How to Tell if a Neutered Cat Is Male or Female
Identifying a cat’s sex can be tricky, especially if the cat has been neutered or spayed. When reproductive organs are removed, the obvious physical indicators are also altered, making it harder for cat owners and even some veterinarians to tell whether a cat is a boy or girl. However, with careful observation and a little knowledge of feline anatomy, it is possible to determine your pet’s gender.
Anatomical Differences After Neutering
The primary way to distinguish between male and female cats—even after neutering—is by looking at the distance and shape of the genital openings. When a cat is spayed or neutered, the testicles in males and the uterus and ovaries in females are removed, but the external configuration remains a clue.
- Male cats (neutered): Typically have a greater distance between the anus and the penis opening. You may also notice a slight bulge or loose skin where the testicles once were.
- Female cats (spayed): The genital opening is positioned much closer to the anus, with only about a few millimeters of separation.
How to Examine Your Cat
Before attempting to check your cat’s gender, make sure your pet is calm and gently restrained. Here's how you can examine your cat safely:
- Place the cat in a relaxing position, ideally lying on its side or gently standing.
- Lift the tail gently to view the area underneath.
- Look for two openings under the tail. The top is the anus, and below that is the genital opening.
Pay attention to the spacing and arrangement:
- In males, there is typically a ½ inch spacing with a round opening below the anus forming a colon-like shape (:).
- In females, the genital opening is more of a slit and closer to the anus, forming an upside-down exclamation point (¡).
Other Secondary Characteristics
Though neutering hides many sexual characteristics, some secondary traits may help suggest the cat's gender:
- Size and muscular shape: Male cats tend to be larger and more muscular.
- Facial structure: Males often have broader cheeks and a more prominent jawline, especially if neutered later in life.
- Behavior: While not reliable for sexing, males may still show residual territorial behavior, and females may remain slightly more reserved.
Veterinary Confirmation
If you’re still unsure of your cat’s sex even after an examination, a veterinary visit can provide confirmation. Vets sometimes perform an ultrasound or physical exam to detect remaining reproductive tissues, though such cases are rare.
Why Knowing the Gender Matters
Knowing your cat’s gender can help with appropriate care decisions, tagging, and managing behavior. It also ensures that any medical records or future vet visits are correctly informed.
Tips for Kittens
For kittens, the anatomical distinctions are harder to spot. It’s advisable to wait until they are about 6-8 weeks old before attempting to sex them. At that age, male kittens will show small spaces where the testicles begin to descend, even if neutered early.
Common Mistakes When Sexing Cats
Misidentification is not uncommon. Here are a few errors to avoid:
- Over-relying on temperament: Personality varies between cats and is not a reliable gender indicator.
- Looking only at color: While some patterns like tortoiseshell are almost always female, it's not a guarantee.
- Misinterpreting the anatomy: Beginners often mistake a female’s closely positioned openings as a male’s due to inexperience.
Conclusion
Even after being neutered, a cat’s gender can typically still be determined through anatomical observation. Checking the spacing and shape of the genital openings remains the most reliable method. If any uncertainty persists, seek the advice of a veterinarian. Understanding your cat's gender helps foster a better understanding and care approach for your furry companion.
