Cats are known for their agility and hunting skills. They are solitary animals, but they also form strong bonds with their owners. Felines communicate through a variety of vocalizations, including meowing, purring, and hissing. Cats are often chosen as pets because they are low-maintenance compared to dogs, yet they offer companionship. While cats are natural hunters, they are also known to be affectionate, and many enjoy human company.
Word 'cat' in Other Languages
- cat in Assamese অসমীয়া
- cat in Bengali বাংলা
- cat in Bodo बड़ो
- cat in Dogri डोगरी
- cat in English
- cat in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
- cat in Hindi हिन्दी
- cat in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
- cat in Kashmiri कॉशुर
- cat in Konkani कोंकणी
- cat in Maithili মৈথিলী
- cat in Malayalam മലയാളം
- cat in Manipuri মৈতৈলোন্
- cat in Marathi मराठी
- cat in Nepali नेपाली
- cat in Oriya ଓଡ଼ିଆ
- cat in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- cat in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
- cat in Santali
- cat in Sindhi سنڌي
- cat in Tamil தமிழ்
- cat in Telugu తెలుగు
- cat in Urdu اُردُو
Cat
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/kæt/
Definitions
- 1. A small domesticated carnivorous mammal (*Felis catus*) known for its agility, independence, and playful behavior.
- 2. A wild animal of the family Felidae, often referring to large species like lions, tigers, or leopards.
- 3. A term used metaphorically to describe a person who is independent or aloof.
Usage Examples
- "She adopted a stray cat from the shelter."
- "He has a cat-like grace when he moves."
Etymology
The word "cat" comes from the Late Latin word "cattus," which is derived from the Greek "katta." The term "cat" has been used in English since at least the 13th century, referring to the domestic animal. It is thought that the word ultimately traces back to Egyptian "caut," which was used to describe the feline animal that was worshiped in ancient Egyptian culture.
Synonyms
- Kitten
- Feline
- Tabby (informally)
Antonyms
- Dog
- Canine
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Gato | /ˈɡato/ |
| French | Chat | /ʃa/ |
| German | Katze | /ˈkat͡sə/ |
| Italian | Gatto | /ˈɡatto/ |
| Portuguese | Gato | /ˈɡatu/ |
| Russian | Кошка | /ˈkoʂkə/ |
| Chinese | 猫 | /māo/ |
| Arabic | قط | /qiṭṭ/ |
| Japanese | 猫 | /neko/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In British English: /kæt/
In American English: /kæt/
Historical Usage
The term "cat" has been used in English since at least the 13th century. The domestication of cats can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where cats were revered and often associated with the goddess Bastet. Cats spread across Europe and Asia, becoming one of the most popular pets in the world.
Cultural Nuances
Cats hold various cultural significances. In Egypt, they were seen as symbols of protection and fertility. In Japan, the "maneki-neko" or "beckoning cat" is thought to bring good fortune. In some cultures, cats are associated with mystery or bad luck, while in others, they are cherished for their independent and self-sufficient nature.