CAT-Heads, two strong short beams of timber, which project almost horizontally over the ship's bows on each side of the bowsprit; being like two radii which extend from a centre taken in the direction of the bowsprit. That part of the cat-head which rests upon the forecastle, is securely bolted to the beams: the other part projects like a crane, as above described, and carries in its extremity two or three small wheels or sheaves of brass or strong wood, about which a rope, called the cat-fall, passes and communicates with the cat-block, which also contains three sheaves. The machine formed by this combination of pulleys is called the Cat, which serves to pull the anchor up to the cat-head, without tearing the ship's sides with its flukes. The cat-head also serves to suspend the anchor clear of the bow, when it is necessary to let it go: it is supported by a sort of knee, which is generally ornamented with sculpture. See Plate CXXXVI.
The cat-block is filled with a large and strong hood,
which catches the ring of the anchor when it is to be drawn up.