What's with the cat? - briefly
"The phrase 'What's with the cat?' is an idiomatic expression used to inquire about someone's behavior or attitude, similar to asking 'What's going on?' or 'Why are you acting that way?'"
What's with the cat? - in detail
The phrase "What's with the cat?" is a colloquial expression that has evolved from its literal meaning into a more idiomatic usage in English. Originally, this phrase would have been used to inquire about the current state or behavior of a feline. However, over time, it has taken on a broader, figurative meaning.
In contemporary English, "What's with the cat?" is often used rhetorically to express confusion, disbelief, or skepticism about a situation or someone's actions. The phrase can be interpreted as asking why something is happening in a certain way or why someone is behaving unusually. For example, if a person is acting strangely at a party, another person might say "What's with the cat?" to express their puzzlement over the behavior.
It's important to note that this idiomatic usage is informal and should be used cautiously in formal settings. Additionally, the use of "cat" in this context does not actually refer to a feline; it is simply a colloquial term that has been adopted to convey a sense of mystery or confusion about a situation.
In summary, while "What's with the cat?" began as a literal question about a cat, its modern usage has shifted to become an idiomatic expression used to indicate puzzlement over unusual behavior or situations.