Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gatto | /ˈɡat.to/ | masculine |
| gatta | /ˈɡat.ta/ | feminine |
| micio | /ˈmi.t͡ʃo/ | masculine |
| micia | feminine |
The primary terms for the domestic species are gatto and gatta. For a young cat or kitten, you can use the informal terms gattino or gattina.
Which one should you use?
Use gatto to refer specifically to a male cat or when using the generic masculine form for the species. Use gatta to refer specifically to a female cat.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While gatto and gatta are standard, micio (masculine) and micia (feminine) are colloquial or affectionate ways to refer to a cat, similar to the English word 'kitty'. For even more affection, especially when referring to a playful kitten, you can use the diminutive forms micetto or micetta.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form gatto becomes gatti in the masculine plural. The feminine form gatta becomes gatte in the feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈɡat.to/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word gatto can also refer to a specific type of rigging or a hook used in nautical contexts in Italian maritime language.
- In the 7th century, the scholar Isidore of Seville claimed that the word mūsiō was the proper term for a cat, while the more common word cattus was considered the 'vulgar' or popular version.
- Although the word micio sounds almost exactly like the Albanian word micë, they are completely unrelated in origin despite both meaning 'cat'.
Examples in context
- È il mio gatto.That's my cat.This sentence shows how to use gatto to identify a cat.Tatoeba #1276549 by Guybrush88, translation #471758 by CM
- Io ho un gatto.I have a cat.This sentence demonstrates the use of gatto to indicate possession.Tatoeba #2850957 by Guybrush88, translation #2399188 by amazighgirl
- È il tuo gatto.That's your cat.This sentence shows how to use gatto to identify someone else's cat.Tatoeba #3574595 by Guybrush88, translation #9479881 by Amastan
- Quel felino ha un pelo splendido.That feline has a beautiful coat.
- Guarda quel micetto, è troppo dolce!Look at that little cat, it's too cute!
- Il mio gattino si chiama Romeo.My kitten's name is Romeo.
- La gattina miagola sempre di notte.The little cat meows every night.
- 1884 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are looking at a pet shop window.
- LorenzoGuarda quel gatto nero!Look at that black cat!
- MartinaÈ molto carino, Lorenzo.He is very cute, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoVuoi portarlo a casa?Do you want to bring him home?
- MartinaForse, ma devo chiedere a mamma.Maybe, but I have to ask mom.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cat” translations and entries gatto, gatta, micio, micia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gatta, gatto, micio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
