Make longer and thinner stone cat (7)

I believe the answer is:

stretch

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'make longer' is the definition.
(stretching is a kind of making longer)

'thinner stone cat' is the wordplay.
'thinner stone' becomes 'st' (abbreviation. I am not sure about the 'thinner' bit.).
'cat' becomes 'retch' (synonyms).
'st'+'retch'='STRETCH'

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stretch that I've seen before include "Make demands on; continuous expanse" , "Lengthen - time in jail" , "Tax" , "how much time one's been given" , "Exercise - period" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.