Why do they say, "I have a pet cat", instead of "I have a cat"?
Are domesticated housecats really that rare?
2006-07-30 04:30:36 · 6 answers · asked by silvercomet 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I'm interested because I'm a retired linguist, and regional differences in any language delight and intrigue me.
2006-07-30 04:34:28 · update #1
We say both. It's just a figure of speech. Use of the word 'pet' implies a special relationship with an animal. For example I have a pet cat by the name of Del Boy (He was named that by the Cat's Home from where we got him) and as he was a present to me he is my pet. To the rest of the family, in theory, he is just 'a cat' although he is treated equally by us all, but as he is specifically mine then he is 'my pet'.
2006-07-30 04:35:43 · answer #1 · answered by quatt47 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a retired linguist, you should know that domesticated and pet is not the same.
Ranchers and farmers have many many domesticated animals that, in no way could be comsidered pets.
2006-07-30 05:11:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
But feral cats are very common, and cats can be domestic without being pets. like my cousins cats. they are just kept around for mousing by being fed once in a while, I doubt if you could pick one up and pet it without getting clawed all to hell
2006-07-30 04:46:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband lives here with me in America and he has never talked that way about our cats. Actually he has always called them "maugies" and I find myself after so many years calling them that too. He is from Norfolk, UK and I don't know if his nickname is personal or regional.
2006-07-30 04:37:47 · answer #4 · answered by genaddt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
~this has nothing to do with your post...~
I didnt SAY Bush doesent like black people i asked who THINKS that, so before you start getting ampid get it straight and think twice.
2006-07-30 11:56:12 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Just Love It♥ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well why do you care? It's not like it matters to you unless they are talking to you.
2006-07-30 04:32:14 · answer #6 · answered by straight_a_blonde 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋