How Do You Spell CATS?

Pronunciation: [kˈats] (IPA)

The word "cats" is spelled as /kæts/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This word consists of four sounds: /k/ represents the voiceless velar stop, /æ/ corresponds to the short "a" sound, /t/ stands for the voiceless alveolar stop, and /s/ represents the voiceless alveolar fricative. The letter "c" in "cats" is pronounced like /k/, unlike in some other words where it may sound like /s/ or /ʃ/. The proper spelling of this word is important in written communication to convey meaning accurately.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
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CATS Meaning and Definition

  1. Cats, often referred to as domestic cats, are small, carnivorous mammals that are commonly kept as pets or companions by humans. Belonging to the Felidae family and the species Felis catus, they are known for their agility, grace, and independent nature. Cats have a compact body with a muscular build, a furry coat, retractable claws, and keen senses, including excellent night vision.

    Cats exhibit a wide range of breeds, each with distinctive physical characteristics, temperament, and coat patterns. They have a reputation for self-grooming and cleanliness, spending a significant amount of time licking their fur to keep it tidy. Cats communicate through various means, including body language, vocalizations, and scent marking.

    Being highly predatory creatures, cats possess sharp teeth and strong jaws, allowing them to efficiently capture and kill their prey. In a domestic setting, they are commonly fed a diet consisting of commercial cat food. Cats are known for their ability to prioritize sleep, with an average adult cat sleeping for around 13 to 14 hours a day.

    Forming strong bonds with their owners, cats offer companionship and can exhibit affection through actions such as purring, nuzzling, and kneading. They are known for their playful nature and often engage in interactive games or chase toys. Cats are also known to be territorial animals, marking their territory through scratching and rubbing against objects.

    Overall, cats have captivated humans for thousands of years, becoming one of the most popular and beloved pets worldwide due to their beauty, independent nature, and their ability to create strong emotional connections with their owners.

Top Common Misspellings for CATS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CATS

Etymology of CATS

The word "cats" derives from the Old English word "catt", which can be traced back to the Late Latin word "cattus". This Latin term was likely borrowed from an Afro-Asiatic language, specifically from the African Nubian word "kadīs" or the Berber word "kadiska". Since the domestication of cats is believed to have originated in the Near East and spread throughout the Mediterranean, the word likely passed through various languages before reaching Old English and becoming "catt". Over time, the pronunciation evolved, resulting in the modern English word "cats".

Idioms with the word CATS

  • herd cats The idiom "herd cats" means attempting to manage or control a group of people, especially those who are difficult to direct or have conflicting opinions, similar to the challenge of herding a group of independent and unpredictable cats.
  • well, dog my cats The idiom "well, dog my cats" is an exclamation expressing surprise, astonishment, or disbelief. It is used when someone is caught off guard or finds something unexpected or extraordinary.
  • All cats are gray in the dark The idiom "All cats are gray in the dark" means that in certain circumstances, it can be difficult to distinguish between things or people that are seemingly similar or undistinguishable. It implies that when specific details or characteristics are not visible or known, everything appears to be the same or equal.
  • fight like Kilkenny cats The idiom "fight like Kilkenny cats" refers to a fierce and relentless fight between two opponents, where both parties display an unyielding determination and refuse to give up, even if it leads to their own destruction or downfall. Just like the Kilkenny cats from Irish folklore, who were said to fight ferociously and continue to battle even after losing their tails, this idiom portrays a relentless and intense struggle.
  • wanton kittens make sober cats The idiom "wanton kittens make sober cats" means that individuals who are playful and carefree in their youth often become more serious and responsible as they mature. It suggests that youthful behavior and exuberance often give way to maturity and sobriety over time.
  • be raining cats and dogs The idiom "to be raining cats and dogs" means that it is raining very heavily.
  • keep no more cats than can catch mice The idiom "keep no more cats than can catch mice" means one should not have more resources, skills, or people than necessary for a task or job. It emphasizes the importance of efficiency and effectiveness in utilizing resources, reminding individuals not to waste or overburden themselves with unnecessary or surplus elements. Similar to having only enough cats to catch all the mice, it implies that having just the right amount of something or someone necessary for a specific purpose is the most practical approach.
  • all cats are grey in the dark The idiom "all cats are grey in the dark" means that in certain situations or when details are not clear, distinctions or differences become less noticeable. This expression suggests that when our senses or perceptions are limited, it becomes difficult to distinguish or judge certain things accurately.
  • cats and dogs The idiom "cats and dogs" is used to describe a very heavy rainstorm or downpour.
  • rain cats and dogs The idiom "rain cats and dogs" is used to describe very heavy or torrential rain. It means that it is raining extremely hard.
  • like herding cats The idiom "like herding cats" means attempting to control or coordinate a group of people or things that are uncooperative, independent-minded, or difficult to manage, hence resembling the seemingly impossible task of gathering and directing a group of cats.
  • raining cats and dogs The idiom "raining cats and dogs" means that it is raining very heavily. It is used to describe a downpour or heavy rainstorm.
  • all cats are grey at night The idiom "all cats are grey at night" means that in the absence of light or visibility, individuals or things can appear indistinguishable or similar. It implies that physical appearance or differences become irrelevant or insignificant in certain situations.
  • it's raining cats and dogs! The idiom "it's raining cats and dogs!" means that it is raining very heavily or torrentially. It is an exaggerated expression used to emphasize the intensity of rainfall.
  • all cats are grey by night The idiom "all cats are grey by night" typically means that in the dark or when superficial qualities are not visible, things or people tend to appear similar or equally unremarkable. The phrase implies that when certain attributes or characteristics cannot be perceived, distinctions or differences become less significant.
  • be like herding cats The idiom "be like herding cats" refers to a situation or task that is extremely difficult or challenging to control, organize, or manage. It implies that attempting to coordinate or direct individuals who are uncooperative, independent, or have different agendas is akin to trying to control cats, which are notoriously difficult to herd.
  • dog my cats The idiom "dog my cats" is a humorous way of expressing surprise or disbelief. It is typically used to emphasize a strange or unexpected situation.

Similar spelling words for CATS

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Correct spelling for cats
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