How is cat and she-cat written in English? - briefly
In English, the term for a male cat is simply "tomcat" or "tom." For a female cat, the term is "she-cat" or "queen."
How is cat and she-cat written in English? - in detail
The terms "cat" and "she-cat" are used to denote male and female felines, respectively. The word "cat" is a general term that can refer to either a male or a female feline, although it is often used more commonly to denote a male cat. When specificity is required, particularly in scientific, veterinary, or formal writing, the terms "tomcat" and "she-cat" or "queen" are employed. A tomcat is a male cat, while a she-cat or queen is a female cat.
In everyday language, the term "cat" is frequently used interchangeably for both genders, which can lead to ambiguity. To avoid confusion, it is advisable to use the specific terms "tomcat" or "she-cat" when the gender of the cat is relevant. For example, in a veterinary setting, distinguishing between a tomcat and a she-cat is crucial for proper medical treatment and breeding management.
The term "she-cat" is less commonly used in modern English and is often considered archaic. Instead, "queen" is the preferred term in cat breeding and feline enthusiast communities. A queen is a female cat that has given birth or is capable of reproduction. This term is precise and avoids the potential ambiguity associated with "she-cat."
In literature and informal settings, the term "cat" might be used broadly, but in professional and scientific writing, precision is essential. Using "tomcat" for males and "queen" for females ensures clarity and avoids misunderstandings. For instance, in a research paper on feline behavior, specifying whether the subjects are tomcats or queens provides accurate data and avoids confusion.
In summary, while "cat" is a general term that can refer to either gender, using "tomcat" for males and "queen" for females is recommended for clarity and precision. This practice is particularly important in professional and scientific writing, where accurate gender distinction is necessary.