‘Xiǎo māo’ literally means ‘small cat’ and refers specifically to a young, immature domestic cat — that is, a kitten. The first character 小 (xiǎo) means ‘small’ or ‘little’, functioning here as a diminutive modifier, while 猫 (māo) means ‘cat’. Together, they form a common, affectionate compound noun used in everyday speech, especially when referring to kittens as pets, in stories, or in casual conversation about animals.

This term carries a warm, gentle, or endearing connotation — it’s rarely used in formal or scientific contexts (where terms like 幼猫 yòu māo, ‘juvenile cat’, may appear instead). It’s frequently heard in children’s books, pet-related discussions, and online content featuring cute animal videos. Unlike the general word 猫, which can refer to cats of any age, 小猫 emphasizes youth, small size, and vulnerability, often evoking tenderness or playfulness.