Cats have long captivated our hearts and homes with their mysterious charm and endearing behaviors. Yet, in the vast world of feline friends, there exists a distinct gender divide. While many are familiar with the term “cat” to refer to these graceful creatures, the male cat is known by several different terms.
What is a male cat called?
A male cat is commonly known as a tomcat or a tom. Some people use the term “Full Tom” to refer to a tomcat who is intact or has not been neutered.
The term “tomcat” refers specifically to a male cat, typically one that has reached sexual maturity.
This word has its origins in the Middle Ages, where “tom” was a common name given to male animals, much like “jenny” for female animals.
Over time, “tomcat” became the standard designation for male cats, distinguishing them from female cats.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary also gives the term Ram Cat as a name for a male cat, although this is generally used to refer to an intact (unneutered) male cat or Full Tom.
What do you call a breeding male cat?
Just like “dam” is used for a breeding female cat, you’ll find that there are special terms among breeders for male cats used to produce litters of kittens.
A tomcat that’s used for breeding is a “stud” while a cat who is the father of a litter is a “sire.”
What do you call a neutered male cat?
When a tomcat is neutered, he becomes a gib. This term isn’t used much anymore; it is also used to refer to an old tomcat.
British veterinarian Grace Elliott has an interesting article on the history of the term gib (which can also be gyb or gibbe). Most people won’t know what you mean if you use the term gib to describe your neutered male cat.
A neutered male cat can also be called a “gelded cat” or simply a “neutered cat.” If, for example, I were to describe our cat Lucky, I’d say he’s a “neutered male cat.”
What is a Tomcat Called in Other Countries?
In different countries and cultures, the term for a male cat, particularly an unneutered one, can vary. Here are some examples of what tomcats are called in other countries:
- United Kingdom and Ireland: In the UK and Ireland, male cats are also commonly referred to as “tomcats,” similar to the term used in the United States.
- Australia: In Australia, male cats are often called “tomcats” as well, which reflects the British influence on the country’s language.
- Germany: In Germany, a male cat is known as a “Kater.” The term “Kater” is commonly used for both neutered and unneutered male cats.
- France: In France, a male cat is called a “chat” or “chat mâle.” The word “chat” is used for both male and female cats, with “chat mâle” specifying a male cat.
- Spain: In Spain, a male cat is called “gato” or “gato macho.” “Gato” is the general term for a cat, and “gato macho” specifies a male cat.
- Italy: In Italy, a male cat is referred to as “gatto” or “gatto maschio.” “Gatto” is the word for a cat, and “gatto maschio” indicates a male cat.
- Japan: In Japan, a male cat is called “osu neko” or “otoko no koneko.” “Osu neko” means “male cat,” and “otoko no koneko” translates to “male kitten.”
- Russia: In Russia, a male cat is known as “kot” or “kotik.” “Kot” is the word for a male cat, and “kotik” is a term of endearment for a male kitten.
Tomcat in Cultural References
Throughout history and literature, tomcats have appeared as symbols of independence, cunning, and sometimes even trickery.
From cartoons to folklore, male cats have been depicted as adventurous, confident, and, occasionally, mischievous characters.
When “tomcat” is used to describe a man, it typically implies that the individual is flirtatious, enjoys the company of multiple romantic partners, and may not be interested in committing to a serious or monogamous relationship.
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