How to Know When Kittens Are Boys

Determining the sex of a kitten is difficult in the first weeks of life. The small size of kittens at birth makes determining the sex challenging until about two weeks of age. At this time, male kittens are often mistaken for females until their testis are more developed. Though even cat breeders and veterinarians are sometimes fooled, determining the sex of a kitten is relatively easy depending on the kitten's age.

Things You'll Need

  • Kitten
  • Magnifying glass
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Instructions

  1. Genital Shape Method

    • 1

      Pick up the kitten securely with one hand firmly grasped under the chest and behind the front legs. The other hand should support the kitten's rear end.

    • 2

      Hold the kitten (head away from your body) either horizontal to the ground or with the body tipped slightly forward.

    • 3

      Lift the tail to inspect the genitals. A female kitten's genitals will look like a vertical line close to the anus. A male kitten's genitals will look like a colon with both the anus and the genital opening being circular in shape. Males may also have developed small testicles located beneath the anus. These will look like small puffy mounds side by side.

    Distance Comparison Method

    • 4

      Pick up the kitten securely with one hand firmly grasped under the chest and behind the front legs. The other hand should be supporting the kitten's rear end.

    • 5

      Hold the kitten horizontal to the floor and move the tail aside.

    • 6

      Check the distance between the anus and the genital opening. Male genitals and anus will be significantly father apart than female kittens whose vaginal opening is very close to the anus. This method is best used when kittens of a similar age are available for comparison.