The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word TRAPPING
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
T
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Catching" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case catching = trapping.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TRAPPING mean?
TRAPPING verb- To physically capture, to catch in a trap or traps, or something like a trap.
- To ensnare; to take by stratagem; to entrap.
- To provide with a trap.
- To set traps for game; to make a business of trapping game
- To leave suddenly, to flee.
- To sell illegal drugs, especially in a public area.
- To capture (e.g. an error) in order to handle or process it.
- To attend to and open and close a (trap-)door.
- To dress with ornaments; to adorn (especially said of horses).
- An instance of ensnaring something or someone.
- An ornamental covering or harness for a horse; caparison.