cat
/kæt/ UK /kæt/ · US /kæt/
A short a CVC word (æ) in the animals category. It belongs to the -at word family.
animalsHear cat
Tap a sound to hear it on its own, or play the whole word below.
How to Say “cat”
Blend the three sounds together slowly, then speed up: /k/ – /æ/ – /t/ → cat.
Example Sentences with Cat
- The cat sleeps on the mat.
- My cat likes to play.
- The cat sat on the mat.
- A cat naps in the warm sun.
- My cat is black and white.
- The cat drank the milk.
How to Spell “cat”
Children most often write this word as kat, cta, caat. Those errors are useful — each one points to a specific sound the child has not yet connected to a letter.
- Start with the picture: a cat makes a /k/ sound, so begin with "c".
- Say the word slowly three times, then write one sound per letter.
- Draw the cat and label it — children remember their own drawing.
Phonics Tip for Cat
"cat" and "hat" make the same ending sound (/æt/). Say them back to back so children hear that only the first sound changes. That is the core of the -at family.
Fun Facts About Cat
A cat's hearing is far sharper than a human's, which is why cats can hear a mouse moving in a quiet room. They also purr by vibrating their throat muscles roughly 25 times a second.
More Words in the -at Family
Words that rhyme with cat and end with the same sounds:
Related CVC Words
More words with the short a sound that have their own picture guide:
Other Word Families
Move between families:
Where to Practise Cat
- All short a CVC words — 59 words
- The -at word family
- CVC flash cards — picture cards with audio
- CVC multiple choice quiz
- CVC sentences — read the word in context
- CVC worksheets