Cat lovers who spend a lot of their time learning about their feline friends have probably heard tales of hermaphrodite cats that have male and female sex organs. But is it possible for cats to be hermaphrodites?
Cats can be hermaphrodites, and have both ovarian and testicular tissue, but it is very rare and has only been seen a handful of times. The term “disorder of sexual development” (DSD) refers to any congenital or developmental defect of the male or female reproductive tract component, which we will explore more in this article.
What Is a Hermaphrodite Cat?
A hermaphrodite cat has both male and female sexual organs. It is very rare to see a hermaphrodite cat, but it has been described.
Genetics Basics
A basic knowledge of genetics and sex determination is helpful to understand hermaphrodite cats and other DSDs. Normal animals have two sex chromosomes, one from the mother and one from the father, that determine their sex. Males are identified as XY and females as XX. Each developing egg contains one X chromosome. One X or one Y can be found in the sperm. The chromosomes of the egg and sperm are fused during conception when the sperm and egg are combined. The resulting embryo is either female or male, respectively (XX or XY).
Hermaphrodites
Hermaphrodites have abnormalities in their gonadal sex. Gonads are the pair of sexual organs- ovaries in females and testes in males. A true hermaphrodite will have both testicular and ovarian tissues present in either the same or opposite gonads.
There are three ways that this ovary and testicle combination might happen:
- An ovary and a testicle may be present on opposite sides.
- Ovotestis, a type of gonad that combines an ovary and a testis, can exist in each gonad.
- One side has an organ that combines an ovary and a testicle, and the other has a normal ovary or testicle.
The external genitalia of a real hermaphrodite will either look masculine or feminine depending on the quantity of testicular tissue present. In XX true hermaphrodites the genitals will usually appear female but may have an enlarged clitoris. Additionally, it will affect how a uterus develops.
Male and female pseudohermaphroditism and unidentified cases can be diagnosed in addition to real hermaphrodites.
Pseudohermaphroditism in Cats
When the chromosomes and gonads match, but the external genitalia does not, the cat is said to be a pseudohermaphrodite. For instance, the cat has ovaries, an XX chromosome, and a penis. There are two kinds of pseudohermaphroditism: male and female.
Female Pseudohermaphroditism in Cats
Ovaries and XX chromosomes are present in female pseudohermaphroditism, but too much testosterone makes the internal and external genitalia look masculine. In minor situations, the only abnormality the cat may have is an enlarged clitoris.
In more severe situations, the cat might even have a prostate and a penis that looks normal. Female pseudohermaphroditism typically develops when progesterone or drugs similar to testosterone are administered to the mother during pregnancy during the time of fetal genitalia development.
Male Pseudohermaphrodites in Cats
XY chromosomes and testicles are present in male pseudohermaphrodites, but their genitalia appear female. Some cats have a uterus, vestigial oviducts, and what appears to be male external genitalia. The testicles can either stay in the abdomen or descend into the scrotum.
Disorders of Sexual Development
The general description of DSD serves as a catch-all term for any animals that have abnormal sexual development. To pinpoint the precise chromosomal sex and developmental defects that have occurred, thorough testing is required for these cases, but they are often diverse and very rare.
While a cat with a DSD may have abnormal genitals, it doesn’t hinder an owner’s ability to care for their feline friend. They may look different, but the cat often remains healthy and can live a normal life.
How to Tell if a Cat is a Hermaphrodite?
A cat’s hermaphroditic status is typically only determined after a thorough veterinarian examination after a neutering or spaying procedure. It may also become apparent as they age or try to reproduce.
In some situations, older adult cats are discovered to be hermaphrodites or pseudohermaphrodites without their owners ever being aware of it. The vet will review your cat’s medical history, paying special attention to any hormonal treatments, and examine any information you have about the cat’s parents.
The veterinarian may detect a reproductive genetic abnormality during a physical examination, but an ultrasound may be required to see the cat’s additional sex organs. A hormone test to measure the sex hormones the cat is excreting, or a Karyotyping test to identify the cat’s chromosomes may be used as further diagnostic procedures. Genetic testing is rarely able to be performed in cats however, except in research or referral centers.
Can Hermaphrodite Cats Still Reproduce?
If a cat is a hermaphrodite, their testicles have been removed and they have fully functioning female reproductive organs still present, there is a theoretical possibility that she may be able to become pregnant and give birth. This is extremely unlikely however. Most, if not all, real hermaphrodites have inadequate reproductive organs.
Living and Management
Most cats undergoing surgical operations to improve their appearance and physical health recover quickly. Depending on the sort of sexual development condition your cat has, it may be advisable to avoid synthetic hormones like progesterone, estrogen, or androgen.
Conclusion
Cats can be hermaphrodites,and have both testicular and ovarian tissue, but it is rare. If a cat has any development abnormality of the reproductive tract, it is referred to as a disorder of sexual development (DSD).
A true hermaphrodite’s external genitalia will appear masculine or feminine depending on how much testicular tissue is present, and their uterine development will also be affected. Along with real hermaphrodites, pseudohermaphrodites in both sexes and unclassified cases may be diagnosed. Although the outer appearance of a hermaphrodite cat may be slightly altered, the intellect, heart, and soul remain the same.
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Featured Image Credit: Dmitrijs Kaminskis, Shutterstock
