7 Ways to Say ‘Cat’ in Spanish
When acquiring animal terminology, the majority of Spanish speakers are aware thatgatois the literal translation of the word ‘cat.’ In other cases, however, individuals may find themselves in a scenario where they wish to expand their Spanish vocabulary and have a variety of words with which to refer to their pets. In order to avoid confusion, people may want to know how to pronounce ‘cat’ in Spanish. Here are some frequent Spanish terms to pronounce ‘cat,’ which vary depending on the formality of the occasion and the location of the Spanish-speaking country in question:
- The characters Gato, Michi, Gatito, Minino, Micifuz, Miso, and Morrongo are cats. Minino is a cat, while Micifuz is a Kitty cat. Gato is a Kitty cat.
Every one of these words is a distinct way of saying the word ‘cat’ in Spanish. Some of these words, on the other hand, are only appropriate for informal talks or are only used in a few Spanish-speaking nations. As a result, in the following sections, you’ll discover a description of how and when to utilize each of the phrases listed above. By the end of this course, you will have expanded your Spanish vocabulary by knowing a variety of ways to express ‘cat,’ as well as being able to convey your feelings for your pet cat.
1. Gato –Cat
As you may be aware, the word gato is the most common way to pronounce ‘cat’ in Spanish. Because of this, you will be allowed to use this word in any Spanish-speaking country throughout the world. Something to bear in mind is that, while the term ‘cat’ may apply to both male and female cats in English, in Spanish you will need to pick betweengato andgata if you want a female cat. What is the proper name for tugato? What is the name of your cat? The neighbor’s house is ungatomuy beautiful. The next-door neighbor has a really attractive cat.
I’m planning on taking my cat to the veterinarian.
Cats are quite popular among my sister’s friends.
In this context, these terms are used to allude to a servant or to suggest that someone is too tacky or commonplace in their appearance or behavior.
2. Gatito / Gatita –Kitty / Kitten
Gatito andgatita are two more conventional phrases that may be used to express the word ‘cat’ in Spanish. When we talk about kittens, we usually refer to them as “gatitos” or “gatitas,” respectively. However, they are often used as an endearing term to refer to cats of all shapes and sizes, including little cats. This has resulted in a variety of translations for the words ‘gatto’ and “gatita,” depending on the context. “Kitty” can be rendered as “cat” or “kitten.” Keep in mind that you will also use the terms ‘gatito’ for male cats and ‘gatita’ for female cats in this situation.
You have a very attractive kitty!
My next-door neighbor’s dog had a lot of gnats on her. My next-door neighbor’s cat produced a litter of kittens. Have you noticed that a child has been esegatito? Did you notice how little thatkitty is? Dosgatitaspersas were given to me by my boyfriend. Two Persiancats were given to me by my lover.
3. Minino / Minina –Kitty cat / Kitty
Minino and minina are two alternative Spanish terms that may be used to express the word ‘cat.’ Despite the fact that they are still widely used, these terms are a little more casual and cutesy than the words ‘gato’ and ‘gatito’. The phrases’minino’ and’minina’ are particularly endearing terms for children. Cat, kitten, and kitten cat are all possible translations for these terms. Minino, please come here. Come on over here, kitty cat! It is necessary for you to visit a submininoal veterinarian.
It bothers me when tumininase descends into the sillones.
My friends are considering adopting a child from the foster care system.
4. Michi –Cat
Mexico’s colloquial term for cat, michi, has emerged as the most often used way to refer to the animal nowadays. Michael is a really lovable cat that is highly popular on social media, where you can find him on shared content that is linked to cats, among other things. You can, however, utilize this phrase in your everyday interactions. Unlike the other terms on this list, the word’michi’ may be used to refer to both female and male cats, as well as kittens. Beyond its widespread use in Mexico,’michi’ is also well-known in Peru, and in other Spanish-speaking nations, it may be found in the following forms: Have you ever been to Almichi?
Have you seen the cat?
I enjoy sleeping in my bed with a mimichile.
Do you know what race the losmichisde Claudia are?
5. Micifuz –Cat / Kitty
If you’re looking for a humorous and casual way to pronounce ‘cat,’ the wordmicifuz is a good choice. In addition to being a naming convention for your pets, this colloquial word may be used as a means of refering to or conversing with cats whose names are unfamiliar. In Spanish-speaking nations, the expression ‘Micifuz’ is often used; nonetheless, it is only appropriate for casual talks. ‘micifuz’ can be interpreted as either ‘cat’ or ‘kitty’, depending on the context in which it is used. Changes occur in the arena of demicifuz Change the litter box for the cat.
- Kitty, please come here so that I may feed you.
- Did you happen to notice what thecatis is up to?
- Is there still food available for the cat, or need I bring more?
- As a consequence, even if your cat already has a name, you may use this phrase as a humorous manner to refer to him as a result of this.
6. Morrongo –Cat
Although morrongo is not as well-known as some of the other terms on our list, it is nonetheless an informal phrase that Spanish people use to refer to a cat. Morrongo is mostly used in Mexico and Argentina as a synonym for the word “cat.” You can use this term to refer to kittens or to adult cats depending on your preference. Elmorrongode mi hermano is un amigo que es muy carioso. It’s no secret that my brother is quite loving. Mamá, do you have any idea where Elmorrongo has disappeared to? Mom, do you happen to know where thecatis are?
My cousin has a large number of cats at her residence.
Take a look at the toys that I purchased for thecat.
In Colombia and Spain, this word can be used to characterize someone who is sluggish or unproductive. Additionally, in Mexico, it can be used to refer to someone who works as a butcher’s helper.
7. Miso –Cat
Miso is a colloquial phrase in the Dominican Republic that literally translates as ‘cat.’ As a consequence, you may use this phrase in informal discussions to refer to cats in a unique and distinctive way. You may use’miso’ to refer to your pet or cats in general, just like you can with the other terms on this list. Elmisorompo is the name of my wife’s garden. My wife’s vase was broken by the cat. Nuestromisoes is a really peaceful place. Ourcatis is really calm. How many misostienes do you have?
Is it okay if I play with elmiso, Abuela?
Wrapping Up
Cats are referred to in a variety of ways by various people in different languages. As a result, in this post, we’ve provided you with 7 popular Spanish terms that may be used to express the word “cat.” Despite the fact that these terms are not names, they are nonetheless useful when talking about your cat or the cat of someone else. You may now express your feelings towards Micifuz by utilizing your Spanish language skills.
Check out the translation for “cat” on SpanishDict!
1(domestic) gatoagata(m)(f); gatoagata(m)(f); agata (lion etc) afelinato putorset the cat among the pigeons; felinoafelina(m)(f); afelinato putorset the cat among the pigeons The birds are swarming around Putorset the cat! The dogs have been dancing as a result of this; the gorda has already been armed. (informal) His appearance resembled that of something the cat had carried or dragged into the room, which had resulted in a disaster. Take a peek at what the cat brought or dragged into the house!
- If you like what you’re saying, get out of here.
- ‘Now look at what the cat has dragged in,’ Jeannie says, nodding to let the cat to escape from the bagirse de la lengua.
- The entire pastel has been discovered.
- The largest sex scandal in years was on its way to engulfing the administration, making it look like a cat on hot bricks or a rat on a hot tin roof.
- On his face, maybe more obviously than on the faces of his colleagues, is the expression of the cat that ate the canary.
- waiting to see which direction the peras will fall Whisker or jammies for the cat She believes he is the cat’s pyjamasorwhisker, and she is right.
- Come on, give me a response!
- When the cat isn’t there, the mice will entertain themselves.
- Nescats have a total of nine lives.
- While riding in the engine compartment of his owner’s automobile at 70 miles per hour, Jake, the Burmese cat, used up the most of his nine lives.
- Cats have a limited lifespan of nine lifetimes.
Mr. Major is down to his final few days. I’m starting to feel like a cat with nine lives. 2(US)(person) toata(informal)(m)(f); atatipoatipa(informal)(m)(f); atipa(informal)(m)(f); atipa(informal)(m)(f); He’s a really great dude. cates un tio en el mar de agua dulce (informal)
How to say cat in Spanish
More Spanish terms for cat may be found at gato.com.
elgatonoun | |
jack,tomcat | |
lagatanoun | |
cat | |
elfelinonoun | |
feline | |
TAOabbreviation | |
cat |
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Also available in English
scaredy cat | |
miedoso | |
dog and cat | |
perro y gato | |
cat litter | |
arena para gatos | |
crazy cat | |
gato loco | |
stray cat | |
gato callejero | |
black cat | |
gato negro | |
cat food | |
comida de gato | |
big catphrase | |
gato grande,felino de gran tamaño | |
fat cat | |
gato gordo | |
wild cat | |
gato salvaje |
Words that are similar
house catnoun | |
casa de gato,gato domiciliario | |
felinenoun | |
felino | |
moggynoun | |
gatito | |
lynxnoun | |
lince |
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How to Say Cat in Spanish
Catin is a Spanish word that means “cat.”
Example Sentences
- This will be a big hit with the migatole. This will be a hit with my cat. There’s an ungatoen in my house, according to the source. There’s a cat in my house right now. Losgatos can be seen in the darkness, according to the source. Cats are able to see in the dark., Acat is able to see in the dark. Elgato has two orejas, according to the source. The cat has two ears on either side of its head. We have a dog and an ungato, according to the source. We have a dog and a cat as pets. Source: Estegato is now cooking. Thiscatis something to eat. There is no such thing as an ungato. There is no such thing as acat. Source: That’s not an ungato, that’s a perro, says the author. That’s not a cat at all. That’s a canine. Ungato has two orejas, according to the source. Acathas two ears on each side. He has ungatoblanco hair, according to the source. He owns a white cat as a pet. This is a migato, according to the source. That’s mycat, and this is mycat as well. This is not an ungato situation. It’s a dog, by the way. This isn’t a cat at all. This is a canine. Migatome is following up on the lead. Mycatis is following me everywhere. The source says, “Every morning and evening, I force him to eat migato.” Every morning and every evening, I feed mycatevery. The alfombra was stuffed with deer hair, according to the source. Cathair had been used to cover the rug. Source: I’m an ungatoy who doesn’t have a name yet. My name is acat. I haven’t decided on a name yet. Every person on the planet wishes to be a migato, according to the source. My kitty is adored by everyone. The escritorio is unlocked, according to the source. There’s a cat beneath the desk, you know. Take a look at what the elgato brought in with him. Take a look at what thecatdragged into the room. Source
Are you looking for something a little more visually appealing? Please see below for an infographic on the subject of Cat in Spanish, which includes example phrases and translations.
Useful Links
- SpanishDict, WordReference, Wiktionary, Google Translate, Tatoeba, bab.la, Glosbe, Linguee, and other online resources
Do you have a question or a criticism regarding Catin Spanish? Contact us. Please let us know!
Meow! The Ultimate Vocabulary Guide to Your Cat in Spanish
If you’re a cat lover who’s studying Spanish, it’s likely that you’ll want to express your affection for your cat in Spanish. To be honest, it’s entirely reasonable when you realize how adorable and great cats can be! As cat enthusiasts, the first thing we do when we meet someone is ask them whether they have a cat: “Do you have a cat?” Do you have a cat of your own? Alternatively, do you enjoy cats? Do you have a soft spot for cats? Cats make excellent friends because they are “purrfect.” They are deserving of appreciation in any language, in any country, everywhere in the globe.
A Brief Feline History
A frequent misunderstanding is that cats were tamed by humans as a means of dealing with rats and mice that preyed on crops. This is not true. Recent research, on the other hand, show that humans did not domesticate cats, but rather that they domesticated themselves. Cats, like dogs, profited from living in close proximity to people because they had easy access to shelter and food sources. In exchange, they offered pest control services for human settlements on the island. Let’s put these intriguing feline facts to use in our Spanish practice: The cats were domesticated by themselves.
- The relationship between cats and humans is centuries old!
- Due to the fact that it was easier for them to feed and shelter with humans, the wolves began to coexist with humans.
- So you now see why cats have become such a popular companion animal for humans.
- Let’s speak about it in more detail in the next part!
Basic Information About Cats in Spanish
Having learnt a little about the history of cats, it’s time to talk about what cats actually are. Their name derives from the latin “catus,” which was then shortened to “cat” in English and “gato” in Spanish, respectively. Cats are scientifically known as “felis silvestris catus,” although they are more popularly referred to as “domestic cats” or “house cats,” as well as “feral cats” or “savejes” (feral cats or stray cats) (feral or farm cats). Cats are the only carnivorous animals from the felidae family that have been domesticated.
In Spanish, the terms el gato and la gata refer to the male and female cat, respectively.
However, you may hear certain Spanish slang phrases for cats, such as michi, mishi, mishito, and michu, when people are talking about cats. Those are informal variations of pronouncing the word “cat” in Spanish.
La Anatomía Del Gato –Cat Anatomy
The anatomy of the cat is quite similar to the anatomy of larger felines, such as tigers and lions, in terms of structure and function. Let’s have a look at the Spanish names for the various cat body parts:
Spanish | English |
La cabeza | Head |
Los ojos | Eyes |
La pupila | Pupil |
La nariz | Nose |
La boca / El hocico | Mouth/ snout |
Los colmillos | Fangs |
Las muelas | Grinders |
La lengua | Tongue |
Las orejas | Ears |
Los bigotes | Whiskers |
El tórax | Thorax |
Las patas | Legs |
Las garras | Claws |
Las garras retractiles | Retractable claws |
Las almohadillas | Paws |
La cola | Tail |
El pelaje | Fur |
Los huesos | Bones |
La “bolsa del vientre” | “Belly pouch” |
El Ciclo de Vida Gatuno– Cat Life Cycle
Cats begin their lives as agatitos (kittens) incamadas (litters), which are groups of four to six kittens. The mother of a litter of kittens, known in Spanish as an orcamada de gatitos, is extremely important since kittens are blind for around 10 days after they are born. Kittens can be adopted by other families after the third month since they have begun to behave like adult cats, have learned how to live, and have begun to groom themselves. Once the cat has reached the age of one year, it is called an adult.
Cats that have been sterilized often live for more than 12 years if they are kept at home the most of the time.
Razas de Gatos –Cat Breeds
Now that you’ve learned everything there is to know about your cat, it’s time to learn about other cat breeds. It is estimated that there are 60 different cat breeds, and this blog article will highlight a few of the more popular ones. Check out this cat breeds website to discover more about this subject matter.
1.El Gato Abisinio
The Abyssinian cat (also known as the Abyssinian cat) is a famous cat breed due to its physical beauty and behavior. The origin of this graceful cat may be traced back to Egypt, but its name derives from Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), where the first cat of this breed to be displayed in England was a cat of this breed.
2.El Gato Azul Ruso
After World War II, the Russian blue (sometimes known as “Russian blue”) was created in England and Scandinavia, where it is still used today. The dazzling silver hair of this cat makes it easy to identify it amid the crowd. It is an inquisitive, peaceful, kind, and intellectual breed, and it is also sensitive to the emotions of humans.
3.El Gato Mau Árabe
The Arabian mau is said to have originated in the Arab desert. El mau árabe has adapted to the harsh climate of the Arabian Peninsula, and he can survive in the desert. A short coat of hair and a big and solid body shape distinguish this creature. Known for its caring demeanor, this cat breed is devoted to and kind toward its human companion. The Arabian mau is a social cat that enjoys communicating through meowing.
4.El Gato Siamés Tradicional
The traditional Siamese, also known as a Thai cat, orSiames tradicional in Spanish, is a gregarious and noisy cat that enjoys being around people. The blue eyes, black extremities, and light body color of the typical Siamese cat are the cat’s most distinguishing qualities. The name of this breed derives from the country of its origin, Siam, which is now part of modern-day Thailand.
5.El Gato Toyger
Essentially, this cat is a cross between a Bengal and a short-haired cat. In the United States, toyger breeding began in the late 1980s and is still going on today. The Toyger has the appearance of a tiny tiger. They’re outgoing, pleasant, and love spending time with other people, which is rare.
They get along well with other animals and are quite clever. Do you want to know what some additional cat breed names are? Here is a small list of other breeds that might be used while speaking about cats in Spanish:
Spanish | English |
El gato americano de pelo duro | American wirehair cat |
El gato balinés | Balinese-Javanese cat |
El gato bobtail japonés de pelo largo | Japanese bobtail |
El gato bombay | Bombay cat |
El gato bosque de siberia | Siberian cat |
El gato fold escosés | Scottish fold cat |
El gato korat | Korat cat |
El gato manx | Manx cat |
El gato mau egipcio | Egiptian mau cat |
El gato munchkin | Munchkin cat |
El gato persa de pelo largo | Persian cat |
El gato ragdoll | Ragdoll cat |
El gato savannah | Savannah cat |
El gato somalí | Somali cat |
El gato tonkinese | Tonkinese cat |
El gato van turco | Turkis van cat |
Each cat is an individual in its own right. Their fur texture and color vary, as do their eyes, which are a variety of colors. However, one thing that all domestic cats have in common is the manner in which they interact with humans.
Cat Communication in Spanish
Cats, on the other hand, do not converse or talk in Spanish. This section contains information on the names of the noises that cats produce to communicate with people, as well as what such sounds are referred to as in the Spanish language.
Cat Sounds
El maullido (Meow) is the most fundamental sound that a cat can make. As a result of how easily it can be identified as a cat sound, some ancient civilizations named the cat after this sound. Adult cats meow to communicate with human beings. Cats meow to ask for food, for a door to be opened for them, or just to say hello. Kittens useel maullido de socorro(Distress Mew)to get the attention of their mom in dangerous situations. This high-pitched meow varies in length, volume, and intensity. El bufido(Hiss)is the sound cats make when defending themselves to threaten their opponent.
- Sometimes they also spit while doing this.
- The cat uses These sounds to intimidate their opponent and show they are about to attack.
- Cat experts theorize that cats purr as a way to relax themselves, show that they are comfortable, and accelerate healing when they’re sick.
- Cats also use it to greet each other or their human friends.
- Cats make it when they’re in a playful and excited mood—or when they are stalking prey that they can’t reach.
Example Sentences
When my mother returned from the market, I turned my attention to my cat, Trinar. When my mother returned from the market, I could hear my cat trilling. Roco was unable to sleep last night due to the presence of two cats grazing outside his bedroom window. It was difficult for Rocio to go asleep last night since two cats were snarling in the vicinity of her window. Fernando was riding his bicycle when he heard a siren calling for help. It turned out to be a lost rat in a field near the highway, which Fernando tracked down.
When my ronronea cat sees me, he makes me happy since he knows that I trust him.
Because there was a pájaro outside the window, my cat went into a cacaro mode for the first time.
No matter how long it has passed, I will never forget how entertaining the sound was. The first time my cat began to chatter was when he noticed a bird through the open window. The sound will stay with me forever since it was so amusing.
Comportamiento Gatuno– Cat Behavior
In addition to their vocalizations, cats interact with people and with other cats through their body language and behavior. Here are some Spanish sentences to help you learn more about this while also improving your fluency! The colas and orejas of the cats are a good indicator of their level of agitation. Cats’ tails and ears communicate their emotions. The tigers fight among themselves, which might result in fights amongst the tigers. Cats like playing with one another, which can result in fights.
- Despite the fact that cats are nocturnal, they sleep throughout the day and are more active at night.
- This is referred to as social aseo.
- This is referred to as “social grooming.” Despite the fact that they urinate in the water, cats are among the cleanest animals due to the fact that they asean on a regular basis.
- When the cats are relaxed and satisfied, they make a motion similar to that of a cat eating a piece of bread.
- The movement of cats when they are comfortable and satisfied is similar to that of a baker kneading dough.
Personalidades Gatunas– Cat Personalities
As a cat lover, you are well aware that each cat has an own personality (personality). Make use of these adjectives to describe the characteristics of your cat in Spanish.
Spanish | English |
Mi gato/gata es… | My cat is… |
Dormilón / Dormilona | Sleepy |
Enojón / Enojona | Angry |
Cariñoso/a | Affectionate |
Gordo/a | Fat |
Fiel | Trusty |
Perezoso/a | Lazy |
Amigable | Friendly |
Tonto/a | Silly |
Asustadizo/a | Skittish |
Viejo/a | Old |
Joven | Young |
Inteligente | Intelligent |
Astuto/a | Cunning |
Negro/a | Black |
Blanco/a | White |
Moteado/a | Spotted |
Example Sentences
I’m the owner of a stray cat. I have a black cat of my own. My sister’s kitty is a really old creature. It is only after that that he can get out of bed. My sister’s cat is over the hill in years. He can’t even get out of bed without help. We came upon a stray cat that was distressed along the river. Near the river, we came across a kitten that seemed a little wary. Pamela’s cat, Pamela, is a lovable rascal. Pamela’s cat has gained a significant amount of weight. All of the cats are dormilones, even the puppies.
My cat is really intelligent.
My cat is a master at deception.
What else do cats love doing when they are not resting, grooming themselves, or eating?
Juguetes, Accesorios y Comida para Gato
In their natural state, cats are hunters, which implies that the games they play are generally motivated by their desire to hunt. However, there are a variety of additional goods that cats love using to keep themselves entertained.
Spanish | English |
Los juguetes para gato | Cat toys |
Los ratones de plástico | Plastic mice |
Los ovillos de lana | Balls of yarn |
Las cañas de pescar | Fishing rod |
Los cascabeles | Jingle bell |
Los peluches/ Muñecos de felpa | Plush dolls |
Los rascadores | Scratchers |
Las torres rascadoras | Scratch towers |
Los láser de juguete | Toy lasers |
Las bolsas de plástico | Plastic bags |
Los calcetines o las calcetas | Socks |
Las cajas de cartón | Cardboard boxes |
Las bandas para el cabello | Hair bands |
Las pelotas | Balls |
La hierba de gato | Catnip |
Las manos | Hands |
Los pies | Feet |
You may have noticed that there are some unusual items mentioned in the vocabulary section above, but the reality is that cats are known to play with nearly anything.
Don’t forget to grab your cat somecomida mojada (wet food), an unacaja de arena (litter box), and somecroquetas de gato (cat toys) when you’re out shopping (cat food).
Download FREE Cats in Spanish Crossword Puzzle!
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Cat Names in Spanish
Give your dogs adorable names that are simple to remember and pronounce. From one place to another, and from one language to another, popular pet names for pets may be found. Here’s a quick list of suggestions for cat names in Spanish that you might like:
Michi | Misifús |
Michito | Pelusa |
Peludo | Tigre |
Tigresa | Simba |
Nala | Aslan |
Mia | Isis |
Kitty | Silvestre |
Nene | Matute |
Zeus | Magnus |
Cassata | Mauricio |
Tito | Timón |
Suertudo | Rayas |
Luna | Noche |
Motas | Manchas |
Don’t Let the Cat Get Your Tongue!
Improve your communication skills now by conversing about your cat in Spanish with a professional, native-speaking instructor who speaks fluent English. We at Homeschool Spanish Academy have more than ten years of experience teaching Spanish, and we provide flexible scheduling, customized Spanish packages, and even high school Spanish credits. Contact us now to learn more. Lastly and maybe most crucially, everything you require so that the next time you practice your Spanish, the kitty does not attack your tongue.
Ready to learn more Spanish vocabulary? Check these out!
I’m a native Spanish speaker from Guatemala who holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Teaching Sunday school in my leisure time is something I like doing, as is learning and sharing good information with others. I’m a cat lover that gets giddy when I see cartoons, anime, or play video games on my computer. Aside from digital illustration and animation, I dabble with other mediums. The opportunity to share my culture, customs, food, and religious beliefs with others, while also learning about theirs, provides me with great inspiration.
10 Ways to say “cat” in Spanish like a native speaker
After taking a basic Spanish course or traveling to one of the breathtaking sites that Latin America has to offer, you’re probably familiar with enough of the language to order food, ask for directions, and even know what the Spanish term for cat is. Certainly, you’re aware that the locals refer to those cute little fuzzy felines as “gatos,” but did you know there are a slew of other ways to refer to a cat in Spanish? Now, before we go any farther and begin studying the many names that these interesting animals have been given throughout the Spanish-speaking globe, there are a few things I’d want you to take note of before we continue.
Let’s get started learning about the several names for cats in Spanish, whether it’s your beloved pet or a stray you come across on your nightly walk around the neighborhood.
1 Gato – Gatito
Quite self-explanatory, don’t you think? If you’re reading this blog, it’s likely that you’re already familiar with the fundamentals of the Spanish language, therefore the term “gato” will present no difficulties for you. But what about the dreaded “gatito”? This term is often used in one of two ways: “gatito” can refer to one of the following:
- A kitten (there is no actual equivalent for the word “kitten” in Spanish)
- A newborn cat (there is no genuine equivalent for the word “kitten” in Spanish)
- A small phrase that is generally used to indicate affection or pity
As an illustration:
- ¿Qué pequeño gato tan dulce! ¡Qué pequeño gato tan dulce
- Pobre gato callejero, está empapado por la lluvia! Poor little stray cat, it’s soaked by the rain
2 Michi
Have you ever gotten a kick out of any of the cute cat videos that Mexicans put on the internet? Take a look at some videos if you haven’t already; if you have, you’ve most likely heard this term more than once. Over the past several years, this phrase has gained in favor among Latin American youngsters as a way to refer to a cat in the native language. You could be tempted to dismiss it as a throwaway line from the millenial generation, but think again. This term derives from ancient Mayan, otomi, andnáhuatl cultures in North and South America, respectively.
These civilizations invented the terms “mixi” and “miztli” to refer to their cats, which are still in use today. This term is probably older than the United States of America itself, if you think about it.
3 Gathijo
Have you ever gone to your aunt’s place and seen how she occasionally treats her guests as if they are children rather than pets? (You know, the one with the ten cats she has rescued from the streets over the course of a few decades?) When you go to see her, here’s a phrase you might use to describe your experience. It is a fairly common word currently among native speakers, and it describes cats that have been given human characteristics by their owners, who love them as if they are their own children and spoil them whenever they get the chance.
This phrase was coined as a result of the current trend among younger couples to forego having children because of the financial burden it would entail, and instead to adopt a pet that they can care for.
4 Minino
In Colombia, this is a relatively common term. If you ever find yourself in this wonderful nation and need to refer to someone’s cat in Spanish, this is probably the word that will give you the best chance of doing it properly (other thangato, of course). “Minino,” like “Michi,” has a fascinating etymological history that dates back thousands of years. This phrase stems from the Latin word “musio,” which refers to cats as “mice hunters” or “mice catchers.”
5 Morrongo
While not uncommon to hear, it might be difficult to pronounce in some situations. If your original language is English, or any other language that does not include the famed Spanish “erre” or rr sound, this is especially true for you. Related: How to roll your Rs in Spanish (with pictures). People in various nations use the term “morrongo” as a substitute for the adjectives “lazy” and “slow” when describing themselves. This adjective is used as a nickname for cats by their owners. And, as you may be aware, cats are known to be sluggish and drowsy throughout the day, thus this description is ideal for them.
- Greetings, Morrongo. How did you spend your day without me? Hello, kitten
- How was your day without me
- Do you have anything else to do but eat and sleep, Morrongo?: In other words, you don’t do anything other than eat and sleep, kitten.
6 Gatico
Greetings, Morrongo, and thank you for visiting. What was your day like without me? If you didn’t do anything else but eat and sleep, Morrongo, how was your day without me?: In other words, kitten, you don’t do anything other than eat and sleep.
- Gatito: gati c o
- Gatito: gati c o Tomatito (little tomato) is pronounced tomati c o.
While you are aware of this little linguistic alteration, you will be less likely to be perplexed when traveling to these nations. Have a good time and remember to live life to the fullest!
7 Cuchito
Interestingly, this is the first term on our list that is not an actual Spanish word for “cat,” but rather a manner of attracting a cat’s attention, a sort of “call to attention.” As an illustration:
- It is time to eat your food, Cuchito, Cuchito!: Here, tiny cat, come and eat your food
- (Spanish)
We had to use some sort of term in order to catch your cat’s attention, didn’t we? Particularly because, in contrast to dogs, they are more autonomous and more prone to be out of sight on a regular basis.
While it is not a frequent term to refer to your cat in countries such as Mexico, for example, you will most likely hear it rather regularly in Chile and Colombia, among other places. Related: How to pronounce “dog” in Spanish like a native speaker (with 20 examples).
8 Felino
Growing up, my mother would always tell me, “Get off that fence, you are not a cat, you are about to fall!” which translated as “Get off that fence, you are about to fall!” and she was always correct, which was bad since she was always right. A good surprise was learning that in areas like Chile, this name is not only used to refer to all cat-like creatures, but also to domestic cats, which was a wonderful surprise. Chileans use this word rather loosely, and it’s not usually used to refer to one’s own pet cat, but rather to cats in general in their everyday speech.
- ‘Mira ese felino negro,’ they say, since they have bad luck!: Take a look at that black cat
- Some believe it to be a terrible omen.
9 Mau– Miau
An informal Spanish term for a cat used frequently in Colombia. It is often pronounced as “Miau,” and it is frequently used throughout the country to refer to both pets and stray animals, according to some sources. As you might have guessed, the term “cat” originated from the sound that cats make. You may think of it as the Spanish equivalent of the word “Meow.” This term is quite popular among children, maybe because it is so straightforward and intuitive to refer to a cat in this manner. As an illustration:
- Mamá, take a look at the miau/mau that got stuck in the window
- It’s so beautiful!: Mom, take a look at that gorgeous cat who has just crept into the house via the window
10.Niño/Niña Finally, but certainly not least, we have “nio/nia.” When it comes to addressing one’s cat, this is undoubtedly the sweetest and most representative gesture of devotion one can make. A common word of endearment among cat owners in Latin America is to refer to their small furry pets in this manner. This is something along the lines of “Gathijo,” and it strengthens the strong sense of devotion that pet owners have for their cats when they call them by their Spanish names.
- What is it, my son, that you don’t want to eat? If you continue to behave in this manner, I will have to take you to the veterinarian.: Oh, my love, why aren’t you eating? If you continue to behave in this manner, I will have to take you to the veterinarian.
Conclusion
The ability to speak the language so quickly and with such a wide range of vocabulary may have you believing that native Spanish speakers possess some type of special aptitude. However, now that you’ve finished reading this, you’re one step closer to achieving mastery. Referred to as 3 Shocking Reasons Why Spaniard Native Speakers Talk So Fast For You (Even If You’ve Taken Years of Spanish Lessons in the Past). When traveling to Latin America, whether you’re a dog or a cat person, you may now use these terms to blend in and feel comfortable.
- Alternatively, you may visit the Angel of Independence in Mexico City and touch some stray “Michis,” who seem to like receiving back massages and attention. See what you can find on the Costa Rican forest zip lines and see if you can identify any “gaticos” in the jungle as you glide through the lush greenery. Attempt to pay your aunt a visit and inquire as to the names of her “gathijos” and the circumstances behind their adoption.
However, even if you have no plans to accomplish any of those things in the near future, the beauty of the Spanish language is that it can be used wherever. You may use your own cat to practice your newly learned terms, and you could even start calling her “nio” or “nia” if she’s a female to make her feel more at home. As a result, the next time you visit to any of these locations, you’ll be able to amaze both your traveling companions and the natives. I’m confident that you’ll have a fantastic time!
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