Cat vs. Caterpillar — What's the Difference?

Symbol of grace

Metamorphosis stage

Domesticated feline

Butterfly/moth larva

Predator and pet

Symbol of change

Varied breeds

Voracious feeder

Independent animal

Camouflaged insect

The cat (Felis catus) is a domestic species of small carnivorous mammal. It is the only domesticated species in the family Felidae and is often referred to as the domestic cat to distinguish it from the wild members of the family.

Caterpillars ( CAT-ər-pil-ər) are the larval stage of members of the order Lepidoptera (the insect order comprising butterflies and moths). As with most common names, the application of the word is arbitrary, since the larvae of sawflies are commonly called caterpillars as well.

A small domesticated carnivorous mammal (Felis catus), kept as a pet and as catcher of vermin, and existing in a variety of breeds.

The wormlike larva of a butterfly or moth.

Any of various other carnivorous mammals of the family Felidae, including the lion, tiger, leopard, and lynx.

Any of various insect larvae similar to those of the butterfly or moth.

(Informal) A woman who is regarded as spiteful.

The larva of a butterfly or moth; leafworm

A person, especially a man.

A vehicle with a caterpillar track; a crawler

A player or devotee of jazz music.

(maths) A set of subtrees of a tree

A cat-o'-nine-tails.

The larval state of a butterfly or any lepidopterous insect; sometimes, but less commonly, the larval state of other insects, as the sawflies, which are also called false caterpillars. The true caterpillars have three pairs of true legs, and several pairs of abdominal fleshy legs (prolegs) armed with hooks. Some are hairy, others naked. They usually feed on leaves, fruit, and succulent vegetables, being often very destructive, Many of them are popularly called worms, as the cutworm, cankerworm, army worm, cotton worm, silkworm.

A catfish.

A plant of the genus Scorpiurus, with pods resembling caterpillars.

A cathead.

A wormlike and often brightly colored and hairy or spiny larva of a butterfly or moth

A device for raising an anchor to the cathead.

A large vehicle that is driven by caterpillar tracks; frequently used for moving earth in construction and farm work

A catboat.

A catamaran.

To hoist an anchor to (the cathead).

An animal of the family Felidae:

A domesticated species (Felis catus) of feline animal, commonly kept as a house pet.

Any similar animal of the family Felidae, which includes lions, tigers, bobcats, leopards, cougars, cheetahs, caracals, lynxes, and other such non-domesticated species.

A person:

(offensive) A spiteful or angry woman.

An enthusiast or player of jazz.

(slang) A person (usually male).

(slang) A prostitute.

(nautical) A strong tackle used to hoist an anchor to the cathead of a ship.

Short form of cat-o'-nine-tails.

(archaic) A sturdy merchant sailing vessel now only in "catboat".

The game of "trap and ball" (also called "cat and dog").

The trap of the game of "trap and ball".

(archaic) The pointed piece of wood that is struck in the game of tipcat.

A vagina, a vulva; the female external genitalia.

A double tripod (for holding a plate, etc.) with six feet, of which three rest on the ground, in whatever position it is placed.

(historical) A wheeled shelter, used in the Middle Ages as a siege weapon to allow assailants to approach enemy defences.

(computing) A program and command in Unix that reads one or more files and directs their content to the standard output.

(slang) A street name of the drug methcathinone.

Abbreviation of catapult

Abbreviation of catalytic converter

Abbreviation of catamaran

Abbreviation of category

Abbreviation of catfish

Abbreviation of caterpillar

(slang) Any of a variety of earth-moving machines. (from their manufacturer Caterpillar Inc.)

A ground vehicle which uses caterpillar tracks, especially tractors, trucks, minibuses, and snow groomers.

Abbreviation of computed axial tomographyOften used attributively, as in “CAT scan” or “CT scan”.

To hoist (the anchor) by its ring so that it hangs at the cathead.

To flog with a cat-o'-nine-tails.

(slang) To vomit.

To go wandering at night.

To gossip in a catty manner.

To apply the cat command to (one or more files).

To dump large amounts of data on (an unprepared target), usually with no intention of browsing it carefully.

Catastrophic; terrible, disastrous.

Any animal belonging to the natural family Felidae, and in particular to the various species of the genera Felis, Panthera, and Lynx. The domestic cat is Felis domestica. The European wild cat (Felis catus) is much larger than the domestic cat. In the United States the name wild cat is commonly applied to the bay lynx (Lynx rufus). The larger felines, such as the lion, tiger, leopard, and cougar, are often referred to as cats, and sometimes as big cats. See Wild cat, and Tiger cat.

A strong vessel with a narrow stern, projecting quarters, and deep waist. It is employed in the coal and timber trade.

A double tripod (for holding a plate, etc.), having six feet, of which three rest on the ground, in whatever position it is placed.

An old game;

Same as cat o' nine tails; as, British sailors feared the cat.

A catamaran.

To bring to the cathead; as, to cat an anchor. See Anchor.

Feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and being unable to roar; domestic cats; wildcats

An informal term for a youth or man;

A spiteful woman gossip;

The leaves of the shrub Catha edulis which are chewed like tobacco or used to make tea; has the effect of a euphoric stimulant;

A whip with nine knotted cords;

A large vehicle that is driven by caterpillar tracks; frequently used for moving earth in construction and farm work

Any of several large cats typically able to roar and living in the wild

A method of examining body organs by scanning them with X rays and using a computer to construct a series of cross-sectional scans along a single axis

Beat with a cat-o'-nine-tails

Eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth;

Cats communicate through vocalizations, body language, and scent marking.

Yes, they can coexist, but cats may prey on caterpillars.

Caterpillars eat voraciously to accumulate energy for metamorphosis.

Through a process called metamorphosis, involving significant physiological changes.

Cats typically live for 12 to 15 years, depending on various factors.

Cats are often seen as companions and symbols of mystery and independence.

A caterpillar is in the larval stage of a butterfly or moth.

No, caterpillars come in various colors and patterns for camouflage or warning.

Caterpillars need to eat a lot to support their rapid growth and energy needs for metamorphosis.

Caterpillars symbolize transformation, potential, and the beauty of nature's cycles.

Cats are carnivores, primarily feeding on meat.

Yes, there are many breeds of cats, each with unique characteristics.

A caterpillar's coloration can serve as camouflage or a warning to predators.

Yes, cats can be trained, although they are known for their independence.

Yes, caterpillars are preyed upon by birds, insects, and small mammals.