in zoology. See FELIS.

in sea-affairs, a ship employed in the coal-trade, formed from the Norwegian model. It is distinguished by a narrow stern, projecting quarters, a deep waist, and by having ornamental figures on the prow. These vessels are generally built remarkably strong, and carry from four to six hundred tons, or, in the language of their own mariners, from 20 to 30 kettles of coals.

is also a sort of strong tackle, or combination of pulleys, to hook and draw the anchor perpendicularly up to the cat-head. The use of this machine is represented, Plate LXXXII., fig. 4.

CAT-FISH, in ichthyology. See SQUALUS.

CAT-GUT, a denomination given to small strings for fiddles, and other instruments, made of the intestines of sheep or lambs, dried and twisted together, either singly, or several together. These are sometimes coloured red, sometimes blue, but are commonly left whitish or brownish, the natural colour of the gut. They are also used by watch-makers, cutlers, turners, and other artificers. Great quantities are imported into England, and other northern countries from Lyons and Italy.

CAT-Harps, a purchase of ropes employed to brace in the shrouds of the lower masts behind their yards for the double purpose of making the shrouds more tight, and of affording room to draw in the yards more obliquely, to trim the sails for a side-wind, when they are laid to be close hauled.

CAT-HEADS, two strong short beams of timber, Plate LXXXII., which project almost horizontally over the ship's bows fig. 4, on each side of the bow-sprit; being like two radii which extend from a center taken in the direction of the bow-sprit. 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 braids 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.

The cat-block is fitted with a large and strong hook, which catches the ring of the anchor when it is to be drawn up.