‘逗猫’ literally combines the verb 逗 (dòu), meaning 'to tease, to play with, or to amuse', and the noun 猫 (māo), meaning 'cat'. Together, it means 'to play with a cat'—typically in a gentle, interactive way, such as waving a feather toy, using a laser pointer, or mimicking bird sounds to engage the cat’s natural hunting instincts. It implies lighthearted, affectionate interaction rather than rough handling.

This verb is commonly used in daily conversation among pet owners, caregivers, and even children. It appears in both spoken and written Chinese, often in informal contexts like chatting about pets, sharing social media posts, or giving advice on cat care. While not formal or technical, it carries warm, familiar connotations—and reflects the cultural appreciation of cats as playful, responsive companions.