Definition

Noun: 1. A flying cat refers to a specific type of mammal, the East Indian flying squirrel. It is an arboreal (tree-dwelling) and nocturnal (active at night) animal found in Southeast Asia and the Philippines. It is noted for its physical resemblance to a lemur and for possessing a fold of skin, called a patagium, on each side of its body stretching from the neck to the tail. This membrane allows the animal to make long, gliding leaps between trees.

Usage

• The term is used specifically in zoology and natural history to describe this particular gliding mammal.
• It is a common name, not a scientific one, and may be used in wildlife documentaries, nature writing, or by local populations.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes cause confusion, as it is also a colloquial name for other gliding animals or even for domestic cats that jump from high places. However, in a precise biological context, it refers specifically to the colugo (order Dermoptera).
• In technical or scientific writing, the terms colugo or flying lemur are more precise and preferred to avoid ambiguity.

Variants and Related Words

• Colugo: The more accurate common name for this animal.
• Flying lemur: Another common name, though it is not a true lemur.
• Cynocephalus volans: A former scientific name for the Philippine flying lemur.
• Galeopterus variegatus: The scientific name for the Sunda flying lemur.
• Patagium: The specialized fold of skin used for gliding.

Synonyms

• Colugo
• Flying lemur (Note: This is a synonym in common usage, but the animal is not taxonomically a lemur.)

Notes on Meaning

• Not a Feline: It is critical to understand that a "flying cat" is not a member of the cat family (Felidae). The name is descriptive, based on its facial features and behavior.
• Gliding vs. Flying: The animal does not fly by flapping wings but glides using its patagium, much like a flying squirrel.

Noun

1. East Indian flying squirrel
2. arboreal nocturnal mammal of southeast Asia and the Philippines resembling a lemur and having a fold of skin on each side from neck to tail that is used for long gliding leaps