Catgut does not come from cats, but usually from sheep or goats.

Misleading Name

Catgut strings are known for their rich, warm sound, valued by classical musicians.

Musical Quality

Catgut is biodegradable and was historically used in surgical sutures.

Medical Usage

 It is definitely the first stringed instrument ever in the world, and still played in the Southern mountains. Now, the old timers didn't take a fancy guitar string and make anything like this. They would just take a stick and a catgut and string it up.