masculine and feminine nouns

Question

I have noticed in the dictionary that the word 'cat' (el gato) is listed as a masculine or feminine noun - ie el gato = male cat, la gata = female cat.

However, 'dog' (el perro) is listed as just masculine noun.

My question is:

• if I wanted to say 'this is my cat (female)' I think I would say 'esta es mi gata'.

Therefore,

• if I wanted to say 'this is my dog (female)' would I say 'esta es mi perra'?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi Billy,

This has been answered before.

Personally speaking, I imagine that you're safe to say 'perra' if the context is absolutely clear or you're on a pet forum, talking to a vet etc, otherwise I like the 'perrita' suggestion.

perro vs perra

thank you so much sally. Yes, of course, I should have checked previous questions. I keep forgetting!! The reason I ask this is because of how the word '****' can be interpreted!! - billygoat, Apr 30, 2011