{"id":661695,"date":"2024-10-09T03:00:44","date_gmt":"2024-10-09T07:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=661695"},"modified":"2025-01-10T14:16:39","modified_gmt":"2025-01-10T14:16:39","slug":"how-to-tell-cat-gender-by-face","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/cat-health-care\/how-to-tell-cat-gender-by-face\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Tell Cat Gender By Face? 3 Vet-Approved Ways"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n <\/span>\n \nWays to Tell a Cat\u2019s Gender By Their Face<\/a>
\nHow to Tell a Cat’s Gender by their Genitals<\/a>
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Male and female cats can have physical and behavioral differences. Additionally, each faces its own unique health challenges, which can make it essential to know what sex you’re adopting.<\/p>\n

The only 100% reliable way of knowing a cat’s sex is by looking at their genitals, some subtle differences in their facial structure may be able to provide insight. Read on to learn more.<\/p>\n

Note: While the words \u201csex\u201d and \u201cgender\u201d are often used interchangeably, there is a distinction between the two terms with \u201csex\u201d referring to the biological, chromosomal and physiological characteristics and \u201cgender\u201d being more complex to define and primarily a human concept and social construct. In this article we are referring to a cat\u2019s biological sex.<\/em><\/p>\n

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The 3 Tips on How to Tell a Cat’s Gender By Their Face<\/h2>\n

1. Head Shape<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: elifilm, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Males, especially unneutered ones, have large, rounded heads with angular facial structures. Their broader faces are due to hormones, namely testosterone. Testosterone is a major factor in muscle development and stimulates the release of growth hormones, which contribute to bone density and growth.<\/p>\n

Females will generally have a softer facial shape and more delicate features.<\/p>\n

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2. Jowls & Snout<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: Vershinin89_Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Intact males, in particular, have very prominent jowls (also sometimes adoringly referred to as “tomcat cheeks”) due to the presence of testosterone. A tomcat’s chubby cheeks are more than just a cute facial feature; they can also protect their face and neck during fights.<\/p>\n

Their snouts can also be longer and broader than females.<\/p>\n

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3. Whiskers<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: Nneirda, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cats use their whiskers to learn more about their world. Brushing whiskers against objects provides information about the object’s size and texture. A cat’s whiskers come in handy when they’re trying to gauge whether they can fit into tight spaces. So, it makes sense that a male’s whiskers would be longer simply because they’re larger than females.<\/p>\n

Intact adult male cats often have larger whisker pads than their female counterparts, adding volume to their face and giving a softer appearance.<\/p>\n

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How to Tell a Cat’s Gender by Their Genitals<\/h2>\n
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You are free to use this image but we do require you to link back to Catster.com<\/a> for credit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The only surefire way to tell a cat’s sex<\/a> is by examining its genitals. This can be more difficult before a kitten is 6 weeks old as their genitalia is still underdeveloped and not easily visible. When you have a litter of kittens it can be helpful to compare littermates.<\/p>\n

Once they’ve hit 6-8 weeks of age, determining a cat’s gender is usually pretty simple. You’ll need to focus on two things:<\/p>\n

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