子猫

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 子猫 (こねこ) is a noun for a kitten, a young cat.
• Basic usage: It describes a kitten playing in a garden or being gently moved while asleep.
  • 庭で白い子猫が葉っぱを追いかけていました。 — A white kitten chased leaves in the garden.
  • 眠った子猫を毛布の上にそっと置きました。 — I gently placed the sleeping kitten on a blanket.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Kitten and cat
  • 子猫 specifically identifies a young cat, while 猫 is the broader word regardless of age.