How to Say "Little Cat" in French

petit chat

The English phrase "little cat" is translated into French as petit chat.

The phrase petit chat is used to describe a small feline animal.

Which one should you use?

While petit chat literally means "little cat", if you wish to refer specifically to a kitten, the French language uses the word chaton.

When referring to multiple cats of the same gender or a mixed group of cats, the phrase becomes petits chats.

In French, petit chat can be used as a term of endearment for a romantic partner or a loved one, regardless of whether a feline is present.
The adjective petit usually comes before the noun chat, which differs from many other French adjectives that typically follow the noun.
In some French dialects and older slang, calling someone a chat can imply they are cunning or slippery.

Montrez-moi votre petit chat.
Show me your little cat.
This sentence is useful for practicing how to ask someone to show you their petit chat.
Tatoeba #3259452 by Julien_PDC, translation #3259453 by shekitten
Nous avons trouvé un pauvre petit chat dans la cour.
We found a poor little cat in the yard.
This sentence is useful for describing finding a petit chat in a yard.
Tatoeba #351173 by Barbiche0, translation #249094 by CK
As-tu sauvé le petit chat ?
Did you save the little cat?
This sentence is useful for asking if someone saved a petit chat.
Tatoeba #13973446 by Ioan_Cristian, translation #13973445 by Ioan_Cristian
Ce petit chaton est adorable
This little cat is adorable
Viens ici, mon p'tit minou
Come here, my little cat
Regarde ce tout petit chat, il est trop mignon!
Look at this tiny little cat, it's so cute!
3 more sentences on Tatoeba

Léa and Hugo are looking at a picture in a book.

Léa

Regarde ce petit chat sur la photo.
Look at this little cat in the photo.
Hugo

Oh, il est vraiment mignon, ce petit chat !
Oh, this little cat is really cute!
Léa

Est-ce que tu veux un petit chat ?
Do you want a little cat?
Hugo

Non, je n'ai pas assez de place.
No, I don't have enough space.

Sources

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