A bit of a cat (3)
'a bit' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'a cat' is the wordplay.
'cat' becomes 'tom' (a tom is a male cat).
'a'+'tom'='ATOM'
'of' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for atom that I've seen before include "Smallest particle in an element able to take part in a chemical reaction" , "Moat (anag.)" , "Neutron and proton" , "A mighty particle, can be explosive" , "Particle; molecule" .)
This clue could be a double definition.
'a bit' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.
'a cat' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'of' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for paw that I've seen before include "Foot of clawed animal" , "Mammal's foot" , "Animal foot or hill-billy dad" , "Hand; foot" , "Animal's foot" .)