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How to Say "Cat" in Dutch

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
kat
"Cat" in Dutch 路 say it like kaht

The most natural way to say "Cat" in Dutch is kat. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

poes
used more informally or affectionately
kater
specifically refers to a male cat

When to use it

Use 'kat' when referring to a cat in general. 'Poes' is often used when speaking to children or in a playful context. 'Kater' is used when you want to specify that the cat is male.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Cat" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Dutch

DutchEnglish
Mijn kat slaapt op de bank.My cat is sleeping on the couch.
De poes speelt met een bolletje wol.The cat is playing with a ball of yarn.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'kat' with 'hond', which means dog.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear kat, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Dutch with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'kat' and 'poes'?

'Kat' is the general term for cat, while 'poes' is a more affectionate or informal term.

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