Word to describe movement of a cat

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Tan Elaine

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I was told by my teacher that we could say "The cat steals down the ladder." I wonder if this is the correct word to describe the movement of a cat. I know a horse gallops. What is the act of a cat's moving called?

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bhaisahab

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I was told by my teacher that we could say "The cat steals down the ladder." I wonder if this is the correct word to describe the movement of a cat. I know a horse gallops. What is the act of a cat's moving called?

Thanks.

It depends. A cat can walk, run, climb etcetera.
 

Tan Elaine

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It depends. A cat can walk, run, climb etcetera.

Thanks, Bhaisahab.

The cat steals down the ladder. Is 'steals down' correctly used?
 

SoothingDave

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Steal | Define Steal at Dictionary.com

One definition of "steal" is "
to
move,
go,
or
come
secretly,
quietly,
or
unobserved." So, yes, it's possible, but not very common to use "steal" in this way.

 

Barb_D

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My cats seem to spend an amazing amount of time lazing and lounging... kind of the opposite of moving.
 

Tan Elaine

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Hi Barb

I think your cats are overfed. They need to go for a slimming course.
 

Tullia

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So, yes, it's possible, but not very common to use "steal" in this way.


I'm pretty sure you already knew that, Dave! I was hoping the OP would answer the question :)
 

SoothingDave

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I'm pretty sure you already knew that, Dave! I was hoping the OP would answer the question :)

Our posts passed in the night.
 

Tullia

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I'll forgive you then :)
 

BobSmith

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FYI, "gallop" isn't unique to horses, rather any 4 legged mammal can gallop. Normaly you wouldn't say cats "gallop", but they do.
 

BobSmith

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AFAIK, there aren't movement words unique to specific animals, like there are collective words (herd, army, murder, etc). Perhaps someone can weigh in with a definitive remark.
 

SoothingDave

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FYI, "gallop" isn't unique to horses, rather any 4 legged mammal can gallop. Normaly you wouldn't say cats "gallop", but they do.

I don't think cats can gallop. They always move both legs on the same side of their bodies at the same time. Point taken, otherwise.
 
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