How to distinguish a male kitten from a girl: a newborn, in the first days of life

The sex of a kitten at 2-3 months can be determined by the structural features of the reproductive organs. This is more difficult to do in newborn babies. Sometimes owners even turn to a veterinarian with this question. You can identify your gender independently at home by the shape of the genitals, habits, coloring, etc.

The main sign: in a boy, the anus and genitals are located far from each other, in girls they are close, almost merging.

Why is gender determination necessary?

You need to know the sex of a kitten for the following reasons:

1. The pet must be given a nickname. It is not advisable to change it in adulthood, since the cat already knows its name and responds to it.
2. You need to determine in advance whether your pet will need to be spayed or neutered in the future.
3. The animal has its own behavioral characteristics depending on its gender. Owners need to select a pet based on this fact. For example, cats mark their territory more often, which causes an unpleasant smell in the apartment. Unspayed females periodically go into heat. Their behavior changes, they begin to demand a cat. When babies are born, the cat becomes aggressive.
4. If the cubs are purebred, then they can be sold. Boys are more expensive than girls in Maine Coons and other types of cats.

How are cats different from cats?

While kittens are small, they are equally funny, playful and cute. But with age the difference becomes obvious. You can rely on these differences because cats are animals that are largely driven by hormones and reflexes.

As a result of many years of observations, the following most characteristic signs of behavior were identified:

Cats are more independent and restrained in showing love to their owner. They often show hunting instincts and are more playful, often “hunting” their owner, attacking from behind cover. They are curious and consider the house to be a common territory, so they must be aware of everything that happens in it.

Kitties are more affectionate and easy-going. They are clean people who tidy not only their own fur, but also the fur of other animals in the house, and can even wash their owner. More often they require attention and manifestations of love from their owners. Also, cats can bear offspring in the future.

Rules for communicating with kittens when determining sex

Kittens must be treated with care so as not to cause harm. Before determining gender, you need to consider some nuances:

• The kitten should not be separated from its mother for a long time. Its fur can absorb the smell of a person, then the cat will not accept the cub back.
• Before picking up an animal, you must wash them thoroughly without soap or with a non-scented hygiene product.
• The kitten's body is not yet strong; it must be handled with care so as not to damage the bones or internal organs.
• Do not pull or tug on the tail.
• It is not recommended to pick up a kitten while it is suckling.
• If the mother does not like her baby being touched, it is advisable to postpone the examination until she is not around.

Reasons for the development of pink lichen of Zhiber

Although the disease has been known for a long time, its pathogenesis still remains unclear. Various factors and pathogens have been proposed as causes:

• infectious;
• viral;
• bacterial;
• fungal;
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae;
• “toxic rash due to unknown gastrointestinal infection”;
• insect bites;
• isomorphic response;
• autoimmune disease;
• psychogenic cause.

Insect bite
Early research suggested a connection to new, unused clothing. Lassar and Rosenthal attributed this role to flannel and knitwear.

The development of a peculiar skin plaque was observed at the site of insect bites, especially fleas, as well as on old scars, with healing gunshot wounds, and at the site of intramuscular injections, which suggests that pink dandruff is simply an isomorphic reaction.

Some scientists have tried to show that pityriasis rosea is a psychogenic disease and is more common in "highly stressed" or mentally ill people. According to them, stress can aggravate the lesion and cause itching. Others consider the psychosomatic theory unlikely.

Attempts have also been made to hypothesize that RP is a “toxic rash of gastrointestinal infection,” the result of dietary error and gastric dilatation.

In 1970, Birch and Rowell postulated an autoimmune cause of the disease, in which the predisposition was genetically determined and sensitized by microorganisms.

However, the infectious background of the disease is most widely considered. Clinical features of the pathology, such as the irregular occurrence of prodromal symptoms and the severity of morbidity in the autumn-spring period, indicate a viral etiology. There appears to be an association with a recent upper respiratory tract infection in some patients.

The spread of the disease in the family, among children at school, among soldiers in the barracks, among people using Turkish baths has not been confirmed, so many experts believe that it is a non-infectious disease.

However, pityriasis rosea has been found to be more common among dermatologists than among otolaryngologists, suggesting that it is spread through contact with low infectivity, leading to increased incidence with increasing number of contacts.

In addition, the pathology is more common in people with weakened immune systems, for example, pregnant women and patients with bone marrow transplantation. Spontaneous resolution and relapses, occurring in less than 3% of patients, are also consistent with the theory of a viral origin of the disease.

There is some objective evidence to support the viral theory of the disease. In 1968, scientists demonstrated the presence of picornavirus-like intranuclear bodies in the tissues of African green monkeys inoculated with a liquid that affected the color of the lesions, and in electronic sections of these lesions. However, none of the studies have identified the genome of picornaviruses. Pityriasis rosea has also been described in a patient with proven Echo virus infection.

The HHS-7 virus, a Roseola virus from betaherpesviruses, is also suspected. Viruses of this family cause acute and chronic infections. They can also remain latent for many years, and a weakened immune system leads to their activation. HHS viruses have been detected in children with RP and adults with pink dandruff in serum, white blood cells, and biopsies of skin lesions.

However, the relationship between pityriasis rosea and HHS-7 remains controversial according to some scientists, due to the low DNA sequence index of HHS-7. The virus has also been detected in the plasma of healthy people.

It has been suggested that the disease is associated with bacterial infection, including syphilis and tuberculosis. In 1942, student. Benedek explained the occurrence of the disease by the reactivation of latent foci of Baccillus endoparasiticus.

The role of Staphylococcus albus and hemolytic streptococci was also increased. In recent years, infections with Legionella micadadei, L. longbeachae, L. pneumophila, Chlamydia pneumonie, Ch. trachomatis, but the opinions of dermatologists about their role in the pathogenesis of RP are divided. Thus, the issue of the involvement of these microorganisms requires further research.

The clinical appearance of the mother's plate, with morphological features often resembling a lesion of mycosis, especially ringworm, suggests that the cause of pink dandruff may be a fungal infection.

Some medications also sometimes cause skin lesions similar to pityriasis rosea. Among them:

• captopril;
• metronidazole;
• isotretinoin;
• D-penicillamine;
• levamisole;
• diphtheria toxoid;
• bismuth;
• gold;
• barbiturates;
• ketotifen;
• clonidine;
• terbinafine;
• omeprazole

Pityriasis rosea has been reported following administration of BCG, IFN-alpha and hepatitis B vaccines.

Now scientists are inclined to conclude that such a reaction of the body can be caused by various factors, and this is very important to take into account when diagnosing pathology. By identifying the suspected cause, you can quickly and permanently get rid of unpleasant symptoms.

The most likely reasons are a weakened immune system and the activation of one of the types of herpes viruses against this background. Therefore, it is necessary to consider all causes that weaken the immune system.

Suitable age for gender identification

1. It is easier to visually determine the sex of small kittens under the age of seven days. They have not yet had time to become pubescent and the organs are clearly visible. This is especially true for long-haired purebred animals with a thick undercoat. For example, the Scottish Fold.
2. At the age of a week, it is easy to make a mistake with the gender. However, it is even more difficult to decide on affiliation in two to three weeks. The kitten is completely covered with hair, which will block the view of the genitals. This does not apply to hairless breeds. For example, the sphinx.
3. At two or three months it is already easier to determine the sex. The genitals are fully formed and clearly visible. It is possible to accurately distinguish females from males at the age of six months, even in long-haired breeds (for example, the British). At this age, puberty begins: the reproductive organs are clearly visible, cats mark their territory, and cats begin to go into heat.

Correct treatment of pink dandruff in Gibert's disease

Treatment of pityriasis rosea is primarily based on the diagnostic results and recommendations of the dermatologist based on his knowledge and experience. Independent attempts to cure pathology usually lead to the appearance of accompanying symptoms, sometimes very dangerous.

Considering the symptoms, the dermatologist prescribes:

• ointments with corticosteroids acting in several directions - relieve skin tightness and accelerate the healing of the rash;
• antiallergic - antihistamines - relieve itching;
• immunomodulators – stimulate natural immunity;
• antiseptic solutions – prevent secondary infection;
• dandruff softening ointments.

During treatment, the dermatologist recommends:

• Avoid hot water procedures and swimming. Showering with a soft sponge is allowed;
• Wear loose, natural underwear. Synthetics do not allow the skin to breathe, exacerbating symptoms;
• Eliminate allergens: eggs, chocolate, red fruits.
• Reduce fried, flour, smoked foods;
• Do not use cosmetics.

Basic methods for determining sex

Most often, gender is determined by the genitals. However, at an early age they are poorly formed and even an experienced veterinarian does not always succeed. Therefore, other methods of identifying gender have been invented.

By behavior

At the age of several weeks, gender is determined by behavior:

• Males are more active than cats.
• Males try to take a dominant position and lead in games.
• Boys win the fight for their mother's nipples during feeding. This then extends to the best pieces of food.

The listed signs only confirm gender, but do not prove it. You can accurately determine the sex by 3-4 months of your pet’s life. In males, the scrotum is clearly visible, which is absent in females.

According to the shape of the genitals

To determine the sex of a kitten, you need to look under its tail. The girl's genitals are located close to the anus (distance no more than one centimeter). Externally, they look like a thin vertical strip. In males they look like two round dots. They are located at a distance of two to three centimeters from the anus. Closer to three months, the cat will have testicles, allowing you to determine the sex instantly.

By color

If the gender cannot be determined by the genitals, this can be done by the fur. Tortoiseshell color (a combination of three shades) indicates that the kitten is a girl. This is due to the genetic code. Black and red colors are found only on the X chromosomes. Cats always have two of them. Males are rarely tricolored. If this happens, then they are infertile, since they have only one X chromosome. Males are more likely than females to be red in color.

By feeling

The easiest way to determine gender is by palpation. It is recommended to do this when the pet reaches at least two months of age. At an earlier age, their future location can be determined by the thickness and color of their fur. It is different from other areas. When palpating, you need to be as careful as possible so as not to damage the organs. Gently run your finger over the genitals. If the animal is male, then its testicles can be felt.

The palpation method is not accurate. The testicles do not always descend from the peritoneum by three months. Newborn females may experience changes in hormonal levels. Because of this, swelling occurs under the tail and a mistake can be made in determining the sex.

By body structure

By about six months, the pet's gender is determined by external signs. Cats have an elegant body and a thin, elongated muzzle. Males have large heads. The body is stocky and muscular. There are exceptions, but they are rare.

By habits

A male at about seven months of age may begin to mark his territory. Females begin to go into heat by six months. During this period, she constantly caresses, arches her back, raising her butt up.

Cats sleep most of the time. Females try to show independence and can even be aggressive towards people; they are cleaner, wash themselves constantly and usually go to the toilet only in the tray.

DNA test

You can accurately determine the gender of a kitten using a DNA test. It is produced in veterinary clinics. Sex is revealed in this way even in the first days of life. However, the procedure is expensive. Usually owners of purebred cats (Scottish, Angora, etc.) resort to it.

Let's compare the genitals

A look from behind at an adult member of the feline race will immediately reveal his (or her) gender. But the smaller the kitten, the less pronounced these differences are. And in newborns everything is so similar that it’s not surprising even for a professional breeder to make a mistake.

The simplest and most reliable way is to wait until the baby is at least three months old and his sexual characteristics become unambiguous. If you need to determine the sex earlier, you should know a few rules for handling a kitten:

• You can only pick up a kitten outside of feeding time and with the permission of the mother cat.
• Hands should be clean and free of strong odor.
• You should limit the time of contact with the animal, you can even take a photo of the “problem area” and then slowly study it.
• Hold the kitten as carefully as possible - stress and injury are of no use to it.

It’s very good when you have the opportunity to look under the tail of not just one kitten, but several at once. If they turn out to be different sexes, then it will be possible to draw such a conclusion based on the differences found. However, your patience and observation will certainly be rewarded with a positive result.

The first thing you should pay attention to is the distance from the anus to the opening of the urethra. In females they are located much closer to each other, there is practically no space left for fur between them

In a small cat, on the contrary, there is a significant space from the anus to the penis: here, gradually, a few weeks after birth, the testicles will begin to develop.

The next important sign is the shape of the genital opening. In male kittens, the urethral opening is small and round. In cats, the opening of the vulva is larger, compressed into a vertical stripe. Schematically describing this feature, they compare the genital picture of a male individual with a colon, and the female one with the Latin letter “i”. Perhaps this is the most reliable way to determine the sex of very tiny kittens.

In long-haired babies, visual testing may be difficult.

Visual differences between a male kitten

Visually, a cat is recognized by the following characteristics:

• a large distance between the anus and reproductive organs (1-2 centimeters);
• genitals in the form of two points;
• the lumen of the rectum and genitals resemble the colon sign;
• fur grows between the holes;
• testicles stand out;
• cats grow and gain body weight faster;
• massive build, wide chest, large paws.

Inspection of external signs is carried out on a hard and flat surface, covered with a soft towel. The kitten is placed on its stomach and its tail is gently lifted to determine its sex.

To the touch

Another reliable way to find out the sex of a Scottish and British kitten is to run your index and middle fingers together over the genitals. Hands must be clean! In boys, tubercles with a diameter of 3-5 mm are palpable; these are the testicles. Girls do not have such tubercles.

Still, despite the fact that it is very interesting, the MURKOTIKI website does not recommend using this method if you lack experience. Such actions can harm the kitten. Wait a little bit - and you will be able to understand who is a cat and who is a kitty by eye.

Non-standard folk methods of determining the sex of a kitten

You can place a saucer of milk in front of the kitten and observe its behavior. It is believed that if a pet raises its tail up, then it is a male, and if it is lowered, it is a cat.

You can distinguish between girls and boys in a litter in the following unconventional ways:

1. in cats, the aroma of urine is more pronounced;
2. boys are less playful and more affectionate;
3. cats have a smaller skull and a more delicate muzzle (this is not an accurate way to determine gender, the structure of the head depends on the individual characteristics of the animal);
4. cats have a calm and self-confident look, while cats have a wary look in their eyes.

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Character traits depending on breed

As already mentioned, the behavior and character of an animal depend not only on gender, but also on breed. You should choose a pet not only based on its external attractiveness, but also on its expected psychological characteristics. Some cats cannot stand loneliness, and if their owners are always at work or on business trips, they can become very sad and even get sick. Others only need to stay in the owner’s house to fill the bowl and clean up. You should choose a cat, taking into account its characteristics in accordance with the breed.

The British Shorthair is one of the most common and sought-after breeds in Russia and the rest of the world. These aristocrats are distinguished by truly royal calm, even laziness. A representative of this breed will rarely play, except as a kitten.

Scottish Fold cats (Scottish Fold) are also popular among Russians. They look very cute with their folded ears and expressive eyes. Males of this breed can be extremely willful and like to be in control and demonstrate independence. Female Scots, on the contrary, are very affectionate and attached to their owners. If there is a child in the family, then it is better to get a cat of this breed: she will tolerate his affection, and will not respond aggressively if she doesn’t like something; rather, she will simply move away from the annoying little person.

Sphynx cats require special care. It is better to have such cats for families and people who do not have children or are already old enough. It is quite easy to damage skin without protection in the form of fur.

Siamese cats are very impressionable, they can be nervous and aggressive, especially under certain living and upbringing conditions. They are playful and cheerful, but they will not allow anyone, including children, to offend them. If a male cat of this breed gets angry, she may hiss threateningly and release her claws.

Persians are similar to plush toys not only in appearance, but also in character. They are very calm, even lazy. It should be remembered that representatives of this breed need careful care for their luxurious coat.

Maine Coons, which are increasingly popular, have a rather friendly character and become attached to their owners. Cats, of course, aim to be the head of the house and strive to establish their own rules. Cats of this breed are affectionate and gentle, willing to communicate with children. It is necessary to understand that such large animals require a lot of space and food for physical activity.

When planning to get a cat, you should carefully weigh all the pros and cons of different sexes and breeds. The most important thing is to remember that it is not a toy that is bought for the house, but a living creature with certain needs and characteristics, for which a person takes responsibility.

No one (with the exception of the mentally ill) will throw away a child who has not lived up to expectations or is causing a lot of trouble. A cat can be kicked out the door if, in the opinion of a person, it does not behave as he expected. In order not to breed homeless and unfortunate animals, and not to take sin on your soul, before getting an animal, you need to think everything over carefully.