When learning vocabulary for animals, most Spanish speakers know that “gato” is the direct translation of ‘cat’. But if you want to expand your Spanish vocabulary and have more options to refer to your pets, you may be wondering how to say ‘cat’ in Spanish.
Different Ways to Say ‘Cat’ in Spanish
Depending on the context and the Spanish-speaking country, there are several common words to say ‘cat’ in Spanish:
- Gato – Cat
- Michi – Cat
- Gatito – Kitty / Kitten
- Minino – Cat / Kitty cat
- Micifuz – Cat / Kitty
- Miso – Cat
- Morrongo – Cat
All of these terms are different ways to say ‘cat’ in Spanish. However, some are more appropriate for casual conversations or specific Spanish-speaking countries. In the following sections, we will describe how and when to use each of these terms.
By the end of this article, you will not only increase your Spanish vocabulary but also be able to express your affection towards your cat using different terms.
1. Gato – Cat
As you may know, “gato” is the most standard way to say ‘cat’ in Spanish. You can use this word in all Spanish-speaking countries. However, unlike in English, where ‘cat’ refers to both male and female cats, in Spanish, you will need to choose between “gato” (male cat) and “gata” (female cat).
¿Cómo se llama tu gato? – What’s your cat’s name?
La vecina tiene un gato muy bonito – The neighbor has a very pretty cat.
Voy a llevar a mi gata al veterinario – I’m going to take my cat to the vet.
A mi hermana le gustan mucho los gatos – My sister likes cats very much.
Take Note: In Spanish, “gato” and “gata” can also be used as pejorative adjectives when referring to people. In this case, they are used to refer to a servant or to express that someone is too tacky or ordinary.
2. Gatito / Gatita – Kitty / Kitten
“Gatito” and “gatita” are standard terms used to say ‘cat’ in Spanish. Usually, these words are used to refer to kittens, but they can also be used as an affectionate word for cats of all sizes. Keep in mind that you will use “gatito” for male cats and “gatita” for females.
¡Qué bonita gatita tienes! – You have such a pretty kitten!
La gata de mi vecina tuvo muchos gatitos – My neighbor’s cat had a lot of kittens.
¿Ya viste que chiquito está ese gatito? – Did you see how small that kitty is?
Mi novio me regaló dos gatitas persas – My boyfriend gave me two Persian cats.
3. Minino / Minina – Kitty cat / Kitty
“Minino” and “minina” are affectionate terms for ‘cat’ in Spanish. These words are slightly more informal and cutesy than “gato” and “gatito”. They can be translated as ‘kitty’, ‘cat’, or ‘kitty cat’.
Ven aquí, minino – Come here, kitty cat!
Señora, tiene que llevar a su minino al veterinario – Ma’am, you have to take your cat to the vet.
No me gusta que tu minina se suba a los sillones – I don’t like your kitty getting on the couches.
Mis amigos van a adoptar a mis mininos – My friends are going to adopt my kitty cats.
4. Michi – Cat
Nowadays, in Mexico, “michi” has become the most popular informal word to say ‘cat’. It is very affectionate and often seen on social media posts related to cats. You can also use this word in real-life conversations. Unlike other words on this list, “michi” can be applied to both female and male cats.
¿Has visto al michi? – Have you seen the cat?
Paco, dale de comer al michi – Paco, feed the cat.
A mi michi le gusta dormir en mi cama – My cat likes to sleep on my bed.
¿Sabes qué raza son los michis de Claudia? – Do you know what breed Claudia’s cats are?
Take Note: In Colombia, it’s “Michín”, and in Panama and Ecuador, it’s “Micho”.
5. Micifuz – Cat / Kitty
“Micifuz” is a funny and informal way to say ‘cat’ in Spanish. It can be used to name your pets, as well as to refer to cats whose names you don’t know. Depending on the context, “micifuz” can be translated as ‘cat’ or ‘kitty’. This term is well-known in Spanish-speaking countries but is only suitable for informal conversations.
Cambia la arena de micifuz – Change the cat’s litter box.
Micifuz, ven para darte de comer – Kitty, come here so I can feed you.
¿Ya viste lo que está haciendo micifuz? – Did you already see what the cat is doing?
¿Micifuz todavía tiene comida o traigo más? – Does the cat still have food or should I bring more?
Take Note: Micifuz is the name of a cat in a famous Spanish poem. It can be used as a playful way to call your cat even if they already have a name. “Micifuz” can be used for both female and male cats.
6. Morrongo – Cat
“Morrongo” may not be as popular as other words on this list, but it is still an informal term used by Spanish speakers to say ‘cat’. It is mainly used in Mexico and Argentina and can be applied to both kittens and grown-up cats.
El morrongo de mi hermano es muy cariñoso – My brother’s cat is very affectionate.
Mamá, ¿sabes dónde está el morrongo? – Mom, do you know where the cat is?
Mi prima tiene muchos morrongos en su casa – My cousin has a lot of cats at her house.
Mira, los juguetes que le compré al morrongo – Look at the toys that I bought for the cat.
Take Note: “Morrongo” can have different meanings depending on the context or the region. In Colombia and Spain, it can describe a lazy or slow person. In Mexico, it can also refer to a butcher’s assistant.
7. Miso – Cat
In the Dominican Republic, “miso” is an informal term meaning ‘cat’. You can use it in casual conversations as a unique and original way to say ‘cat’. Just like other words on this list, you can use “miso” to call your pet or refer to cats in general.
El miso rompió el jarrón de mi esposa – The cat broke my wife’s vase.
Nuestro miso es muy tranquilo – Our cat is very quiet.
¿Cuántos misos tienes? – How many cats do you have?
Abuela, ¿puedo jugar con el miso? – Grandma, can I play with the cat?
Wrapping Up
Spanish speakers have various terms to refer to their beloved cats. In this article, we have shown you 7 different ways to say ‘cat’ in Spanish. While these words are not names, they are still useful for talking about your cat or someone else’s.
Now you can use your knowledge of Spanish to show your affection to Micifuz!
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