How to tell the difference between a male cat and a female cat
Whether you are a novice cat owner or a seasoned cat owner, identifying the gender of your cat is a basic skill. While the gender characteristics of adult cats are relatively obvious, for kittens or certain breeds of cats, telling the difference between male and female may require some skill. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed guide to distinguishing male cats from female cats.
1. Comparison of appearance features
There are some subtle differences in appearance between male and female cats, especially in adulthood. Here are the main differences between the two:
feature | male cat | female cat |
---|---|---|
body shape | Usually larger and stronger | Relatively smaller, softer lines |
face | Cheeks are wider and chin is more prominent | The face is rounder and the lines are more delicate |
Behavior | More active and likes to mark territory | Relatively docile, those with strong maternal instincts will protect their cubs |
2. How to identify reproductive organs
For kittens or unneutered cats, the most accurate way is to look at their reproductive organs. Here are the specific steps:
Observation site | male cat | female cat |
---|---|---|
below the anus | There are two obvious "balls" (testicles), which are far away from the anus | A vertical line, closer to the anus |
Unneutered adult cats | testicles clearly visible | The vulva is triangular or slit-shaped |
kitten | The testicles may not descend, but the urethral opening is farther from the anus | The urethral opening is close to the anus, almost connected together |
3. Differences in behavior
In addition to physical characteristics, there are also certain differences in the behavior of male and female cats, especially during estrus:
behavior | male cat | female cat |
---|---|---|
Estrus performance | Frequent howling and urinating to mark territory | Rubbing against objects, raised tail, decreased appetite |
daily behavior | More independent and like to explore | More clingy and prefers a quiet environment |
4. Common misunderstandings
When identifying the gender of cats, many people tend to fall into the following misunderstandings:
1.Coat color determines gender: Some people think that calico cats must be female cats. In fact, there are a few male cats that are calico cats, but they are usually infertile.
2.No obvious difference in body shape: The size difference between male and female of some breeds (such as Siamese cats) is small and cannot be judged by size alone.
3.Difficult to distinguish between kittens: The reproductive organs of kittens have not yet fully developed. It is recommended to judge based on the distance between the anus and urethral opening.
5. Summary
Distinguishing between male and female cats requires comprehensive judgment based on appearance, reproductive organs and behavioral characteristics. For kittens or neutered cats, observing the distance between the anus and urethral opening is the most reliable method. If you are still unsure, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian or professional breeder.
I hope this article can help you easily master the skills of identifying the gender of cats, and make you a better understanding of cats!
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