Quick answer
猫 is the kanji for "Cat". The most common reading is ねこ (neko). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Cat
Also : Kitty · Feline
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
11 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 猫 represents 'CAT'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of cat.
On-reading: びょう — remember this sound by associating it with cat. Kun-reading: ねこ.
Example Sentences
猫を二匹飼っています。
ねこをにひきかっています。
I have two cats.
野良猫が公園にいます。
のらねこがこうえんにいます。
There are stray cats in the park.
Vocabulary using 猫
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
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