How to Sign "Kitty"
To sign 'kitty,' bring both hands up to your cheeks. Keep your fingers open, then pinch your index fingers and thumbs together while pulling your hands slightly outward to the sides. This motion mimics the whiskers of a cat.
Examples Using "Kitty" in a Sentence
1
Look at the cute kitty!
Sign 'cute' followed by 'kitty,' using the two-handed whisker motion. You can point to the imaginary or real kitten to establish context and show excitement on your face.
2
My kitty is sleeping.
Sign 'my,' then 'kitty,' and finish with the sign for 'sleep.' Make sure to complete the outward whisker motion clearly before transitioning your hands into the sleep sign.
3
Do you want to pet the kitty?
Sign 'you want,' then 'pet,' and finally 'kitty.' Because this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows and lean slightly forward at the end of the sentence.
How to Sign "Kitty"
To sign 'kitty,' bring both hands up to your cheeks. Keep your fingers open, then pinch your index fingers and thumbs together while pulling your hands slightly outward to the sides. This motion mimics the whiskers of a cat.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'kitty' is a wonderful example of an iconic sign in American Sign Language, meaning the gesture visually resembles the concept it represents. The placement of the hands at the cheeks and the outward pinching motion directly mimic the long, distinctive whiskers found on a feline's face. This visual connection makes the sign highly intuitive and easy for beginners to remember, as you are essentially drawing a cat's whiskers in the air on your own face.
Signing Tips
When signing 'kitty,' make sure the pinching motion of your index finger and thumb is crisp and deliberate. Imagine you are gently tracing a cat's long whiskers. Keep your other three fingers fanned out naturally. While the two-handed version is demonstrated here and is excellent for clarity, you will often see fluent signers use just their dominant hand in casual conversation. Focus on keeping the movement small and close to your cheeks rather than pulling your hands too far out.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is pulling their hands too far away from their face, making the motion overly large and exaggerated. The movement should be a small, quick pinch and a slight outward pull, staying relatively close to your cheeks. Another common error is closing all of the fingers into a fist instead of keeping the middle, ring, and pinky fingers fanned out. Finally, ensure your hands don't block your mouth, as clear facial expressions are vital.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Kitty" in a Sentence
1Look at the cute kitty!
Sign 'cute' followed by 'kitty,' using the two-handed whisker motion. You can point to the imaginary or real kitten to establish context and show excitement on your face.
2My kitty is sleeping.
Sign 'my,' then 'kitty,' and finish with the sign for 'sleep.' Make sure to complete the outward whisker motion clearly before transitioning your hands into the sleep sign.
3Do you want to pet the kitty?
Sign 'you want,' then 'pet,' and finally 'kitty.' Because this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows and lean slightly forward at the end of the sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'kitty' the same as 'cat'?
Yes, the signs for 'kitty' and 'cat' are exactly the same in ASL. Both use the whisker-pulling motion. You can convey the idea of a smaller 'kitty' by adding the sign for 'small' or 'baby,' or by making your movements slightly more delicate.
Do I have to use both hands to sign 'kitty'?
While the two-handed version is great for beginners and very clear, it is completely acceptable to use just your dominant hand to make the whisker motion on one side of your face. This one-handed version is very common in everyday, casual conversation.
What handshape should my other fingers be in?
As you pinch your index finger and thumb together, your middle, ring, and pinky fingers should remain open and fanned out. This is very similar to an 'F' handshape or a '9' handshape in the ASL alphabet and number systems.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!