cat
19 synonyms and 0 antonyms for cat, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small, domesticated, furry mammal commonly kept as a pet, known for hunting mice and independent behaviour.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use cat
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English catt, ultimately from Late Latin cattus — the word's deeper origin is uncertain, but it spread across many languages alongside the domestication of cats in the ancient world.
Full origin of cat →Frequently asked questions
What does “cat” mean?
The word “cat” means a small, domesticated, furry mammal commonly kept as a pet, known for hunting mice and independent behaviour. In plain terms, the familiar household pet, or (in computing) a command that displays file contents.
How do you pronounce “cat”?
“Cat” is pronounced KAT (/ˈkæt/ in IPA).
How do you use “cat” in a sentence?
Here is “cat” used in a sentence: “The cat curled up on the windowsill in the sun.”
What is another word for “cat”?
Words with a similar meaning to “cat” include baudrons, domestic cat, grimalkin, kibty, housecat and kitten.
What part of speech is “cat”?
“Cat” is a noun.
Where does the word “cat” come from?
The word “cat” comes from Late Latin. From Old English catt, ultimately from Late Latin cattus — the word's deeper origin is uncertain, but it spread across many languages alongside the domestication of cats in the ancient world.
Is “cat” a common word?
“Cat” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “cat” have?
“Cat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, domesticated, furry mammal commonly kept as a pet, known for hunting mice and independent behaviour.
What is the difference between a cat and a kitten?
A kitten is simply a young cat, usually under about a year old. 'Cat' covers the animal at any age, but often implies an adult. Kittens are known for playfulness and rapid growth, while adult cats settle into the calmer, more independent behaviour the species is famous for.
Why do cats purr?
Cats most often purr when they feel content, relaxed, or safe, such as when being stroked. But purring isn't only about happiness — cats also purr to soothe themselves when injured, frightened, or unwell, and some research suggests the vibration may aid healing. Mother cats purr to comfort their kittens.
How long do cats usually live?
A well cared-for pet cat typically lives around 12 to 18 years, and many reach their late teens or beyond. Indoor cats generally live longer than outdoor ones because they face fewer dangers from traffic, predators, and disease. Diet, veterinary care, and breed all affect a cat's lifespan.
What is a group of cats called?
A group of cats is called a 'clowder,' and a group of kittens is a 'kindle.' A male cat is a 'tom' or 'tomcat,' a female is a 'queen,' and 'moggy' is a British informal term for a cat of no particular breed. These terms appear often in trivia.