How do you spell "cat" in English? - briefly
The word "cat" is spelled with three letters: c-a-t. It remains consistent regardless of context or usage.
How do you spell "cat" in English? - in detail
The word "cat" is spelled with three letters: C, A, and T. In English orthography, each letter represents a specific sound.
The letter "C" represents the voiceless velar plosive /k/. This sound is produced by completely closing the vocal tract at the velum (the soft palate) and then suddenly releasing it. It's similar to the sound you might make when coughing, but without any airflow through the nose.
The letter "A" represents the open front unrounded vowel /æ/. This sound is produced with the tongue in a low position, towards the front of the mouth, and without rounding the lips. It's similar to the sound in the word "hat".
Finally, the letter "T" represents the voiceless alveolar plosive /t/. This sound is produced by completely closing the vocal tract at the alveolar ridge (the bumpy area just behind your upper teeth) and then suddenly releasing it. It's similar to the sound you might make when saying "thank you", but without any airflow through the nose.
So, when combined, these sounds produce the word "cat": /kæt/. This is how the word is spelled and pronounced in standard English.