While it sounds like it might be related to the word "cat," there's no definitive link. Some theories suggest it might be from:
* Old French: A combination of "chat" (cat) and "wauler" (to howl), but this connection is disputed.
* Onomatopoeia: The word may simply be an imitation of the sound cats make.
Despite the uncertainty, "caterwaul" has been used in the English language since the 16th century.