Cats' sloppy bits of play (4)
I believe the answer is:
acts
'bits of play' is the definition.
'acts' can be an answer for 'play' (I've seen this before). I am not certain of the 'bits of' bit.
'cats' sloppy' is the wordplay.
'sloppy' indicates anagramming the letters.
'cats' with letters rearranged gives 'ACTS'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for acts that I've seen before include "Cast in exploits" , "Theatrical deeds" , "Major divisions of play" , "Religious book" , "Pretends" .)