I hope this glossary will be informative and entertaining for all the cat lovers out there! Whether you're a seasoned cat owner or a newcomer to the feline world, there is always something new to learn about these amazing creatures. From the different breeds and coat colors to the various health concerns and breeding practices, cats offer a never-ending source of fascination and wonder.
As you continue to care for and enjoy your furry friends, remember to always prioritize their health and well-being. Regular visits to the vet, a balanced diet, and plenty of love and attention are just a few of the ways to ensure that your cat stays happy and healthy for years to come.
So go ahead, cuddle up with your favorite feline and explore the world of cats together. With their unique personalities and captivating charm, there is always something new and exciting to discover!
A Glossary of Feline Terms
Welcome to the world of cats! This glossary is a treasure trove of knowledge for all ailurophiles out there. It's an alphabetical list of terms and words related to felines, with explanations provided for each term. Think of it as a brief dictionary of everything you need to know about cats.
Ailurophile: Someone who loves and cherishes cats.
Ailurophobe: Someone with a fear of cats.
Alopecia: A condition that causes hair loss and creates a patch of bald scalp which stands out from the rest of the hair.
Anestrus: The state of a female cat when she is not in the mating phase.
Antibiotics: Powerful substances sourced from living organisms that can effectively stop bacteria growth.
AOC Cats: Cats with a unique coat color and pattern that are not conventional.
AOV: Any Other Variety - a term used by cat associations to identify cats that do not meet certain requirements for entering championship cat show classes.
Awn hairs: An extra layer of fur between a cat's undercoat and primary guard coat, providing extra insulation and protection for their skin.
Back crossing: Mating cats with their parent to produce unique outcomes.
Bi-color cats: Cats with an exquisite white base fur adorned with large patches of another color.
Blaze: A white stripe or splash on the forehead/nose of cats.
Booster vaccination: An immunization booster shot given periodically after the initial vaccine to maintain immunity against a certain disease.
Brindling: A coat with each strand of hair having its own unique color.
Britches: Longer fur growing on the upper back legs of many animals.
Brush tail: The long, bushy coat of fur on a cat's tail.
Calico cats: Females with striking and unique coats with patches of white, red and black.
Carriers of genetic defects or diseases: Cats that have inherited traits from their ancestors that can unknowingly pass on the condition to their offspring.
Cattery: A place where cats are lovingly bred and boarded.
Cat Association: An organization dedicated to promoting feline education and welfare.
Cat fancy: A group of dedicated cat lovers who breed, show, and join clubs related to cats.
Catnip: A plant belonging to the mint family which cats find intriguing.
CFA: Cat Fanciers Association - the number one organization in the world for registering cats of all breeds.
CFF: Cat Fanciers' Federation - an organization dedicated to promoting feline education and welfare.
Coarse: A cat with a harsh and unrefined shape and form.
Cobby: A petite build, bulkier bone structure and stubby legs characterizing Persian or Manx breeds.
Colorpoint cats: Cats with variations in the color of their face, ears, tail and legs.
Conformation: A cat's body structure features strong legs and a gracefully curved tail, making them an incredibly agile creature.
Crossbreeding cats: A way to expand the gene pool and produce litters of healthy and unique cats.
Dame: The mother of a cat as referred to in its pedigree.
Dander: Microscopic scales of dead skin that can trigger an allergic reaction in human beings.
Declawing: A surgically-removed procedure that takes away an animal's claws.
Dew claws: The first digits found on the inner side of a dog's front legs.
Domestic cat: A beloved pet that doesn't have a specified pedigree.
Down hairs: The softest and fluffiest type of fur on cats that provide insulation and protection.
Ear furnishings: Tufts of hair that grow in and around a cat's ears.
Ear mites: Pesky little critters that feed on the wax and oils found in a cat's ear canal.
FIV, or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, weakens a cat's immune system and makes them susceptible to infections. FIP, or Feline Infectious Peritonitis, is a deadly virus caused by a coronavirus. FeLV, or Feline Leukemia Virus, can lead to cancer of the lymphocytes. FLUTD, or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, increases the risk of urinary blockage and kidney stone formation. FUS, or Feline Urologic Syndrome, is a potentially life-threatening illness of the urinary tract that can cause blockages in male cats.
Gingivitis can cause discomfort and bad breath in cats if left untreated, while guard hairs protect a feline's coat from the elements.
Heat is the period when a female cat is ready to mate and become pregnant. HHP, or Household Pet, refers to unregistered domestic or purebred cats kept as companions. Hybrid cats are the result of carefully breeding different breeds, resulting in hybrid vigor and higher vitality.
Immunization through shots from a vet protects a cat throughout its lifetime, while inbreeding can result in both positive and negative outcomes.
A kitten is a young cat that everyone loves, while line breeding involves pairing related cats with at least one common ancestor in the first three generations of their pedigrees. Litter refers to both the kittens born together and the material used in a litter box.
Line Breeding is a technique for cats that involves breeding related cats with a common ancestor in the first three generations of their pedigrees. This method is known for producing excellent results.
Litter refers to both the kittens born together and the material used in a litter box.
Neutering involves removing a male cat's testicles to prevent reproduction, while an outcross cat has ancestors with no ties or relationships for at least three generations.
Pedigrees can provide details about a cat's ancestors, including their names, titles, colors, and registration numbers. Purebred cats have ancestors that all belong to the same breed or approved outcrosses, and neutered or spayed registered cats may be referred to as "Premier."
A Queen is a female cat bred for the quality of her offspring, and the quick is the vein that should be avoided when trimming a cat's nails.
The quick is the vein that should be avoided when trimming a cat's nails.
Rangy describes a cat with a long, thin body.
Ringworm is a skin disease caused by a fungus, not a worm.
The ruff is the hair that looks out of place where the collar sits on a cat's neck.
Selective breeding involves breeding a pair of cats to eliminate a trait or gain a desired feature.
A self cat has a coat that is the same color from the skin to the end.
Setting type is the process of breeding cats repeatedly with the same desired traits to eventually have cats that possess those traits and can pass them down to their offspring.
The sire is the father of a litter of kittens, while a spayed female cat is unable to have kittens. A stud is a male cat that is not neutered.
Ticking refers to a darker shade of the coat hair towards the end, while TICA stands for The International Cat Association.
A tomcat is a male cat that is not neutered and takes care of himself.
Torties are female cats with a unique blend of cream, red, and black colors.
Tufted refers to the hairs that pop up around a cat's ears or toes.
The undercoat consists of soft hairs below the rough protective coat.
A registered cat whose appearance does not meet the breed standard cannot be awarded championship status. This cat falls under the category of Variety.
Weaning is the process of transitioning kittens from their mother's milk to solid food by separating them from their nursing mother.
