Determining the sex of a British Longhair cat can be done by observing their physical characteristics and behavior. For adult cats, the most obvious difference is the presence of testicles in males.
Behavioral Differences
One can distinguish between male and female cats by observing their personalities. Male cats tend to be more playful and kitten-like, even into adulthood. They might engage in mischievous behavior, such as playfully startling their owners, or sneak out for adventures, returning only when they are hungry. They often seek attention and affection in a more overt manner than females.
Physical Characteristics
If observing their behavior over time isn't feasible, you can also use physical traits to differentiate the sexes. Typically, male cats are significantly larger than their female counterparts. They also tend to have a more robust build due to the influence of male hormones on their growth.
Identifying Testicles in Male Cats
Generally, male kittens start developing visible testicles around three months of age. For cats older than five months, sex can be determined by visually checking for testicles, which appear as a "ω" shape beneath their tail. This is a simple and direct method to identify a male cat.