How Do You Say Cat in Spanish?

Most Spanish speakers know that the word for cat, gato, is a straight translation of the English word. However, they may eventually find themselves wishing they knew more Spanish vocabulary, including alternative phrases for referring to their dogs in Spanish.

Here are the Guide “How Do You Say Cat in Spanish?”

The most prevalent ways to say “cat” in Spanish vary in formality and region.

  • Gato – Cat
  • Gatito – Kitty / Kitten
  • Minino – Cat / Kitty cat
  • Michi – Cat
  • Micifuz – Cat / Kitty

A cat can be referred to in a variety of ways in Spanish, all of which are included here. Some of these terms, however, are only appropriate for informal settings or for use in specific Spanish-speaking nations.

How Do You Say Cat in Spanish

As such, we’ve included definitions and explanations of each of these terms in the sections that follow.

You will finish this article with a larger vocabulary in Spanish, including several ways to say “cat” and several ways to express your feelings about your cat in the target language.

1. Gato (Cat)

You probably already know that the most common Spanish word for ‘cat’ is gato. This will allow you to use the word in any country where Spanish is spoken. Keep in mind that whereas ‘cat’ can refer to either a male or female cat in English, in Spanish you must choose between gato and gata.

  • ¿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

2. Gatito – Kitty / Kitten

Cat can also be referred to as gatito or gatita, which are both common short forms of the word. We typically refer to kittens as gatitos and gatitas. They are also a term of endearment for cats of all sizes.

Therefore, the terms ‘gatito’ and ‘gatita’ can mean either ‘kitty,’ ‘cat,’ or ‘kitten,’ depending on the setting. Please note that the terms “gatito” and “gatita” are also used here to refer to male and female cats, respectively.

  • ¡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

3. Minino – Cat / Kitty cat

The Spanish words for “cat” are “minino” and “minina.” These terms are less formal and adorable than “gato” and “gatito,” but they are nonetheless widely used. The terms “minino” and “minina” are used quite fondly. Kitty, cat, and kitty cat are all acceptable alternatives to these terms.

  • Ven aquí, minino
  • Come here, kitty cat!
  • Señora, tiene que llevar a su minino al veterinario
  • Ms, you have to take your cat to the vet

4. Michi – Cat

Currently, michi is the most used slang term for “cat” in Mexico. The name “Michi” is commonly used on cat-related content shared on social media because of its warm and friendly connotations. This word is not only appropriate for academic settings, but can also be used in everyday speech.

It’s the only word on our list that may be used for both male and female cats, as well as kittens. Michi is not just well-known in Mexico, but also in Peru and other Spanish-speaking nations, where it takes on the following forms:

  • ¿Has visto al michi?
  • Have you seen the cat?
  • Paco, dale de comer al michi
  • Paco, feed the cat

5. Micifuz – Cat / Kitty

Micifuz is a witty and casual substitute for “cat.” This informal phrase can be used as a pet name, or as a means to address cats whose names are unknown.

However, “Micifuz” should only be used in casual settings and is not well known outside of Spanish-speaking countries. Micifuz can mean either “cat” or “kitty” depending on the setting.

  • 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

Completing This Discussion

Cats are referred to by several names in Spanish. For this reason, I will discuss the 5

terms that can be used to mean “cat” in Spanish. These terms aren’t names, but they’ll get the job done when referring to your cat or someone else’s.