catgut

Catgut is a historical term for cordage and suture material derived from the collagen in animal intestines, most commonly from sheep or goats, and sometimes cattle. The name does not indicate any involvement of cats, and its origin predates modern taxonomy. The material is produced by cleaning the tissue, removing the mucous lining, and processing the remaining connective tissue into smooth, elastic strands.

For musical instruments, catgut refers to gut strings made from processed intestine. The material is cleaned, dried, and twisted or braided into cords that can be wound into strings. Gut strings were widely used on violins, violas, cellos, and other early instruments, and are still favored by some players for period performances or specific tonal qualities, though most modern strings are steel or synthetic.

In medicine, catgut has also been used to make sutures. These sutures are made from collagen in intestinal tissue and may be treated (for example with chromium salts) to slow absorption. Catgut sutures have largely been replaced in modern practice by synthetic absorbable sutures, which offer more predictable absorption and tissue response. Nevertheless, catgut sutures are still produced in some places and used in particular niche applications.

Today, the term catgut remains common in historical or niche contexts. Modern stringed instruments typically use nylon, steel, or synthetic gut alternatives, while contemporary surgical sutures favor synthetic materials. The concept of catgut emphasizes the historical use of animal-derived collagen rather than any association with cats.