No room to swing a cat
A very small, cramped space.
What it means
If there is no room to swing a cat, the space is tiny. “We shared a flat so small there was no room to swing a cat.” We promise no cats are swung, in the saying or in real life.
Where it comes from
The phrase is recorded in the 1700s. One popular idea is that it refers to the cat-o’-nine-tails, a whip used on ships, and that there was not enough space below decks to swing it. Another links it to an unkind old sport. Neither has proof, so the honest answer is: nobody knows.
Examples
- “The kitchen was so small there was no room to swing a cat.”
- “Their first flat had no room to swing a cat.”
- “Don’t invite everyone. There’s no room to swing a cat.”
“Small spaces are my favourite. If you do not fit, I do.”, Starlight
What about real cats?
Cats love small spaces because they feel safe and warm. Boxes, cupboards and tiny beds are all good, and a hiding place is important for a cat’s wellbeing, especially a shy one. Just check that a space is safe, with no way for the cat to get shut in or stuck.
Questions people ask
What does “no room to swing a cat” mean?
It means a very small, cramped space.
Does anybody swing cats?
No. It is only a saying, and one with a murky origin. Cats should always be handled gently.
