Cat’s or Cats’ or Cats? Which Is Correct?

Author:

Waqas Ashraf

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Cat’s or Cats’ or Cats: In the world of grammar and punctuation, a tiny apostrophe can make a significant difference. The age-old debate over whether to use Cat’s, Cats’, or simply Cats has sparked confusion among even the most seasoned writers.

Are we discussing the belongings of a singular feline, the collective possessions of multiple cats, or just referring to these mysterious creatures themselves?

This linguistic conundrum may seem trivial at first glance, but delve deeper and you’ll uncover a fascinating exploration into language nuances and the complexities of possession.

Table of Contents

Cat’s or Cats’ or Cats:

The correct choice depends on whether you’re referring to one cat possessing something or multiple cats possessing something:

Cats’ (apostrophe s) is used for the possessive plural – when multiple cats own something together.

Example: The cats’ toys were scattered all over the living room. (Here, multiple cats own the toys collectively)

Cat’s (apostrophe s) is used for the singular possessive – when one cat owns something.

Example: The cat’s meow sounded hungry. (Here, one specific cat owns the meow)

Cats (no apostrophe) is simply the plural form of the word “cat” and doesn’t indicate possession.

Example: There are three cats sunbathing in the window. (Here, “cats” refers to the multiple felines without indicating possession)

Cats or Cat’s:

Phrase	Use Case	Example
Cats	Plural (no possession)	There are three cats napping in the sun.
Cat’s (apostrophe s)	Singular Possessive (one cat owns something)	I can hear the cat’s purr.
Cats’ (apostrophe s)	Plural Possessive (multiple cats own something)	The cats’ food bowls are empty.

Is Cats Grammatically Correct?

Yes, “Cats” is grammatically correct. It’s the plural form of the noun “cat” and is used when referring to more than one cat without indicating possession.

Here are some examples of how “Cats” is used correctly:

There are three cats playing in the yard.
I love watching cats chase butterflies.
The shelter has many friendly cats up for adoption.

In contrast, “Cats” would not be correct if:

You’re referring to one cat possessing something. (Use “Cat’s” with an apostrophe s) – Example: The cat’s fur is soft.
You’re referring to multiple cats possessing something together. (Use “Cats’” with an apostrophe s) – Example: The cats’ food bowls are empty.

Is Cat’s Singular or Plural?

“Cat’s” is the singular possessive form, meaning it indicates ownership by a single cat.

Here’s a breakdown:

Singular Possessive: “Cat’s” shows that one cat owns something. The apostrophe indicates possession and the “s” indicates it’s singular.

Example: The cat’s meow echoed through the house. (One cat owns the meow)

Where Does the Apostrophe Go in Cats?

The placement of the apostrophe in “cats” depends on whether you’re indicating possession or simply using the plural form:

Cats (no apostrophe) – This is the plural form of “cat” and signifies more than one cat but doesn’t show possession.

Cat’s (apostrophe after “cat”) – This indicates singular possession, meaning one cat owns something.
Cats’ (apostrophe after “s”) – This indicates plural possession, meaning multiple cats own something together.

Is Cats a Singular Noun?

No, “Cats” itself is not a singular noun. It’s the plural form of the singular noun “cat.”

Here’s why:

Singular vs Plural: Nouns refer to people, places, things, or ideas. A singular noun refers to one, while a plural noun refers to more than one.
Form: “Cat” refers to a single feline, and “cats” refers to multiple felines.

Here are some examples of how “cats” is used as a plural noun:

There are several cats napping on the couch.
I love watching cats play.

The shelter has many adorable cats up for adoption.

How to Write Cat Plural?

The plural form of “cat” is simply “cats” with no apostrophe. Here’s why you don’t need an apostrophe for the plural:

Function of Apostrophe: An apostrophe is used for two main purposes:

Possessive Nouns: This indicates ownership (e.g., cat’s toy – one cat owns the toy).
Contractions: This combines two words into one (e.g., can’t = cannot).

Pluralization: The plural form of a noun is simply adding an “s” or sometimes “es” to the singular form. It doesn’t involve possession.

Can We Use the Before Cats?

The phrase “the before cats” is generally not recommended because it’s grammatically awkward and unclear.

Here’s why:

Redundancy: “The” is a definite article, indicating a specific thing. “Before” already implies a point in time preceding something else. Saying “the before” creates redundancy.

Ambiguity: “The before cats” is unclear about what comes “before” the cats. It could be interpreted in multiple ways.

What Is Cat in Grammar?

In grammar, “cat” functions as a common noun.

Here’s a breakdown of its grammatical role:

Common Noun: A common noun refers to a person, place, thing, or idea in a general sense, not a specific one. “Cat” refers to the feline animal in general, not any particular cat.

Here are some other examples of common nouns:

Dog

Tree
Book
Happiness

How Do We Call a Group of Cats?

There are a few ways to refer to a group of cats:

Clowder: This is the most specific and formal term for a group of cats. It’s not as widely used as some other options, but it has a certain charm.
Clutter: This is a more common term, although it can also refer to a messy or untidy space.

Glaring: This is a less common term, and it can also have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the cats are staring intently at something.
Colony: This term is typically used for a group of feral or stray cats that live together outdoors.
Kindle: This is a term specifically used for a litter of kittens, the young offspring of a cat.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts!

The debate over the use of cat’s, cats’, or cats ultimately comes down to clarity and proper grammar. While the apostrophe is generally used to indicate possession, it can sometimes be omitted for plural nouns like cats.

However, using the possessive form with an apostrophe can help avoid confusion in certain contexts. It is important to consider the intended meaning of the sentence and choose the appropriate form accordingly.

So next time you’re unsure whether to use cat’s, cats’, or cats, remember to prioritize clarity and accuracy in your writing. Choose wisely!