How Can You Tell If a Cat Is a Boy or Girl? Hidden Signs

The easiest way to tell if a cat is a boy or girl is to look under the tail.
If the space between the openings is larger, it’s usually a male cat.
If the openings are close together and look like an “i” shape, it’s usually a female cat.

Many cat owners and new pet parents often ask the same question: how can you tell if a cat is a boy or girl? It sounds simple, but it can actually be confusing—especially with kittens. Male and female cats look very similar when they are young, and fur can hide important details.

In this easy guide, you will learn simple, safe, and correct ways to tell the difference between a male cat and a female cat. We will explain what to look for, how to check gently, and common mistakes people make. This article uses plain English, short sentences, and real-life examples so even a 4th-grade student can understand it.

By the end, you’ll confidently know how to tell if a cat is a boy or girl, whether it’s a kitten, an adult cat, or even a stray.

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What Does “Boy Cat” and “Girl Cat” Mean?

Before learning how to check, let’s understand the basics.

🐱 What Is a Boy Cat?

A boy cat is a male cat.
Male cats are born with male body parts and usually grow testicles as they get older.

Simple examples:

• Tom is a boy cat who sprays sometimes.
• Male cats often have wider faces.
• A male kitten has more space under its tail.

🐱 What Is a Girl Cat?

A girl cat is a female cat.
Female cats have a different body structure and can have kittens when grown.

Simple examples:

• Luna is a girl cat who had kittens.
• Female cats usually have smaller faces.
• A female kitten has openings close together.

👉 Both are cats. The difference is in their body parts and behavior.

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The Key Difference Between a Boy Cat and a Girl Cat

Here’s a simple comparison table to help you clearly understand:

Feature	Boy Cat (Male)	Girl Cat (Female)
Space under tail	Wider gap	Very small gap
Shape	Looks like “:”	Looks like “i”
Testicles	Present (older cats)	Not present
Behavior	May spray	Usually doesn’t spray
Face	Often wider	Often slimmer

🔑 Quick Tip to Remember

👉 “Colon = Boy, i = Girl”

• : = Boy cat
• i = Girl cat

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Seen or Saw: The Secret Rule Most People Get Wrong!

How Can You Tell If a Cat Is a Boy or Girl? (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Lift the Tail Gently

Hold the cat calmly. Lift the tail carefully.

Step 2: Look at the Two Openings

• The top opening is the anus.
• The bottom opening tells the gender.

Step 3: Check the Distance

• Far apart? → Boy cat
• Close together? → Girl cat

This is the most accurate and safe method.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

❌ Mistake 1: Looking Only at Fur Color

Some people think orange cats are male and calico cats are female. This is not always true.

✔️ Fix: Always check under the tail.

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❌ Mistake 2: Checking Too Early

Newborn kittens are very hard to tell apart.

✔️ Fix: Wait until the kitten is 6–8 weeks old.

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❌ Mistake 3: Assuming Behavior Means Gender

Not all aggressive cats are male. Not all calm cats are female.

✔️ Fix: Behavior does not equal gender.

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When to Use These Signs for a Boy Cat

Use these signs if you think the cat may be male:

• There is a wide gap between openings.
• You see or feel testicles (in older cats).
• The shape looks like two dots.

Real-life examples:

• At the vet, the doctor confirms your cat is male.
• You notice spraying behavior.
• The cat has a broader head.

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When to Use These Signs for a Girl Cat

Use these signs if you think the cat may be female:

• The openings are very close.
• The lower opening looks like a small line.
• No testicles are present.

🧠 Memory Hack

👉 “Close like an ‘i’ = Girl”

Examples:

• Your cat is pregnant.
• The cat does not spray.
• The shape under the tail looks like a line.

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Quick Recap: Boy Cat vs Girl Cat

• 👦 Boy cat = wider gap, “:”, may spray
• 👧 Girl cat = small gap, “i”, no spraying
• Best method = check under the tail
• Kittens are easier after 6–8 weeks

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Advanced Tips (Optional)

• Vets use the same method but with experience.
• In exams or animal care courses, anatomy is key.
• Online myths often confuse new cat owners.
• Texting or guessing can lead to mistakes—always check physically or ask a vet.

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Mini Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Fill in the blanks:

1. A wider gap usually means a ______ cat.
2. The “i” shape shows a ______ cat.
3. Newborn kittens are ______ to identify.
4. Fur color does ______ decide gender.
5. The safest method is checking under the ______.

(Answers: male, female, hard, not, tail)

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FAQs

1. How can you tell if a cat is a boy or girl at home?

Check under the tail and look at the distance between openings.

2. Is it hard to tell kitten gender?

Yes, especially before 6 weeks of age.

3. Do male cats always spray?

No, but it is more common in males.

4. Can fur color tell cat gender?

No, fur color is not a reliable method.

5. Should I ask a vet to confirm?

Yes, vets can confirm cat gender quickly and safely.

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Conclusion

Now you clearly know how can you tell if a cat is a boy or girl using safe, simple, and correct methods. The key is to stay calm, be gentle, and look under the tail. Remember the easy trick: “Colon for boy, i for girl.”

Practice with care, and don’t worry if it feels confusing at first. With time, it becomes very easy. Learning small things like this helps you become a better and more confident pet owner every day.