猫

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 猫 is read as ねこ and is a noun for a cat, the small domesticated feline commonly kept by people or living outdoors.
• Basic usage: A black cat walking along a wall appears in 黒い猫, while covering a sleeping cat with a blanket appears in 猫に毛布を掛ける.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The general animal name
  • It is the ordinary word for the animal regardless of age, size, coat color, or whether it is a pet.
• Difference from 子猫
  • Unlike the word specifically for a kitten, this term includes cats of any age.