kitten

Everyday

1. A kitten is a young cat. tree →
2. Kitten can be a loving name for something small and cute. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about life cycles, a cat grows from a kitten into an adult cat; kittens are mammals that drink their mother's milk. In pet care, kittens need food, warmth, play, a litter tray and visits to the vet. In stories, a kitten often stands for something small, playful or helpless. Phrases: a litter of kittens, as weak as a kitten, have kittens (be very worried, informal).

Examples

• Our cat had four kittens. tree →
• The kitten chased a ball of wool. tree →
• Kittens open their eyes when they are about a week or two old. tree →
• Be gentle when you pick up a kitten. tree →
• A kitten needs a warm, safe place to sleep. tree →
• The kitten grew into a big ginger cat. tree →
• Only by night did she creep out unseen to procure food for her kittens. tree →

Note

Plural kittens. A group of kittens born together is a litter. Young of other animals: puppy (dog), cub (lion, bear), calf (cow), foal (horse). Kittens should not drink cow's milk; it can upset their tummies.