Catt, whose real name is Alph Hingley, is a Silver Sugar Master and a significant character in the story. He resides in the town of Lewiston, where he owns and operates his own workshop. A name he openly dislikes, his nickname Catt was bestowed upon him by his acquaintance, Hugh Mercury. In terms of appearance, Catt has silver-gray hair which he typically wears in a side ponytail secured with a muted pink ribbon. His eyes are a dark blue shade with cyan highlights. His attire often consists of a practical yet refined ensemble, including a gold buttoned vest over a white top with a lace collar, a beige necktie, dark brown pants, and knee-high boots.

Catt possesses a personality that is initially perceived as harsh and tough. He is a man of strong principles who holds a deep disdain for high society and refuses to tolerate anyone who acts unfairly or treats others with disrespect. This extends to his business practices, as he is known to decline lucrative orders from customers he deems unworthy or unscrupulous. Despite his gruff exterior, he is not an unreasonable individual. He has a deep-seated respect for genuine hard work and skill. When he makes a mistake, he is willing to swallow his pride and admit fault, as demonstrated when he falsely accused Anne Halford of destroying a sugar confection order and later offered her a sincere apology after she proved her innocence.

Catt's motivations are rooted in integrity and a commitment to the craft of sugar artistry. He prefers the simplicity of a modest workshop over the grandeur of large enterprises, valuing honest work over social pretense and greed. This principled nature drives him to defend those he believes are being treated unjustly. His role in the story is primarily as an ally and mentor to Anne Halford. After their contentious first encounter, he becomes a staunch defender of her character, coming to her aid multiple times whenever she is falsely accused of cheating or taking shortcuts by jealous rivals like Jonas Anders.

Catt's key relationships are marked by loyalty and mutual respect. He lives and works with Benjamin, a labor fairy who is revealed to possess his own wing yet chooses to stay by Catt's side. This unique arrangement reflects Catt's respect for fairy autonomy, contrasting with the norms of their society. He is also acquainted with other notable Silver Sugar Masters, including Hugh Mercury and Keith Powell. His relationship with Hugh is long-standing, as they were once training partners, which is the source of his disliked nickname. Catt is also highly critical of those who abuse power over fairies, such as Elliot Collins, whom he chastises for perpetuating the enslavement of the warrior fairy Challe.

Throughout the narrative, Catt experiences a subtle but clear development from a suspicious stranger to a trusted mentor figure for Anne. He begins as an obstacle, forcing her to work for him as recompense for a crime she did not commit. However, witnessing her relentless effort and undeniable talent causes him to reassess his assumptions, and he gradually shifts to become one of her most reliable supporters, respecting her as a fellow artisan. As for notable abilities, Catt is a highly accomplished Silver Sugar Master, recognized as one of the best in his field. His skill is said to rival that of the famous Hugh Mercury, establishing him as an artisan of the highest caliber. His expertise and reputation are such that his judgment carries significant weight in the artisan community.