Cat vs. Kitten — What's the Difference?

A "Cat" is a small, carnivorous mammal.

A "Kitten" is a young, juvenile cat.

"Cat" can symbolize mystery and independence in various cultures.

"Kitten" symbolizes youth and playfulness.

"Cat" can also colloquially refer to a person, typically a man.

"Kitten heels" refers to a short, slender heel on women's shoes.

"Cat" is used in phrases to suggest curiosity or mimicry.

A kitten is a juvenile cat. After being born, kittens display primary altriciality and are totally dependent on their mother for survival.

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.

A young cat.

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

One of the young of various other small felines and of certain other mammals, such as beavers.

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

To bear kittens.

(Informal) A woman who is regarded as spiteful.

A young cat, especially before sexual maturity (reached at about seven months).

A person, especially a man.

A young rabbit, rat, hedgehog, squirrel, fox, beaver, badger, etc.

A player or devotee of jazz music.

A moth of the genus Furcula.

A cat-o'-nine-tails.

(colloquial) A term of endearment, especially for a woman.

A catfish.

To give birth to kittens.

A cathead.

A young cat.

A device for raising an anchor to the cathead.

To bring forth young, as a cat; to bring forth, as kittens.

A catboat.

Young domestic cat

A catamaran.

Have kittens;

To hoist an anchor to (the cathead).

"Kitten" can refer to the young of other feline species.

To look for sexual partners; have an affair or affairs

"Kitten" is sometimes used to describe someone as cute or playful.

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;

"Cat" may refer to an animal of the species Felis catus.

A "Cat" is a fully grown, matured feline animal.

A "Kitten" is usually considered a "Cat" around one year of age, though some may mature a bit sooner or later.

Kittens usually require more frequent feeding than adult cats due to their growth needs.

A "Kitten" is a young, not fully matured cat, usually under one year of age.

Both require grooming, but kittens might need gentle brushes and should be accustomed to the grooming process early on, while cats might have specific coat needs based on their breed.

"Kittens" often require a diet high in protein and fat to support their rapid growth, whereas adult "Cats" might have varied dietary needs based on their age, health, and lifestyle.

Both require vaccinations, but kittens typically undergo an initial series of vaccinations in their first few months, while adult cats require periodic boosters.

Generally, yes. Cats are often noted for their independence.

Socializing a "Kitten" often involves exposing it to various stimuli and experiences to foster adaptability, while socializing an adult "Cat" might focus on acclimation to existing pets or environments.

Typically yes, but kittens might need a non-clumping litter initially to prevent them from ingesting it during explorative play.

Yes, "Kitten" can refer to young ones of other feline species, not just domestic cats.

Yes, kittens tend to be more playful and curious, while adult cats may display a calmer demeanor and established habits.

It can depend on the owner’s lifestyle, as kittens may require more time and patience to train, while adult cats might have established behaviors and needs.

"Kittens" might be more adaptable to training as they're still learning and establishing behaviors, whereas adult "Cats" may need more patience to alter existing habits.

Gradual, supervised introductions and ensuring each pet has their own space and resources can aid in smooth transitions for both kittens and cats.