The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word TOM-TOM
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
T
O
M
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T
O
M
More clues leading to the result TOM-TOM
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Instrument in Cats" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case instrument in cats = tom-tom.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 TOM-TOM mean?
TOM-TOM noun- A flat gong (without knob) that is struck with a felt-covered hammer.
- A small joined pair of drums, beaten with the hands.
- (usually as a pair) Any cylindrical drum, with no snare; part of a drum kit.
- To play the tom-tom (pair of drums).