maltese cat
Noun: A domestic cat with short, bluish-grey fur. In the United States, the term is often used broadly and imprecisely to describe any cat fitting this general appearance, rather than referring to a specific, standardized breed.
The term is used to describe a cat's color and coat type. It is important to note that in common American usage, "maltese cat" is a descriptive color term, not a formal breed name. * The stray cat we took in is a beautiful maltese cat with striking yellow eyes. * Many people mistakenly call any grey cat a maltese cat.
- Historical/Descriptive Term: The term has historical usage as a descriptor for grey cats. In modern cat fancy, the correct term for a solid blue-grey cat is often "blue" (e.g., a British Shorthair blue, a Russian Blue, or a domestic shorthair with a blue coat).
- In 19th-century writings, a maltese cat was a common sight in descriptions of households.
- Maltese (adj): Pertaining to Malta or its people. When used informally for cats, it means bluish-grey.
- Informal: "She has a maltese kitten."
- Blue Cat (n): A more precise modern term used by cat registries and enthusiasts for cats with a solid bluish-grey coat.
- Domestic Shorthair (n): The proper term for a mixed-breed cat with short hair, which could include cats described as "maltese."
- Grey cat
- Blue cat (in specific cat fancy context)
- Blue-grey cat
The primary meaning is a descriptive one based on physical appearance (short blue-grey fur). It does not denote a breed with a specific genetic lineage or standard, which is a key distinction from formal breed names like "Siamese cat" or "Persian cat." The term's imprecise nature is a central aspect of its definition.
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a term applied indiscriminately in the United States to any short-haired bluish-grey cat
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