Disorder - Intersex

Organ Systems Involved
Urogenital

Alternative Names
Hermaphroditism; Pseudohermaphroditism

Presenting Signs

Intersex describes a group of conditions in which the sexual organs of a cat are indistinct. There are two main types of intersex cats: true hermaphrodites and pseudohermaphrodites. True hermaphrodites have internal sexual organs of both males and females, while pseudohermaphrodites have internal sexual organs of one sex and an alteration in the external genitalia. Female pseudohermaphrodites have normal ovaries but have male-like external genitalia and male pseudohermaphrodites have normal testicles and female-like external genitalia. All variations have been reported in cats. Intersex cats are usually infertile and diagnosis is often only made when cats are presented for neutering.

Cats at Risk

Unknown

Treatment

Surgical

PubMed References
Intersex

Contributor
Sarah Warren