Origin of word Moggy

by Ria
(Ockendon, Essex, England)

pebble

Moggy or moggie is an old British affectionate term for a domestic cat, but is also used as alternative name for a mongrel or mixed-breed cat whose ancestry and pedigree are unknown or only partially known. Because of this mixed ancestry and free-breeding, a moggy can either be very healthy, or, if from an inbred feral colony, genetically unsound and sickly.

However, as feral colonies are often left without any form of human intervention and veterinary attention, the most sickly generally do not live past kittenhood.

Also in Lancashire and Cumbria UK the word Moggy used to mean a mouse and the cat was called a Moggy catcher. Eventually the 'catcher' was dropped and so both cat and mouse were called Moggies.

It was thought to be derived from the classic M markings on a tabbies head! (Most cats have tabby markings as kittens). Because people don't tend to be as careful of the breeding of cats the vast majority are moggies!

Hi Ria: Thanks for your submission. I changed the title to see if Google search finds it better. Michael