What does the cryptic crossword clue "Cat losing seconds repeatedly chasing shy rodent (5)" mean?

The definition is "rodent". The wordplay uses a deletion. COY (synonym="shy") + PU (synonym="PU") = COYPU; definition: "rodent" The answer is COYPU.

Cat losing seconds repeatedly chasing shy rodent (5)

Times Cryptic #28634 | 1 Across | 2023-06-20 flower