native cat

American  

noun

1. any of several catlike dasyures of the genus Dasyurus, of Australia and Tasmania: most populations are now rare.

---

native cat British  

noun

1. any of various Australian catlike carnivorous marsupials of the genus Dasyurus

---

Etymology

Origin of native cat

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

But when you’re trying to nab Washington’s most endangered native cat, a little stink is the least of your challenges.

From Seattle Times • May 12, 2023

Being an alien, Bowie has to insert lenses over his native cat eyes — y'know, other atmospheres and all that — to appear human.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2016

And yet, while many logged forests have been hard-hit ecologically, they still show pockets of remarkable biodiversity, including all five of the native cat species.

From Nature • Apr. 17, 2013

Once he heard a venomous spitting overhead and, as he hurried on, caught a flying glimpse of a native cat, who had pinned an adventurous young 'possum on the lower limb of a giant black-butt.

From Finn The Wolfhound by Buxton, Robert Hugh

He recalled the spitting venom of the native cat, of whose kill he had caught a fleeting glimpse on the previous night.

From Finn The Wolfhound by Buxton, Robert Hugh