Crossword Genius

Employer's cat second to be taken (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

user

'employer's' is the definition.
(someone who employs or uses something)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for user that I've seen before include "One operating something" , "Operator; exploiter" , "Person who takes drugs" , "One exploiting others" , "Manipulator" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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