to judge gender appear much later, therefore, if the animal is one, and the cubs have no experience in establishing the sex, it is very easy to make a mistake.

You can find out the sex of a newborn kitten using a blood test. DNA testing is carried out in veterinary clinics. The study allows you to get an unmistakable result, but requires significant financial costs, so they resort to it infrequently.

The most reliable way is to determine the sex by external sexual characteristics (description and photo)

The main way to determine the gender of a kitten is to examine the external genitalia. To do this, it is recommended to choose a well-lit place, but the sun's rays must be avoided - if the baby has recently opened his eyes, bright light can harm him. If there is no experience in determining the sex of kittens, it is better to examine several animals at once, calling for help from the household, or one by one to notice the difference.

For inspection, choose the time when the kitten is full and calm. You can’t tear him away from food - neither the mother nor the baby will like it. Hands are washed with soap and rinsed thoroughly. The skin should not smell - members of the cat family are very susceptible to odors.

The kitten must be carefully picked up (they must be warm), stroked and warmed. If he behaves uneasily, breaks out, it is necessary to wait a little with determining the sex.

Inspection time is limited to 1-2 minutes. There are several reasons for this:

• The thermoregulation of the body in small kittens is poorly developed, the animal can become overcooled.
• From a long stay in the hands of a kitten, someone else's smell appears. The cat can react negatively to him, even refuse the baby and deprive him of milk.
• Prolonged examinations can stress the kitten.

Determining the sex of a cub is as follows:

• The kitten is placed in the palm of your hand or placed on the diaper with its tummy up or down, whichever is more convenient.
• Carefully, without jerking, the tail is retracted and the distance between the anus and the urethra is estimated. In cats, it is much less than in seals. In newborn females, this value is 3-5 mm, in males - about 10.

• Determine the shape of the opening of the urethra. In seals it is round or oval, in cats it is oblong, it looks like a vertical line (see photo).
• Assess the coat in the genital area. In females, it is less dense. To reduce the time of the procedure, you can take a picture of the desired area and slowly inspect later, comparing with a visual aid.

Some breeders spay kittens not suitable for breeding at 2-4 months of age. The scrotum of these kittens is not visible. A small castrated cat can be distinguished by the shape of the genital openings in the manner described above. The presence of a scar will indicate belonging to the male sex if the cat was castrated 3 months ago or later.

The palpation method will help to find out the sex of the animal. With its help, the presence or absence of the testicles is established. Closed index and thumb probe the genital area. If a swelling or peas is palpated between the anus and the urethra - this is a cat, the area is flat - a cat. During manipulations, you can not press hard on the genitals, so as not to damage them. Veterinarians recommend not taking risks and postponing this procedure until the kitten reaches the age of one month.

Is it possible to distinguish a male from a female in appearance - muzzle, physique, voice?

Theoretically, it is possible to recognize where the boy is and where the girl is by the voice, structure of the muzzle and body of the animal. This method cannot be called reliable, since these signs depend largely on individual characteristics. Experience is needed to learn to distinguish between the traits characteristic of cubs of different sexes.

Males have a more massive physique, their chest is wider. Their paws and head are larger, the back of the nose and cheekbones are wider. The girl's body is more elegant, the muzzle is thinner, it has smooth lines. Males are more active than females, produce milk, grow faster and gain weight. Large kittens most often turn out to be boys, but there are exceptions. These differences do not become visible immediately, but only after a few weeks.

It is believed that you can distinguish a small cat from a cat by its voice. In males, it is lower and coarser than in females. The latter are more "talkative", communicate with the help of a drawn-out squeak. The method of determining gender by voice cannot be called reliable, because if something bothers babies, they will make mournful squeaking sounds regardless of gender, and the tone of voice largely depends on the characteristics of a particular animal.

An additional sign of gender is color

Sometimes you can tell a cat from a cat by the color of the coat. It will not be difficult to determine the sex if the kitten has a tortoiseshell color, consisting of 3 colors - black, red and white. The first two are present in significant amounts, while the presence of the latter is not always noticeable. Their intensity varies from bright to muted (beige, cream, brown, ash, blue).

The coat of tortoiseshell individuals consists of irregularly shaped marks, spots and stripes. Due to the genetic inheritance of coat color, a kitten with this color is 99% likely to be female. As a result of a gene defect, in rare cases, tortoiseshell seals are born, such animals are naturally sterile. Breeds that are characterized by this coloration are British, Maine Coons, Sphynxes, Persians, Cornish Rex, but it is also found in outbred animals.

Content

Is the addition expected in the house in the form of a small feline representative? It's fine! And who do you want to see in the house more - a cat or a cat? In order not to make a mistake when choosing, you need to know how determine the sex of the kitten. When these young animals are more than one and a half months old, you can already easily distinguish the female from the male by external signs: the characteristic features of the muzzle will appear, the difference in the genitals. The difference is noticeable both in character traits and in a certain behavior of fluffy handsome men.

If the owner certainly wants a kitty and a lovely female name is ready, then you need to quickly determine the sex of the newborn kitten. And why wait a week if you can use a proven method and look under the tail of a kitten?

Newborn kitten: male or female?

Among all the possible criteria when choosing a young fluffy pet, the main one for many is that the animal belongs to the beautiful half of the cat, or vice versa, to the strong one. The character of a cat differs in many ways from the character traits that are characteristic of cats. Depending on whether the cat settled in the house or the cat, the relationship between the owner and the pet is built. For some, the behavior of the animal during such a tedious period of "demanding love" is also important. Cats can bring numerous offspring and the troubles associated with it. Not everyone wants to take care of cat children. Well, cats can become good breeding producers, without bringing in the chaos and confusion associated with the appearance of kittens in the house. That is why for many owners the gender of the future pet becomes important.

A few must-read tips before you get started determine the sex of a cat. Find out what not to do:

• try to perform the procedure at the time of feeding;
• use brute force: pull the tail up, grab the kids by the collar or paws;
• make animals nervous in every possible way;
• with force to press on the genitals or abdomen.

Most important: the need to calm or distract the mother cat. You can choose a good time when she leaves to feed, or if you trust the owner, it is enough to offer the mother of the entire brood a favorite delicacy or the owner's caress.

So, access to cat babies is open:

• Take carefully one baby and put it with your tummy on a warm diaper, which is located on your palm;
• Raise the tail and examine the area of ​​the anus and urogenital opening. If possible, have an assistant take a picture of the area. This will simplify the task and bring the baby back to the mother sooner.

Keep kittens for no longer than one minute, as newborns freeze very quickly without their mother's fur.

Cat or cat, how to determine the gender?

If you're wondering how determine the sex of a newborn kitten, get ready for the fact that in the absence of experience, you can make a mistake. We propose to consider some ways that will shed light on this issue.

Helps to determine the sex of a visual examination of the genitals of the animal. Also, a boy from a girl can be distinguished with the help of tactile sensations - through palpation. Often, experienced owners will distinguish representatives of the stronger sex of cats by color.

Visual differences in the sex of kittens

So, we determine the sex of the kitten by examining its genitals:

If you examine the genitals of several kittens, then in the process of comparison it is much easier to distinguish the sex of the kitten.

Tactile definition

To find out the gender, take the baby and with your free hand, gently feel the place between the urethra and anus. A smooth place is typical for a girl. If your fingers find small growths resembling a tumor, then there is a chance that in two months such a “tumor” will turn into testicles.

The accuracy of this method does not give one hundred percent certainty, since in small cats the testicles can be in the abdominal cavity during the neonatal period, and in young cats there are swelling in that area and other hormonal phenomena. More reliable this way Can you determine the gender of a kitten? aged 1 month.

Find out the sex of a kitten by color

If you see several kittens in front of you, try to consider their woolen outfit. Nature arranged everything in such a way that the sex of a domestic cat is associated with color.

So, in front of you is a baby with an interlacing of three colors on the fur. There is a high probability that you are looking at a cat, because they have the so-called tortoiseshell coloration.

Have you picked up a red baby? Most likely it will be a boy.

There is also a genetic method: if the litter has parents of a certain color, then the sex of the kitten can be easily distinguished by color. If a female of black, blue, chocolate or lilac colors paired with a red or cream-colored male brings non-tortoiseshell kittens, then these babies are boys. This rule works and vice versa.

A tortoiseshell or any non-red cat produces male offspring if the fur coat of the babies is red or cream.

Non-traditional methods for identifying the sex of kittens

How else can determine the sex of a small kitten? Of course by sight! The cat looks wary, and the cat looks self-confident and even brazenly.

You can also distinguish the sex of a kitten by the presence of undercoat between the anus and the genitals. The cats in that place are "fluffier" than the cats.

Our great-grandmothers did it simply: they put a saucer with warm milk and watched. Raised the animal while lapping the tail straight up - a cat, lowered it - a cat.

If the urine of the animal has a pungent odor, most likely the baby is a representative of the male half of the cat.

Of course, in an adult animal it is easy to determine the sex. But how not to make a mistake with a kitten? If you have read the article and decided to try to determine on your own who is a cat and who is a cat, then the procedure will no longer be difficult for you.