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CAT: The American Sign Language (ASL) sign for "cat"

CAT (version)

 

 

The general version of the sign for cat starts with an "open F."   This handshape looks like a normal "F" except that the index finger and thumb are separated by about an inch. 

Place the "open F" handshape near the bottom of your nose and move it out to the side while changing it to a normal "F" handshape 

 

Sample sentence: Why do cats like to destroy furniture?

 


CAT ("8" version)
The sign for cat can even be done using an "8" handshape (instead of an "F" or a "G.")
That version starts with an "open 8" and moves to the side and closes into a normal 8 handshape.

 

 


The sign "cat" can be done using a "G" handshape that starts near the bottom right of the nose and moves out to the right while changing from a normal "G" handshape to a "closed G" handshape:
 

CAT ("G" version)

animation >

 


CAT (old version) (not recommended)
The sign CAT uses just one hand for most everyday conversation. 
I sometimes use two hands when I'm feeling dramatic and/or signing stories to young children but that is about it. 


 

Some ways to show a cat meowing is to sign:

 


 

Question:
Why are there variations of signs for the same words? Like dog or cat.

Answer:
ASL signs have variations for the same reason that English words have variations.
For example, in English a dog is sometimes called doggy, hound, mongrel, mutt, pooch, stray, bowwow, pup, puppy, cur, fido, flea bag, man's best friend, etc.
All languages have vocabulary variations and versions.
I'm sure if you think about it, or use a thesaurus you can come up with several English word variations that mean "cat."


Notes: 

See: KITTEN

ANIMAL

DOG

PET




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