Translation guide
The animal 'cat' is 猫 (ねこ). For idiomatic or metaphorical uses, see the meanings below.
猫
cat (animal)
Referring to the domestic feline animal.
The standard word for a cat. Can be used for both pet cats and cats in general.
うちの猫はとてもかわいいです。
Our cat is very cute.
あの猫は野良猫です。
That cat is a stray cat.
Often written in katakana in scientific or stylistic contexts, or when emphasizing the animal as a species.
ネコ科の動物
animals of the cat family
A cute, affectionate term for a cat, similar to 'kitty'.
にゃんこがソファで寝てる。
The kitty is sleeping on the sofa.
Describing a person who likes cats.
Literally 'cat-liker'. A common way to say someone is a cat person.
私は猫好きです。
I'm a cat person.
Used when contrasting with dog people, as in 'cat faction'.
犬派ですか、猫派ですか。
Are you a dog person or a cat person?
Describing someone or something as cat-like.
An i-adjective meaning 'cat-like' or 'feline'. Can describe appearance or behavior.
彼女の目は猫っぽい。
Her eyes are cat-like.
Literally 'cat eyes', often used to describe a certain eye shape or makeup style.
猫目メイクが流行っている。
Cat-eye makeup is popular.
Common Japanese expressions involving cats.
Literally 'even want to borrow a cat's paws', meaning extremely busy and wanting any help available.
年末は猫の手も借りたいほど忙しい。
At the end of the year, I'm so busy I could use any help I can get.
Literally 'to wear a cat', meaning to feign innocence or pretend to be meek.
Literally 'gold coins to a cat', equivalent to 'pearls before swine'.
English slang like 'cool cat' does not translate directly. Use かっこいい人 or other appropriate terms instead.
He acts all innocent in front of his boss.
Giving him expensive wine is like casting pearls before swine.