How do I identify the difference between 3 look alike tabbies in order to name them?

I didn't know which thread to put this subject under.  I'm still learning how to do posts and threads. . .

I have been caring for 3 look alike feral tabbies and want to name them but can't tell them apart.  They are 6 months old and as they get older they have slight differences of color but not enough to distinguish them apart.  They have, however, 3 different personalities.  One is skiddish, one is brave and the other follows the brave one around.  My question is, will they ever develop more distinctive patterns?  I can't name them because I can't tell them apart.  For now, I just call them Moe, Larry and Curly.  Any suggestions?

I'd be interested in a solution, too. We have nine gray tabby female ferals at the shelter we can't tell apart, even after more than three months. They're all related, exactly the same shade, and have no white markings. We can't really get close enough to see differences in the patterns of their coats. Two others (one small and skinny, the other fat) at least look a little different. The latter two are the only ones with names.

We also have two gray tabby kittens that look like identical twins. One needs pills and eye drops every day, so we have to scan their microchips in order not to give the wrong kitten meds.

Unless they are identical twins, there HAS to be something that sets them apart.I had two that were SO close, Burt and Erny. The only difference was that Erny's white face mask was more symmetrical. On Tabbys you'll have to find some variation of their stripes, maybe two on the face are a little closer together, or maybe the 'M' on the forehead is set higher or lower, etc. It will just take time and a lot of observing to tell them apart. If it's really close, like you said, their personalities will set them apart eventually. I'm feeding two long haired red brothers right now and the only way I can tell them apart is that the underside of one of their tails is a little lighter in color. But it's enough! Good luck !

Thank you both for replying.  Wow, at least I know I'm not the only one in the same boat.  But just as Di and Bob said, I have noticed some slight differences; one of them has some hints of light brown in the fur and another is a bit lighter on the chest.  They have brought joy back in my heart after I lost my indoor cat last year.  She was 15 years old.  Watching these kittens grow fond of me and I of them, lifts my spirit.

Could you tie a colored string around their neck?

If they are not already spayed / neutered, you can trap them and have them sterilized.  Ask the vet to eartip each of them in a different way so you can tell them apart.

To Ritz, A wonderful idea, but impossible.  They won't let me go near them.  I suppose I need to be a bit more aggressive and try and catch them with a net, but I'm afraid of getting injured.  I'm waiting for my husband to find some time to spend and help me catch them.

To miscetera, Yes, I need to trap them.  We've been allowing them time to get used to us.  They FINALLY will come into the house briefly.  One of them loves to watch TV.  He/she is so fascinated by the colors of the TV, it's cute.  Another's favorite thing is to sit in his/her's favorite rocker chair and watch TV from there.  And the third one, the skittish one, just hides behind one of the chairs.  I am waiting for my husband to find time to assist me in catching them so we can take them to the vet to be fixed.

Any pictures? Maybe we can point you on some differences you didn't see yet

I personally use nail polish and put a small dot on the back of their paw or tail when we have kittens that look alike when they are born until I start to see a difference. This is necessary to make sure they grow well and to know which kitten is which. After a while, there should be some differences. It's probably something you can not see, but once you see it you can't unsee it anymore. so feel free to give us some detailed pictures and we'll go crazy on the pictures pointing differences to you!

Hi @Doenotodo

Unless you can handle these cats I wouldn't recommend trying to catch them in a net. It's very difficult to do and if a cat gets caught in a net and you have to untangle them you could get badly hurt.

The best way to catch them is with a humane trap. There might be some groups doing TNR in your area who could help you. Have you checked Alley Cat Allies?

http://www.alleycat.org/