How to say “Cat” in Italian
If you know me, you know I love cats. So why not dedicating a vocabulary lesson on how to say cat in Italian? As simple as it is, the Italian word for “cat” is gatto.
Keep in mind that most nouns, as well as adjectives, vary in gender and number. Therefore gatto is used to refer to a male cat, while gatta is used for a female cat. Their plural forms are gatti and gatte, respectively.
Ho un gatto nero.
I have a black cat.
I gatti dormono molto.
Cats sleep a lot.
Cats have a special place in Italian culture, particularly in Rome, where they roam freely in ancient ruins and are considered part of the city’s charm. There even is an archaeological site, the Largo di Torre Argentina, which hosts a cat sanctuary for stray cats.
Common Phrases with “Gatto” and “Gatta”
The words gatto and gatta appear in a variety of Italian idioms and Italian proverbs, reflecting how cats are woven into the language and culture.
Quando il gatto non c’è, i topi ballano.
When the cat’s away, the mice will dance.
Like the English version, this proverb means people will do what they want without supervision.
Essere come cane e gatto.
To be like a dog and a cat.
This phrase is commonly used by parents to describe their kids’ relationship, meaning people who argue a lot or are constantly at odds.
Tanto va la gatta al lardo che ci lascia lo zampino.
The cat goes to the bacon so often that it leaves a paw print.
This means that someone who takes too many risks will eventually get caught.
Essere come un gatto in tangenziale.
To be like a cat on a highway.
This expression means something that’s fleeting or unlikely to last, similar to “a flash in the pan” in English.
Avere sette vite come un gatto.
To have seven lives like a cat.
Italians believe cats have seven lives, not nine. This phrase is used for someone who narrowly escapes difficult situations.
Other Ways to say “Gatto” in Italian
If you’re a cat lover in Italy, you might want to know a few synonyms and related words that can enrich your conversations about cats. Of course, as always, I will provide you with masculine singular nouns only, but remember they vary in gender and number:
- Micio: informal and affectionate terms for “kitty”. If you see a neighbor cat in Italy, you can be sure its name is micio or micia.
- Micetto: this is an alterated word, specifically a diminutive form meaning “little kitty”, often used affectionately.
- Gattino: just like micio and micetto, gattino means “kitten”.
