native cat

American  

noun

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

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native cat British  

noun

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

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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

The native cat is the only other carnivorous animal we possess; but its depredations extend no farther than the poultry-yard.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 10, No. 271, September 1, 1827 by Various

The native cat tore away bits of Baldy's clothing, and with them and the yellow grass made, year after year, a nest for its young among the whitening bones.

From The Book of the Bush Containing Many Truthful Sketches Of The Early Colonial Life Of Squatters, Whalers, Convicts, Diggers, And Others Who Left Their Native Land And Never Returned by Macfarlane, J.