cat

A small domesticated carnivorous mammal, related to lions and tigers, with soft fur, a short snout, and retractile claws, widely kept as a pet or for catching mice.

• My cat loves to nap in sunbeams on the window sill. — This feline enjoys sleeping in warm, sunny spots.
• The playful kitten chased a ball of yarn across the floor. — A young cat showed its playful nature by chasing string.
• She adopted a black feline from the animal shelter last week. — She took home a black cat from an animal rescue organization.

To catch, capture, or seize, especially referring to prey or something being hunted.

• The fisherman hoped to cat a prize-winning tuna during the competition. — The fisherman aimed to capture a large, valuable fish.
• They used a net to skillfully cat the small, elusive birds. — They expertly captured the difficult-to-catch birds using a net.