What gender is a cat in English? - briefly
In English, cats are typically referred to as "she" or "her." This is because many people assume cats are female by default, but it's important to know that a cat's gender can only be determined by physical examination or genetic testing.
What gender is a cat in English? - in detail
In the English language, the term "cat" is considered grammatically neutral, meaning it does not inherently possess a gender. This is because cats, like many other animals and objects in English, are referred to using the pronoun "it." For example, one would say "The cat is sleeping," rather than assigning a gender-specific pronoun such as "he" or "she" unless the cat's sex is known or specified.
However, when referring to a specific cat whose sex is identified, English speakers often use gender-specific pronouns and terms. A male cat is typically called a "tom," while a female cat is referred to as a "queen." For instance, one might say, "The tomcat is very playful," or "The queen cat is very protective of her kittens."
It's also worth noting that the use of gender-neutral language has become increasingly common in recent years. Some people prefer to use gender-neutral pronouns such as "they" when referring to a cat whose sex is unknown, for example: "The cat is sleeping; they seem very content."
In summary, while cats are generally referred to with the neutral pronoun "it," specific terms and pronouns can be used based on the identified sex of the cat. This flexibility in language allows English speakers to accurately describe and discuss these beloved animals without imposing a gender where none is specified.