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What Is a Female Cat Called? A female cat is called a “queen,” particularly when she is pregnant or caring for kittens.
This terminology originates from the respectful way cats have been treated historically.
The term “queen” is most often used by breeders and in veterinary contexts.
However, in everyday language, female cats are simply called cats or by their specific names.
Understanding Cat Terminology
In the realm of feline care, understanding cat terminology is essential, particularly when distinguishing between male and female cats.
Female cats are referred to as “queens,” a term that signifies their role during pregnancy or nursing, highlighting their responsibilities as caregivers for their kittens.
This designation is especially important in breeding contexts, where breeders use “queen” to differentiate females from males, known as “toms,” when discussing breeding programs and the health of pregnant cats.
Once a female cat is spayed, a procedure that prevents unwanted pregnancies and offers various health benefits, she typically ceases to be called a “queen” and is simply referred to as a cat.
Spaying not only helps control the cat population but also reduces the risk of certain reproductive cancers and other health issues, contributing to a longer and healthier life for female felines.
According to Dr. Debra Primovic, a veterinarian, “The term ‘queen’ gives us an insight into the cat’s behavior during pregnancy and motherhood. Female cats, particularly in the wild, are fiercely protective of their young, which is why the name fits so well. They act like queens of their domain, ensuring the safety and well-being of their kittens.”
For more information on cat reproduction, see our guide on feline breeding.
What’s a female cat called in other countries?
In different countries and languages, a female cat is known by various names. Here are some examples of how a female cat is referred to in different regions.
- United Kingdom and Ireland: In the UK and Ireland, a female cat is commonly referred to as a “queen,” “dam,” or “molly.”
- France: In France, a female cat is identified as “chatte” or “chatte femelle,” with “chatte” specifically denoting a female cat.
- Spain: In Spain, a female cat is known as “gata” or “gata hembra,” where “gata” specifically indicates a female cat, while “gato” is used for males.
- Italy: In Italy, a female cat is referred to as “gatta” or “gatta femmina,” with “gatta” specifically signifying a female cat.
- Japan: In Japan, a female cat is called “mesu neko” or “onna no koneko,” where “mesu neko” translates to female cat and “onna no koneko” means female kitten.
- Russia: In Russia, a female cat is termed “koshka” or “koshka kot,” with “koshka” being the general term for a female cat and “koshka kot” providing a more affectionate reference.
