Yes, male cats do have penises; they are just usually hidden, which is why people rarely see them.

Quick Scoop

  • Male cats have a penis that sits inside a protective sheath under the tail, below the anus (and below the testicles in intact males).
  • When not urinating or mating, the penis stays retracted, so all you normally see is fur and a small opening.
  • The penis has tiny keratin “spines” or barbs on the tip that help trigger ovulation in female cats during mating.
  • These spines develop under the influence of testosterone and usually don’t fully form if the male is neutered very young.

A Bit More Detail

  • The penis is part of the male cat’s reproductive tract, carrying sperm from the testes through the urethra during mating.
  • It also serves for urination, with the urethra running through it just like in many other mammals.
  • Because it is sensitive, forcing it to protrude or handling it roughly can cause pain or injury, so any concerns should be left to a vet.

Neutered vs. Intact Males

  • Neutering removes the testicles, not the penis, so neutered male cats still have a penis even though the scrotum is empty or shrunken.
  • Early neutering can prevent the full development of the penile spines, since they depend on testosterone levels.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.