Cats are a big part of many homes in the United States. People love how curious, playful, and sometimes sneaky they can be. Because of this, cats have become a fun part of the English language. You might be surprised how often cats show up in sayings people use every day. These sayings are called idioms.
An idiom is a phrase that means something different than what the words say. For example, if someone says, “curiosity killed the cat,” they don’t really mean a cat got hurt. They mean someone was too nosy and got into trouble. In this article, you’ll learn 48 idioms about cats. They will help you understand more of what people say in books, shows, and real life across America.
Idioms About Cats
1. Curiosity killed the cat
Meaning: Being too nosy can lead to trouble
Example Sentence:
– Don’t go through her bag—curiosity killed the cat.
– He kept asking questions until he got in trouble.
Other ways to say: Mind your own business, Don’t poke around
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom dates back to the 1500s. It warns that being too curious can be risky.
Usage: Often used when someone asks too many personal questions.
2. Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To accidentally share a secret
Example Sentence:
– She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
– Oops, I told him about the gift—cat’s out of the bag!
Other ways to say: Spill the beans, Tell the secret
Fun Fact/Origin: In old markets, sellers would put a pig in a bag. A trickster might swap it for a cat.
Usage: Used when someone reveals a hidden plan or surprise.
3. Cat got your tongue?
Meaning: Said when someone is being unusually quiet
Example Sentence:
– You’ve been quiet—cat got your tongue?
– He didn’t answer the question. Cat got his tongue?
Other ways to say: Why so quiet?, Speechless?
Fun Fact/Origin: The origin is unclear, but it’s been used since the 1800s.
Usage: Used when someone doesn’t speak or respond.
4. Look what the cat dragged in
Meaning: Used to tease someone who arrives looking messy or unexpected
Example Sentence:
– Wow, look what the cat dragged in!
– He came in late and dirty—like the cat dragged him in.
Other ways to say: You look rough, Where have you been?
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how cats bring home messy things like mice.
Usage: Often said jokingly when a person enters a room looking tired or messy.
5. Like herding cats
Meaning: Trying to control or organize something very difficult
Example Sentence:
– Getting my brothers to clean was like herding cats.
– Keeping all the kids in line was like herding cats.
Other ways to say: Hard to manage, Out of control
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats don’t follow orders, so it’s hard to make them move as a group.
Usage: Used when something is almost impossible to manage.
6. The cat’s meow
Meaning: Something or someone cool or impressive
Example Sentence:
– Your new shoes are the cat’s meow!
– She thought her dance moves were the cat’s meow.
Other ways to say: That’s awesome, Super cool
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase was popular in the 1920s in the USA.
Usage: Used to give a compliment or show approval.
7. A copycat
Meaning: Someone who copies another person
Example Sentence:
– Stop being a copycat and get your own style.
– He wore the same shirt as me—what a copycat!
Other ways to say: Imitator, Follower
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom is from the early 1900s and uses “cat” for someone who copies others.
Usage: Used when someone is doing the same thing as someone else, especially without thinking for themselves.
8. Let sleeping cats lie
Meaning: Don’t bring up old problems
Example Sentence:
– Just let it go—let sleeping cats lie.
– We already solved that fight. Let sleeping cats lie.
Other ways to say: Don’t stir things up, Leave it alone
Fun Fact/Origin: This is a twist on the original idiom “let sleeping dogs lie.”
Usage: Used to avoid restarting arguments or problems.
9. Fight like cats and dogs
Meaning: To argue or fight often
Example Sentence:
– Those two fight like cats and dogs.
– My sisters fight like cats and dogs over the TV remote.
Other ways to say: Always arguing, Can’t get along
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats and dogs are often seen as enemies in cartoons and stories.
Usage: Used when people are always bickering or yelling at each other.
10. Cat nap
Meaning: A short, light nap
Example Sentence:
– I took a quick cat nap before dinner.
– Grandpa loves his afternoon cat nap.
Other ways to say: Quick rest, Short snooze
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats often sleep many times a day, but only for short moments.
Usage: Used when someone takes a short rest to feel better.
11. Like a cat on a hot tin roof
Meaning: Very nervous or jumpy
Example Sentence:
– He was like a cat on a hot tin roof before the test.
– She couldn’t sit still—like a cat on a hot tin roof.
Other ways to say: Jittery, On edge
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats don’t like hot surfaces, so they jump around quickly.
Usage: Used when someone is anxious or can’t relax.
12. Not enough room to swing a cat
Meaning: A very small or crowded space
Example Sentence:
– This room is so tiny—not enough room to swing a cat.
– The closet is so full you can’t even swing a cat in there.
Other ways to say: Super cramped, Too tight
Fun Fact/Origin: This old phrase comes from British Navy ships.
Usage: Used when a space is very small or crowded.
13. Raining cats and dogs
Meaning: Raining very heavily
Example Sentence:
– We had to cancel the game—it was raining cats and dogs.
– I got soaked because it was raining cats and dogs outside.
Other ways to say: Pouring, Heavy rain
Fun Fact/Origin: This silly-sounding idiom has been used since the 1600s.
Usage: Used when the rain is very strong or loud.
14. Play cat and mouse
Meaning: To tease or chase in a tricky way
Example Sentence:
– The police played cat and mouse with the thief.
– He kept texting, then ignoring her—it was a cat-and-mouse game.
Other ways to say: Tricky back-and-forth, Chase game
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how cats play with mice before catching them.
Usage: Used when someone is teasing or tricking another person.
15. Catwalk
Meaning: A narrow walkway, often used in fashion shows
Example Sentence:
– The model walked down the catwalk in a new dress.
– She strutted like she was on a catwalk.
Other ways to say: Runway, Narrow walkway
Fun Fact/Origin: Named for how cats walk—graceful and narrow.
Usage: Often used when describing fashion or narrow places.
16. Cool cat
Meaning: A relaxed and stylish person
Example Sentence:
– He’s a cool cat who never gets nervous.
– She’s always calm—such a cool cat.
Other ways to say: Chill person, Smooth guy
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase came from jazz musicians in the 1940s.
Usage: Used to describe someone laid-back and confident.
17. More than one way to skin a cat
Meaning: There’s more than one way to solve a problem
Example Sentence:
– Don’t worry, there’s more than one way to skin a cat.
– If this doesn’t work, we’ll try something else.
Other ways to say: Many ways to solve it, Other solutions
Fun Fact/Origin: This old phrase doesn’t actually hurt cats. It just means choices.
Usage: Used when solving problems or thinking of new ideas.
18. Look like the cat that ate the canary
Meaning: Looking proud or sneaky after getting something
Example Sentence:
– He had a grin like the cat that ate the canary.
– She looked like she got away with something.
Other ways to say: Smug, Secretly happy
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats look proud after catching birds.
Usage: Used when someone looks pleased with themselves.
19. A scaredy-cat
Meaning: Someone who gets scared easily
Example Sentence:
– Don’t be a scaredy-cat, it’s just a movie.
– He didn’t go on the ride—what a scaredy-cat.
Other ways to say: Chicken, Afraid
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats often jump or run from loud sounds, which looks funny.
Usage: Used when teasing someone for being afraid.
20. Cat’s out of the bag
Meaning: The secret has been revealed
Example Sentence:
– Now the cat’s out of the bag—we know about the party.
– He found out, so the cat’s out of the bag.
Other ways to say: Secret’s out, No more surprise
Fun Fact/Origin: Often mixed up with “let the cat out of the bag.”
Usage: Used after someone finds out a hidden detail.
21. Cat burglar
Meaning: A thief who enters buildings quietly and sneaks around
Example Sentence:
– The cat burglar left no clues behind.
– He climbed through the window like a cat burglar.
Other ways to say: Sneaky thief, Silent robber
Fun Fact/Origin: Named for how cats move quietly and jump well.
Usage: Used in crime stories or shows to describe sneaky robbers.
22. Cat around
Meaning: To go out looking for fun, often in a flirtatious way
Example Sentence:
– He was out catting around all weekend.
– Don’t cat around when you should be studying.
Other ways to say: Fool around, Go out too much
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of a cat roaming at night.
Usage: Often used for someone being playful or careless.
23. Like a cat with nine lives
Meaning: Someone who escapes danger many times
Example Sentence:
– He’s like a cat with nine lives after all those bike crashes.
– She keeps getting lucky—like a cat with nine lives.
Other ways to say: Very lucky, Always escaping trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: Many people believe cats can survive tough falls.
Usage: Used when someone keeps escaping accidents or bad luck.
24. Catfight
Meaning: A fight between two women, often with shouting or slapping
Example Sentence:
– The girls had a catfight over the last cupcake.
– It turned into a catfight during recess.
Other ways to say: Shouting match, Girl fight
Fun Fact/Origin: Named because cats hiss and scratch when fighting.
Usage: Used to describe dramatic or loud fights, usually between girls.
25. Cat around the house
Meaning: To move quietly around your home
Example Sentence:
– She catted around the house looking for snacks.
– I heard him catting around last night.
Other ways to say: Tiptoe, Sneak around
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to how cats walk quietly on their paws.
Usage: Used when someone moves softly without being noticed.
26. Dead cat bounce
Meaning: A small rise in something (like stocks) after a fall, but it doesn’t last
Example Sentence:
– The prices went up, but it was just a dead cat bounce.
– That comeback was just a dead cat bounce.
Other ways to say: Short rebound, Quick rise
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in business and stock markets to describe false hope.
Usage: Often used when a small win won’t lead to long-term success.
27. A cat’s paw
Meaning: Someone who’s being used by someone else
Example Sentence:
– He didn’t know he was just a cat’s paw in her plan.
– Don’t be a cat’s paw—think for yourself.
Other ways to say: Puppet, Tool
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from an old fable where a monkey uses a cat to get chestnuts.
Usage: Used when someone is tricked into doing another person’s work.
28. Cheshire cat grin
Meaning: A wide and sneaky smile
Example Sentence:
– He had a Cheshire cat grin after pulling the prank.
– She walked in with a Cheshire cat grin.
Other ways to say: Big grin, Sly smile
Fun Fact/Origin: From the “Alice in Wonderland” story, where a cat smiles a lot.
Usage: Used when someone is smiling like they know a secret.
29. Grinning like a cat
Meaning: Smiling in a sneaky or pleased way
Example Sentence:
– He sat there grinning like a cat after winning.
– She looked like a cat that just caught a mouse.
Other ways to say: Pleased smile, Sneaky grin
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats often look proud after catching something.
Usage: Used to describe someone proud or smug.
30. The cat’s whiskers
Meaning: Someone who thinks they are very special
Example Sentence:
– He acts like he’s the cat’s whiskers.
– She told everyone she’s the best—like the cat’s whiskers.
Other ways to say: Full of yourself, Show-off
Fun Fact/Origin: Whiskers help cats feel their way, seen as a special part.
Usage: Used when someone is acting overly proud.
31. Cat on the prowl
Meaning: Looking for trouble or adventure
Example Sentence:
– He’s a cat on the prowl when the sun goes down.
– Watch out—she’s on the prowl again.
Other ways to say: Looking for action, Out hunting
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to how cats hunt silently at night.
Usage: Used when someone is out looking for fun or mischief.
32. Like a cat in a room full of rocking chairs
Meaning: Very nervous and worried
Example Sentence:
– He looked like a cat in a room full of rocking chairs before the game.
– She stood still, like a cat around rocking chairs.
Other ways to say: Super anxious, Ready to jump
Fun Fact/Origin: A rocking chair might crush a cat’s tail—ouch!
Usage: Used when someone is super scared or trying to avoid trouble.
33. Weak as a kitten
Meaning: Very weak or tired
Example Sentence:
– After being sick, I felt weak as a kitten.
– She was weak as a kitten after the long hike.
Other ways to say: Very tired, Out of energy
Fun Fact/Origin: Baby kittens are small and not strong at birth.
Usage: Used when someone is tired or recovering.
34. A cat lover
Meaning: Someone who really likes cats
Example Sentence:
– She has five cats—she’s a true cat lover.
– I’m a cat lover, but I also like dogs.
Other ways to say: Cat fan, Cat owner
Fun Fact/Origin: Many Americans proudly call themselves cat lovers.
Usage: Used to describe people who enjoy having or being around cats.
35. Like a cat sneaking in
Meaning: Moving very quietly
Example Sentence:
– He came into the kitchen like a cat sneaking in.
– She tiptoed to the fridge like a sneaky cat.
Other ways to say: Silent, Stealthy
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats move without making noise, especially at night.
Usage: Used when someone enters quietly without notice.
36. Cat scratch fever
Meaning: A real illness caused by a cat’s scratch
Example Sentence:
– He got cat scratch fever after the kitten scratched him.
– Wash your hands, or you might get cat scratch fever.
Other ways to say: Cat-scratch illness
Fun Fact/Origin: This is an actual medical condition caused by bacteria.
Usage: Used when someone has a scratch or illness from a cat.
37. Catting about
Meaning: Going out often for fun or flirting
Example Sentence:
– He’s been catting about town since Friday.
– She spends every weekend catting about.
Other ways to say: Going out a lot, Partying
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the image of cats roaming at night.
Usage: Used when someone goes out too much.
38. Be the cat’s pajamas
Meaning: Something or someone great
Example Sentence:
– That ice cream place is the cat’s pajamas.
– He thinks he’s the cat’s pajamas with his new shoes.
Other ways to say: The best, Really cool
Fun Fact/Origin: This was a fun slang phrase in the 1920s in the USA.
Usage: Used to praise something fun or special.
39. Like a cat with cream
Meaning: Very pleased with oneself
Example Sentence:
– After winning, he looked like a cat with cream.
– She smiled like a cat who got into the cream.
Other ways to say: Happy, Proud
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats love cream and get happy when they find it.
Usage: Used when someone looks proud or pleased.
40. A cat in gloves catches no mice
Meaning: If you’re too careful, you won’t succeed
Example Sentence:
– Be bold—remember, a cat in gloves catches no mice.
– You won’t win if you’re too shy.
Other ways to say: Take action, Don’t hold back
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats need their claws to hunt.
Usage: Used to encourage someone to act bravely.
41. As curious as a cat
Meaning: Very interested in everything
Example Sentence:
– She’s as curious as a cat, always asking questions.
– Don’t be too curious—it can lead to trouble.
Other ways to say: Nosy, Always asking
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats poke their noses into everything.
Usage: Used to describe someone who likes knowing things.
42. Cat-eyed
Meaning: Having sharp or slanted eyes
Example Sentence:
– The doll had a cat-eyed look.
– Her glasses gave her a cat-eyed shape.
Other ways to say: Slanted eyes, Sharp-eyed
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats have narrow eyes with a special shape.
Usage: Used to describe eye shape or sharp looks.
43. Watch like a cat
Meaning: To watch very closely
Example Sentence:
– The teacher watched the class like a cat.
– She watched the cookie jar like a cat.
Other ways to say: Keep an eye on, Watch carefully
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats wait and watch carefully before jumping.
Usage: Used when someone is paying close attention.
44. Like a cat in the sun
Meaning: Feeling cozy and content
Example Sentence:
– He laid on the couch like a cat in the sun.
– She was so relaxed, just like a sunbathing cat.
Other ways to say: Comfy, Warm and happy
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats love to lie in warm sunny spots.
Usage: Used when someone feels safe and relaxed.
45. When the cat’s away, the mice will play
Meaning: People misbehave when the boss or parent is gone
Example Sentence:
– As soon as Mom left, the kids made a mess.
– The teacher stepped out, and the class got wild—cat’s away!
Other ways to say: No rules when the boss is gone
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from old farm life—cats kept mice away.
Usage: Used when people break rules once authority is gone.
46. Cat got into something
Meaning: Someone is acting strange or excited
Example Sentence:
– She’s bouncing off the walls—cat must’ve gotten into sugar.
– What did he eat? He’s wild like a cat got into something.
Other ways to say: Hyper, Energetic
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats act silly after catnip or certain snacks.
Usage: Used when someone is behaving differently or full of energy.
47. Cat-sitting
Meaning: Taking care of someone’s cat
Example Sentence:
– I’m cat-sitting while my neighbor is on vacation.
– She paid me $10 to cat-sit for the weekend.
Other ways to say: Pet-sitting, Watching someone’s cat
Fun Fact/Origin: Like babysitting, but for cats.
Usage: Used when helping take care of someone’s pet.
48. Cat food for thought
Meaning: Something to think about, especially related to cats or pets
Example Sentence:
– What if cats ruled the world? That’s cat food for thought.
– She asked a funny question—real cat food for thought.
Other ways to say: Something to think about
Fun Fact/Origin: This is a play on “food for thought,” just with a cat twist.
Usage: Used in cat jokes or fun conversations.
Quiz: Idioms About Cats
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question. Each idiom is based on everyday American English phrases about cats. Pick the meaning that fits best.
Question Key
1. What does “curiosity killed the cat” mean?
a) The cat got lost
b) Being too nosy can get you into trouble
c) Cats shouldn’t go outside
2. If someone “let the cat out of the bag,” what happened?
a) They rescued a cat
b) They shared a secret
c) They opened a gift
3. What does “cat got your tongue?” mean?
a) You’re talking too much
b) You’re very quiet and not speaking
c) You ate something strange
4. If a room has “not enough room to swing a cat,” it means:
a) There’s a cat in the room
b) The room is full of cats
c) The room is very small and tight
5. What does “the cat’s meow” mean?
a) Something cool or awesome
b) A cat is hungry
c) Something annoying
6. If someone is a “copycat,” what are they doing?
a) Playing with cats
b) Copying someone else
c) Drawing pictures of cats
7. What does it mean to “take a cat nap”?
a) Sleep like a cat all day
b) Take a short, light nap
c) Sleep in a box
8. What does “like herding cats” mean?
a) Moving cats to a barn
b) Doing something easy
c) Trying to manage something very hard
9. If someone “fights like cats and dogs,” they:
a) Don’t get along
b) Play together
c) Sleep all day
10. What does “scaredy-cat” mean?
a) Someone who loves cats
b) Someone who gets scared easily
c) Someone who yells loudly
11. What does it mean if “the cat’s out of the bag”?
a) A pet ran away
b) A secret is no longer hidden
c) A gift is unwrapped
12. What’s a “cat burglar”?
a) A person who steals cats
b) A person who sneaks and steals quietly
c) A type of video game
13. If someone is “weak as a kitten,” they are:
a) Very strong
b) Very tired or not strong
c) Very tall
14. If someone acts “like a cat in a room full of rocking chairs,” how do they feel?
a) Brave
b) Calm
c) Nervous and worried
15. What does “when the cat’s away, the mice will play” mean?
a) The cat is lost
b) People act wild when the boss is gone
c) Mice like music
16. What does it mean if someone is “as curious as a cat”?
a) They are sleepy
b) They don’t care
c) They want to know everything
17. What does “like a cat with cream” mean?
a) Very happy or pleased
b) Covered in milk
c) Cold and shivering
18. What does “a cat in gloves catches no mice” mean?
a) Cats need gloves to hunt
b) If you’re too careful, you won’t succeed
c) Don’t wear gloves in summer
Answer Key
- b) Being too nosy can get you into trouble
- b) They shared a secret
- b) You’re very quiet and not speaking
- c) The room is very small and tight
- a) Something cool or awesome
- b) Copying someone else
- b) Take a short, light nap
- c) Trying to manage something very hard
- a) Don’t get along
- b) Someone who gets scared easily
- b) A secret is no longer hidden
- b) A person who sneaks and steals quietly
- b) Very tired or not strong
- c) Nervous and worried
- b) People act wild when the boss is gone
- c) They want to know everything
- a) Very happy or pleased
- b) If you’re too careful, you won’t succeed
Wrapping Up
Idioms about cats are fun and full of meaning. In the USA, these sayings are often used in school, at home, and even on TV. They help people talk about feelings, actions, and situations in clever ways. When someone says you’re “curious as a cat” or “took a cat nap,” they’re using words that paint a picture.
By learning these 48 cat idioms, you now understand how Americans use them to express ideas in short and playful ways. These phrases may sound silly at first, but they make language more interesting and easier to remember.
