How to Tell the Difference Between a Male and Female Kitten

Telling the difference between a male and a female kitten can be tricky, depending on the age of the cat. Kittens younger than 8 weeks old have yet to develop their genitalia, making the difference between the genders harder to distinguish. After 8 weeks, a kitten's genitalia should develop to the point where the differences between the genders are more apparent.

Instructions

    • 1

      Pick up the kitten.

    • 2

      Turn the kitten so that you can see its hindquarters.

    • 3

      Lift the kitten's tail. The kitten's anus is directly beneath the tail and its genitalia is beneath the anus. If the kitten is male, its genitalia resembles a round dot or period. If the kitten is female, its genitalia resembles a vertical line.