What do the English and Americans call cats? - briefly
The English typically refer to cats as "cats," while Americans also commonly use this term. Additionally, Americans may use the informal term "kitty" or "pussycat."
What do the English and Americans call cats? - in detail
The terms used for referring to cats in both British and American English can vary depending on the context, the cat's age, gender, and whether it is being addressed or referred to indirectly.
In British English, the most common term for a cat is simply "cat." This word is used regardless of the cat's gender or age. For example, one might say "The cat is sleeping on the couch" without any need to specify if the cat is male or female. When addressing a cat directly, Britons often use endearing terms like "puss," "kitty," or "moggy."
In American English, the term "cat" is also widely used but can sometimes be perceived as more informal. Americans may prefer to use the gender-specific terms "tom" for a male cat and "queen" for a female cat, especially in formal or professional contexts such as veterinary care or breeding discussions. For example, an American might say "My tomcat loves to play with string."
When referring to kittens, both British and Americans tend to use the word "kitten." However, there are some regional differences in how kittens are addressed. In Britain, it is common to refer to a young cat as a "kit," whereas in America, this term is less commonly used. Instead, Americans might use terms like "kitty" or simply "cat" for younger felines.
Interestingly, both British and American English share some regional slang and colloquialisms for cats. For instance, the term "pussy" can be used in both countries but is considered more informal and sometimes even rude due to its association with other meanings. Similarly, the term "mouser" is used in both regions to refer to a cat that is particularly good at catching mice.
In summary, while there are some differences in terminology between British and American English when referring to cats, both languages share a common core of terms such as "cat," "kitten," and various endearing names like "puss" and "kitty." The choice of term often depends on the context and the speaker's preference for formal or informal language.