Cats are one of the most popular pets globally, with over 88 million cats living in households in the United States alone. Their antics and quirky personalities captivate us, cementing them in our hearts and homes. But ever wonder why we call them “pussy cats”?
As cute and innocuous as it may sound, the origins of this nickname are actually shrouded in mystery. Feline enthusiasts and historians have proposed several fascinating theories on how cats got this moniker over the centuries.
So let’s unravel the curious case of the “pussy cat” and trace how and why these furballs got their quirky nickname. We’ll explore the leading theories, delve into linguistic history, and uncover some captivating cat facts along the way. Read on to finally get to the bottom of this purr-plexing question!
Theories on the Origins of “Pussy Cat”
While no one knows for sure how or when cats got the “pussy” label, some plausible theories have emerged over time:
1. Connection to the word “puss” meaning cat
One of the most popular theories links “pussy cat” to the word “puss”, which has been used to refer to cats for centuries. “Puss” originated as a call to attract cats, like “puss, puss” and was first recorded in the early 1500s.
The word became associated with cats through imitation of the cat’s hissing sound. The playful, intimate tone of “puss, puss” when beckoning cats led to it becoming a nickname.
Adding “cat” created the affectionate rhyming phrase “pussy cat”. This is the simplest and most obvious explanation for the term.
2. Derived from the word “pús” in Old Norse
Some linguists trace “pussy cat” to the Old Norse word “pús”, meaning “small creature”. This word for cats crossed over into English through the Viking invasions of Britain and Ireland around the 9th century.
The theory suggests “pús” gradually transitioned into “puss” and “pussy cat” emerged from the same root word. This would make “pussy cat” a very old nickname dating back over a thousand years.
3. Relation to cats’ soft, furry coats
Another set of theories relate “pussy cat” to cats’ famously soft, fluffy fur.
One links it to the word “puss” meaning plump, chubby-faced, and roly-poly, which described cats’ rounded faces and bodies.
Another claims it derives from Old English “pucelian” meaning fur or wool, in reference to cats’ coats. Similar Germanic words like Old Saxon “pūse”, Old Norse “púss”, and Old Frisian “pūte” also meant fur coat.
4. Sexual connotation theories
Some controversial theories suggest the term originated from sexual slang referencing female genitalia. But most historians reject these theories due to lack of sufficient evidence.
The nickname appears to predate most sexual slang usages of “pussy”, making a sexual origin unlikely. However, the nickname may have taken on an adult context later on.
5. Link to Egyptian goddess Bastet
A popular folk tale proposes the name comes from the ancient Egyptian cat goddess Bastet. Her name was supposedly shortened from “puss cat” to Bastet over time.
However, linguists have debunked the myth due to lack of sound evidence. But it’s a fun legend highlighting ancient Egyptian cat worship.
While we may never know the exact origin story, these theories offer intriguing possibilities on how “pussy cat” became cats’ quintessential nickname.
Tracing the History of “Pussy Cat”
Let’s delve into some key milestones in the written history of “pussy cat” to get more clues into how this quirky nickname developed:
- 1500s – Earliest appearances of “puss” to refer to cats. Used as a call to attract cats, like “puss, puss!”.
- 1570s – Phrase “puss cat” first recorded. Appears in a letter from young Lady Cavendish to her mother.
- 1699 – “Pussy cat” used in popular fairy tale Puss in Boots. Helped cement it as a nickname.
- 1760s – Nursery rhymes with “pussy cat” emerge, like “Hey Diddle Diddle”. Popularize it further.
- Early 1800s – “Pussy cat” becomes very common in children’s books and poetry.
- 1870s – First documented sexual slang use of “pussy” instead of cat. But link to nickname unclear.
- Early 1900s – Dr. Seuss helps immortalize “pussy cat” in his books like The Cat in the Hat.
So the nickname seems to have organically emerged in the 1500s from “puss”, got attached to cats in rhyming phrases, and picked up steam from there through fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and books.
Why “Pussy Cat” Stuck as Cats’ Nickname
Now that we’ve traced the origins and history, just why did “pussy cat” stick as cats’ nickname, surviving for over 400 years?
A few key reasons:
- It sounds cute and rhymes – The rhyming phrase rolls off the tongue cutely, especially for kids. The rhyme made it highly memorable.
- It connotes affection – “Pussy cat” sounds intimate, friendly, and affectionate, capturing our loving bond with cats. Other languages have similar cutesy nicknames too.
- It fills a linguistic need – Simple one-word names like “cat” can sound abrupt. An extended, rhyming nickname makes speech about cats smoother.
- It featured in children’s media – Nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and books like Dr. Seuss spread “pussy cat” widely through the child lexicon.
- It’s used worldwide – From the UK to France to China, versions of the nickname are used globally, indicating its cross-cultural appeal.
In short, the nickname hit a sweet spot – it sounds adorable, conveys affection, flows well linguistically, and got embedded through children’s media. No wonder it’s stood the test of time!
Alternate Nicknames for Cats
While “pussy cat” may be the primary nickname today, cats have had various amusing monikers throughout history:
- Puss / puss cat – One of the earliest recorded nicknames, still used today.
- Pussycat – Hyphenated version that was common in the 1800s.
- Pussykins – Cutesy variation that adds an endearing petty suffix.
- Kitty cat – Another alliterative nickname, sometimes shortened to just “kitty”.
- Tabby – Nickname for cats with striped coats, originally just for female cats.
- Mouser – Nickname referencing cats’ reputation as hunters of mice and other rodents.
- Puss-puss – Reduplicative form with repetition of “puss”. Used as a call.
- Pussy-wussy – Rhyming variation commonly used by little kids.
- Puddy tat – Phonetically tweaked form made famous by Looney Tunes.
So cats’ nickname game is strong! We’ve gotten creative with plenty of cutesy variations over the centuries.
Fun Facts About Cats and Their Nicknames
- Cats domesticated themselves over 9,500 years ago, choosing to live near humans. We didn’t tame them – they tamed us!
- Cats use over 100 vocalizations to communicate, from meows to trills to chirps. “Puss-puss” mimics their attempts to get our attention.
- Cats spend 70% of their lives sleeping – about 15 hours a day! No wonder they’re associated with laziness.
- Cats have an extra organ called the “Jacobson’s Organ” in their nose to detect pheromones. It’s why they sniff everything.
- A group of cats is called a “clowder”. A group of kittens is called a “kindle”.
- Cats sweat through the pads of their paws (who knew?!). So no pesky cat BO for owners to worry about!
- An adult cat only meows to communicate with humans – they don’t meow at each other! Kittens meow to their mother though.
- Cats have a special collar bone that allows them to fit through any opening the size of their head. No wonder they’re such stealthy escape artists!
- Cats have 5 toes on their front paws and 4 toes on the back. They walk digitigrade on their toes like dogs and bears.
- Cats have an extra organ called the “Jacobson’s Organ” in their nose to detect pheromones. It’s why they sniff everything.
Our “pussy cats” constantly captivate us with their quirks! Their intriguing nature and amusing mannerisms make them endlessly lovable.
Why People Love Cats and “Pussy Cats”
Cats have been cherished for centuries, so what makes them such beloved pets? What traits have earned them the enduring nickname “pussy cat”?
Here are some top reasons cat lovers adore their furry feline friends:
- Independent personalities – Cats amuse us with their plucky, independent spirits. Their occasional snobbery cracks us up.
- Cuddly and soft – Cats make the perfect cuddle buddies with their super soft fur. Their purring is soothing too.
- Mysterious – Cats intrigued ancient societies like Egypt. Their enigmatic nature still fascinates modern fans.
- Graceful movers – Watching cats leap, pounce, and slink so smoothly captivates us. Their acrobatic antics are entertaining.
- Compact and cute – Cats come in a conveniently cute, compact size. Even big cats seem cute compared to large dogs.
- Quirky behaviors – Strange cat behaviors like kneading, head butts, chirps, bleps, etc make cats endlessly amusing.
- Adaptable – Cats adjusted well to domestic life. They don’t need walks or constant attention like dogs.
- Intelligent – Cats can solve puzzles, open doors, and train their humans. We love their cleverness.
In many ways, cats are the ideal household pets – amusing, cute, soft, smart, low-maintenance, and mysteriously charming. No wonder we adore our “pussy cats”!
Conclusion
The quirky nickname “pussy cat” captures our enduring affection for our feline friends. While its exact origins remain a linguistic mystery, theories suggest it emerged organically from words like “puss” and descriptions of cats’ soft, furry coats.
Despite sexual slang potentially giving it adult connotations centuries later, at its core, “pussy cat” represents the unique bond humans share with cats. It conveys familiarity, fondness, and fascination for our furry companions.
Through nursery rhymes, literature, and pop culture, “pussy cat” became deeply embedded in the lexicon as the nickname for cats. And cats certainly live up to the “pussy cat” reputation – independent, charming, silly, and irresistibly cute.
So next time you call your cat a “pussy cat” or hear the nickname elsewhere, take a moment to appreciate the history behind it. Our “pussy cats” are quirky, lovable members of the family with a storied history as one of humanity’s most cherished animal friends.
