English · Slang Attested

cat

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Terms relating to animals. — A mammal of the family Felidae.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Mammals need two genes to make the taste receptor for sugar. Studies in various cats (tigers, cheetahs and domestic cats) showed that one of these genes has mutated and no longer works.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Terms relating to animals. — A mammal of the family Felidae. — A carnivorous, four-legged, generally furry domesticated species (Felis catus) of feline animal, commonly kept as a house pet.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Terms relating to animals. — A mammal of the family Felidae. — A carnivorous, four-legged, generally furry domesticated species (Felis catus) of feline animal, commonly kept as a house pet. — The flesh of this animal eaten as food.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Topics: Cats

Common questions

What does “cat” mean?

Terms relating to animals. — A mammal of the family Felidae.

Is “cat” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.