What is the term for a male domestic cat?

The term for a male domestic cat is tom.

“Tom” is a traditional English animal-husbandry term for a male cat, and “tomcat” is the familiar extended form. The word is especially associated with an adult, unneutered male, but ordinary usage often applies “tom” more broadly to male domestic cats. The term is separate from breed: a tom can belong to any breed or be a mixed-breed cat.

A female cat is commonly called a queen, particularly in breeding contexts, while a young cat is a kitten regardless of sex. “Gib” is an older term sometimes used specifically for a neutered male cat, which is why specialized glossaries may distinguish it from tom. In everyday quiz and pet-care language, however, tom is the standard answer to this question.

The word tomcat is also familiar from popular culture, including the cat character Tom in Tom and Jerry. That character’s name draws directly on the established term for a male cat, rather than referring to a particular breed or coat pattern.