Cat Glossary
What does blep mean? Why do cats loaf? Is a tuxedo a breed? 284 cat words explained in plain English, from A to Z.
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Breeds and words (36)
- Abyssinian
- Balinese
- Bengal
- British Blue
- Cat fancy
- Cat person
- Cattery
- Clowder
- Cymric
- Domestic longhair
- Domestic shorthair
- Hypoallergenic
- Kindle
- Kitten
- Litter
- Maine Coon
- Manx
- Mog
- Moggy
- Munchkin
- Pedigree
- Persian
- Polydactyl
- Polydactyl cat
- Queen
- Ragdoll
- Rex
- Savannah
- Scottish Fold
- Senior cat
- Siamese
- Somali
- Sphynx
- Tabby and white
- Tom
- Tomcat
Coat and colour (41)
- Agouti
- Bicolour
- Blaze
- Blue point
- Caliby
- Calico
- Chinchilla
- Chocolate point
- Cinnamon
- Classic tabby
- Colourpoint
- Cow cat
- Cream
- Dilute
- Double coat
- Fawn
- Flame point
- Ghost stripes
- Guard hairs
- Lilac point
- Locket
- Mackerel tabby
- Mitted
- Moult
- Odd-eyed
- Red
- Rosette
- Ruff
- Seal point
- Shaded
- Smoke
- Solid
- Spotted tabby
- Tabby
- Ticked
- Torbie
- Tortoiseshell
- Tuxedo
- Undercoat
- Van pattern
- White spotting
Body language (14)
Health and care (55)
- Allergy
- Anaesthetic
- Arthritis
- Blood pressure check
- Blood test
- Body condition score
- Brachycephalic
- Castration
- Cat flu
- Cat insurance
- Chronic kidney disease
- Constipation
- Core vaccinations
- Cystitis
- Dander
- Dehydration
- Dental disease
- Dental scale and polish
- Diabetes
- Ear infection
- Ear mites
- Elizabethan collar
- Eye discharge
- Fel d 1
- Feline infectious enteritis
- FeLV
- FIP
- FIV
- Flea treatment
- Fleas
- FLUTD
- Fur loss
- Gingivitis
- Hairball
- HCM
- Hyperthyroidism
- Indoor cat
- Litter tray
- Lungworm
- Microchip
- Neutering
- Obesity
- Pet insurance
- Quality of life
- Ringworm
- Roundworm
- Senior health check
- Spay
- Tapeworm
- Teething
- Ticks
- Urine sample
- Vaccination boosters
- Vet registration
- Worming
Behaviour (60)
- Allogrooming
- Belly trap
- Bird TV
- Biscuit making
- Blep
- Bunny kicking
- Cat grass
- Cat nap
- Cat play
- Cat zoomies at night
- Caterwauling
- Catnip
- Chasing tail
- Chattering
- Chirp
- Crepuscular
- Enrichment
- Flehmen response
- Freezing
- Grooming
- Growl
- Head bonk
- Headbutting
- Hissing
- Hunting instinct
- Introduction
- Kitten kneading
- Kneading
- Knocking things off
- Loaf
- Love bite
- Meow
- Multi-cat household
- Night howling
- Over-grooming
- Play fight
- Prey gift
- Pupil dilation
- Purring
- Puzzle feeder
- Redirected aggression
- Resource guarding
- Scent marking
- Scratching
- Silver vine
- Sleeping positions
- Slow blink
- Sploot
- Spraying
- Stalking
- Stretching
- Territory
- Toe beans
- Trill
- Vertical space
- Wand toy
- Window watching
- Yowl
- Zoning out
- Zoomies
Kittens and rescue (20)
Anatomy (17)
Home and safety (20)
A
Abyssinian Breeds and words
A slim, active breed with a ticked coat, often called an Aby. Abyssinian guide →
Agouti Coat and colour
A hair with bands of different colours, which gives tabby and ticked coats their pattern.
Airplane ears Body language
Ears turned sideways and flattened, like aeroplane wings. They show a cat is nervous, annoyed or ready to defend themselves.
Allergy Health and care
A reaction to something such as pollen or certain foods. Cats can have allergies, and so can people who live with them.
Allogrooming Behaviour
Cats grooming each other. It is a sign of a close bond between cats that live together.
Anaesthetic Health and care
Medicine that puts a cat to sleep for an operation. Vets check your cat’s health first.
Arched back Body language
A cat with a high arched back and puffed fur is trying to look big because they are scared.
Arthritis Health and care
Joint pain, common in older cats but often missed. Signs include less jumping, stiffness and not grooming.
B
Balinese Breeds and words
The long-haired version of the Siamese. Balinese guide →
Belly trap Behaviour
When a cat rolls over and shows their belly. It can mean trust, but not always an invitation to rub: many cats grab at a touched tummy.
Bengal Breeds and words
A spotted, athletic breed created from a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat, many generations ago. Bengal guide →
Bicolour Coat and colour
A coat that is white plus one other colour, in any amount.
Bird TV Behaviour
A feeder or table outside the window so an indoor cat can watch wildlife.
Biscuit making Behaviour
Another name for kneading: pushing with the front paws as if working dough.
Blaze Coat and colour
A white stripe down the face, between the eyes.
Blep Behaviour
When a cat leaves the tip of the tongue poking out, often without realising. It is usually harmless, and can happen when a cat is very relaxed. Why do cats stick their tongues out? →
Blood pressure check Health and care
A quick vet test, useful in older cats.
Blood test Health and care
A test to check organ function and spot illness early.
Blue point Coat and colour
Slate blue-grey points on a pale body. Siamese cat colours →
Body condition score Health and care
A way of rating whether a cat is the right weight, by looking and feeling for the waist and ribs. Your vet can show you how.
Brachycephalic Health and care
Having a short, flat face, as in the Persian and Exotic Shorthair. It can cause breathing, eye and dental problems. Persian health →
Breed standard Kittens and rescue
A written description of how a breed should look, set by a cat registry.
British Blue Breeds and words
A British Shorthair with a blue-grey coat. It is a colour, not a separate breed.
Bunny kicking Behaviour
Kicking with the back legs when grabbing a toy or hand. It is a play-fighting move.
C
Caliby Coat and colour
A calico with tabby patches, also called a calico tabby.
Calico Coat and colour
A white coat with big patches of orange and black. Almost always female. Calico cat names →
Carpal pad Anatomy
A small pad at the back of the front leg, used as a brake when landing or stopping. Cat paw pads explained →
Castration Health and care
An operation to neuter a male cat.
Cat boarding Home and safety
Staying at a cattery when owners are away. Visit first and check vaccinations are up to date.
Cat carrier Home and safety
A sturdy box for vet trips. Leave it out at home so it feels familiar.
Cat fancy Breeds and words
The world of cat shows, breeders and registries.
Cat flap Home and safety
A small door that lets a cat come and go. A microchip cat flap only lets in your own cat.
Cat flu Health and care
A common infection caused mainly by feline herpesvirus and calicivirus, with sneezing, runny eyes and nose and a poor appetite. Vaccination makes it milder.
Cat grass Behaviour
Young grass, often wheat or oats, grown for cats to nibble. It is safe and many cats enjoy it.
Cat harness Home and safety
A secure, well-fitted harness that allows supervised outdoor time, once a cat is used to it.
Cat insurance Health and care
Insurance for vet bills. Read what it covers before you buy.
Cat nap Behaviour
A short, light sleep. Cats can wake in a second.
Cat person Breeds and words
Someone who prefers cats to dogs, or simply loves them.
Cat play Behaviour
Short, regular sessions with a wand toy. Ending with a snack mimics a hunt. Safe cat toys →
Cat treats Food and feeding
Small extras that should not make up more than a small part of the daily food.
Cat tree Home and safety
A tower with platforms and scratching posts that gives cats climbing and rest.
Cat zoomies at night Behaviour
Bursts of night-time running are common in young, indoor cats with energy to burn. Play before bedtime and a meal can help.
Cat-proofing Home and safety
Making a home safe by securing windows, hiding cables and removing toxic plants.
Cat-safe plants Home and safety
Plants that are not poisonous to cats, such as spider plants and cat grass.
Caterwauling Behaviour
A loud, wailing call. It is often heard from unneutered cats or cats in distress.
Catio Home and safety
A secure outdoor enclosure that gives indoor cats fresh air.
Catnip Behaviour
A plant in the mint family. Around two in three cats are affected by it, and it usually makes them playful or mellow for a few minutes. Kittens under about six months often do not react.
Cats and milk Food and feeding
Many adult cats cannot digest cow’s milk well. Use water, or special cat milk if you like.
Cattery Breeds and words
A place that boards cats while their owners are away, or a place where a breeder keeps their cats.
Chasing tail Behaviour
Kittens do it for fun. In an adult cat, constant chasing and biting of the tail is worth a vet visit.
Chattering Behaviour
A rapid clicking of the jaw, usually when a cat watches a bird or insect it cannot reach. It may be excitement, frustration, or practice for the hunting bite.
Chinchilla Coat and colour
A very pale, silvery coat with black-tipped hairs and green eyes, common in Persians.
Chirp Behaviour
A short, high, bird-like sound, often used to greet a person or another cat. A mother cat uses a similar sound to call her kittens.
Chocolate point Coat and colour
Milk-chocolate brown points on an ivory body. Siamese cat colours →
Christmas hazards Home and safety
Tinsel, chocolate, lilies in bouquets and string from presents can all harm cats.
Chronic kidney disease Health and care
A long-term loss of kidney function common in older cats. Signs include drinking and urinating more. Early diagnosis helps.
Cinnamon Coat and colour
A warm, reddish-brown coat colour found in some breeds, lighter than chocolate.
Classic tabby Coat and colour
A tabby with broad swirls, often a bullseye on each side, also called blotched.
Clowder Breeds and words
A group of cats.
Clumping litter Home and safety
Litter that forms clumps when wet, which makes scooping easy.
Colourpoint Coat and colour
A pale body with darker colour on the ears, face, legs and tail, as in the Siamese and Ragdoll. The darker colour develops as the kitten grows.
Complete diet Food and feeding
A cat food that has every nutrient a cat needs, labelled as complete. Check the label.
Constipation Health and care
Straining and few or hard stools. See a vet, as it can be serious.
Core vaccinations Health and care
The jabs most cats need: cat flu (herpesvirus and calicivirus) and feline infectious enteritis (panleukopenia). Ask your vet about leukaemia too.
Cow cat Coat and colour
An informal name for black-and-white patched cats.
Cream Coat and colour
The dilute form of red or orange, a pale, creamy shade.
Crepuscular Behaviour
Most active at dawn and dusk. Cats are crepuscular, which is why they race around at 5 am.
Cymric Breeds and words
The long-haired version of the Manx.
Cystitis Health and care
Inflammation of the bladder. Signs include straining, small amounts of urine and peeing outside the tray.
D
Dander Health and care
Tiny flakes of skin that carry cat allergens. Hypoallergenic cats →
Dehydration Health and care
A lack of body water, with dry gums and tiredness. See a vet if your cat is not drinking.
Dental disease Health and care
Plaque, gum disease and tooth problems, very common in cats over three. Signs include bad breath and dropping food.
Dental scale and polish Health and care
A professional clean of a cat’s teeth under anaesthetic.
Dewclaw Anatomy
A small claw and pad higher up the inside of the front leg, used to grip prey and climb.
Diabetes Health and care
A condition where the body cannot control blood sugar. Signs include drinking, urinating and eating more. Overweight cats are at higher risk.
Dilute Coat and colour
A paler version of a colour: black becomes grey (called blue) and orange becomes cream.
Domestic longhair Breeds and words
A long-haired cat of no particular breed.
Domestic shorthair Breeds and words
A short-haired cat of no particular breed, the most common kind of pet cat.
Double coat Coat and colour
A coat with a soft undercoat and longer guard hairs, as in the Norwegian Forest Cat.
Dry food Food and feeding
Cat biscuits or kibble. Convenient, but low in moisture, so make sure fresh water is always available.
E
Ear infection Health and care
Redness, smell and head shaking. See your vet.
Ear mites Health and care
Tiny parasites that cause dark, crumbly wax and scratching. Your vet can treat them.
Elizabethan collar Health and care
A plastic cone, also called a cone of shame, that stops a cat licking a wound.
Enrichment Behaviour
Anything that keeps a cat’s mind and body busy, such as puzzle feeders, climbing and play. It matters most for indoor cats.
Eye discharge Health and care
Weepy or crusty eyes. A little can be normal, but green or yellow discharge needs a vet.
F
Fawn Coat and colour
A pale, warm, sandy beige, the dilute form of cinnamon.
Feeding schedule Food and feeding
Regular mealtimes. Most adult cats do well on two to four small meals a day.
Fel d 1 Health and care
The main cat allergen, a protein found in cat saliva and skin.
Feline infectious enteritis Health and care
A serious, very contagious virus, also called panleukopenia. Vaccination protects against it.
FeLV Health and care
Feline leukaemia virus. It is spread by close contact and there is a vaccine. Ask your vet whether your cat should have it.
Feral Kittens and rescue
A cat who has not been socialised to people and lives outdoors.
FIFe Kittens and rescue
Fédération Internationale Féline, a European cat registry.
FIP Health and care
Feline infectious peritonitis, a serious disease caused by a mutated coronavirus. Ask your vet if you are worried.
FIV Health and care
Feline immunodeficiency virus. It weakens the immune system and is mainly spread by bites. Many cats with FIV can live happy lives with good care.
Flame point Coat and colour
Orange or apricot points on a creamy-white body. Siamese cat colours →
Flattened ears Body language
Ears pressed back against the head mean fear or aggression. Leave the cat alone.
Flea treatment Health and care
Regular treatment to stop fleas. Use a product made for cats, and never a dog product.
Fleas Health and care
Tiny jumping parasites that cause itching. Treat the cat and the home.
Flehmen response Behaviour
The “gape” cats make, with the mouth slightly open and the upper lip curled, when they are sniffing something interesting. It helps move scent to a special organ in the roof of the mouth.
FLUTD Health and care
Feline lower urinary tract disease: a group of conditions, including cystitis and bladder stones, that cause straining, frequent trips to the tray or blood in urine. A male cat straining with no urine is an emergency.
Forward ears Body language
Ears pointing forward usually mean a cat is alert, curious or happy.
Fostering Kittens and rescue
Caring for a rescue cat or kittens in your home for a time.
Foundation cat Kittens and rescue
The first cat that a breed is built from.
Free feeding Food and feeding
Leaving food out all day. It can lead to weight gain in some cats.
Freezing Behaviour
Going completely still. A cat may freeze when they are frightened, or when they focus on prey.
Fur loss Health and care
Bald patches can come from allergies, parasites, stress or ringworm. Ask your vet.
Fussy eater Food and feeding
A cat who is picky about food. A sudden change in appetite can mean illness, so ask your vet.
G
GCCF Kittens and rescue
The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, the main UK cat registry.
Gestation Kittens and rescue
Pregnancy in cats lasts about nine weeks, or roughly 63 to 65 days.
Ghost stripes Coat and colour
Faint tabby stripes that show up in some solid-coloured cats, especially black kittens, in bright light.
Gingivitis Health and care
Red, sore gums caused by plaque, a sign of dental disease. Regular dental care helps.
Grooming Behaviour
Cats spend a large part of the day licking their coat clean. It spreads natural oils and helps them cool down and feel calm.
Growl Behaviour
A low, rumbling warning sound, usually a sign the cat wants whatever is bothering them to stop.
Guard hairs Coat and colour
The longer, coarser hairs of the top coat that protect the undercoat from rain and dirt.
H
Hackles Anatomy
The fur along the back and neck that stands up when a cat is frightened or angry.
Hairball Health and care
A clump of fur a cat coughs up after swallowing it while grooming. An occasional one is normal. Frequent hairballs or retching without producing one is worth a call to the vet.
Hairball food Food and feeding
A diet with extra fibre to help hair pass through the gut.
HCM Health and care
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart muscle. It is the most common heart disease in cats and is more common in some breeds. British Shorthair health →
Head bonk Behaviour
A gentle push of the forehead against a person, also called bunting. It is a friendly, scent-sharing greeting.
Headbutting Behaviour
Pressing the head against a person or object, also called bunting. It spreads the cat’s scent from glands on the head and says “you are mine”. Cat tail language →
Hiding Body language
Going under a bed or into a cupboard is how cats cope with stress or pain. A cat who hides more than usual needs a check-up.
High-rise syndrome Home and safety
Injuries when cats fall from windows or balconies. Fit secure screens or window guards.
Hissing Behaviour
A sharp, breathy warning that a cat is frightened, cornered or annoyed. Give them space. What your cat’s sounds mean →
Hunting instinct Behaviour
The urge to stalk, chase, pounce and bite. Even well-fed cats feel it, which is why play matters.
Hybrid Kittens and rescue
A cross between a domestic cat and a wild cat species, such as the Savannah.
Hyperthyroidism Health and care
An overactive thyroid common in older cats, with weight loss, a big appetite and restlessness. It can be treated.
Hypoallergenic Breeds and words
Less likely to cause allergies. No cat is truly hypoallergenic, because the main allergen is in saliva and skin as well as fur.
I
Indoor cat Health and care
A cat that lives inside, sometimes with a secure garden or catio. Indoor cats need play, climbing and puzzle feeders to stay happy.
Introduction Behaviour
Slowly introducing a new cat to the household, scent first, then sight, then contact.
J
Jacobson’s organ Anatomy
A scent organ in the roof of the mouth, used in the flehmen response. Also called the vomeronasal organ.
K
Kindle Breeds and words
A group of kittens. Another word for a litter.
Kitten Breeds and words
A cat in the first months of life. International Cat Care counts kittenhood as birth to around six months. Kitten growth stages →
Kitten food Food and feeding
A growth diet for young cats. Switch to adult food at around a year, or as your vet advises.
Kitten kneading Behaviour
Kittens push on their mother to get milk flowing. Many adults keep the habit when they feel safe.
Kitten season Kittens and rescue
The warmer months, when more kittens are born and rescues are busiest.
Kneading Behaviour
Pushing in and out with the front paws, also called making biscuits. Kittens do it to help milk flow, and adult cats often do it when they are happy and relaxed.
Knocking things off Behaviour
Batting objects off tables is play, curiosity and a way to get attention.
L
Landrace Kittens and rescue
A natural, local breed that has developed in one area, such as the Turkish Van.
Lilac point Coat and colour
Pinkish grey-beige points on a very pale body, the palest of the four classic Siamese colours. Siamese cat colours →
Litter Breeds and words
A group of kittens born at the same time.
Litter box rules Home and safety
One tray per cat plus one spare, in a quiet place, scooped daily.
Litter tray Health and care
A box of litter for toileting. The usual advice is one tray per cat, plus one spare, in a quiet place away from food and water.
Loaf Behaviour
A cat sitting with the paws tucked underneath, so they look like a loaf of bread. It usually means the cat is relaxed, though not quite ready to sleep.
Locket Coat and colour
A small white patch on the chest, common in black and tortoiseshell cats.
Love bite Behaviour
A gentle nip during petting. It often means the cat has had enough, or is overstimulated.
Lungworm Health and care
A parasite that can affect cats who hunt slugs and snails. Ask your vet about prevention.
M
Mackerel tabby Coat and colour
A tabby with narrow, parallel stripes down the sides, like the bones of a fish.
Maine Coon Breeds and words
A very large, friendly, long-haired breed from Maine in the USA, known as the gentle giant. Maine Coon guide →
Manx Breeds and words
A tailless or short-tailed breed from the Isle of Man. The tailless gene can cause spinal problems. Manx guide →
Meow Behaviour
The classic cat call. Adult cats mostly use it to talk to people, for food, attention or to be let in. What your cat’s sounds mean →
Microchip Health and care
A tiny chip under the skin with a number linked to your details, so a lost cat can be returned. In England it has been a legal requirement for pet cats since June 2024.
Microchip registration Home and safety
Keeping your details up to date on your cat’s microchip database.
Mitted Coat and colour
White front paws, like mittens, as seen in Ragdolls and Birmans.
Mog Breeds and words
A short, informal British word for a cat, a shortening of moggy.
Moggy Breeds and words
A cat of mixed or unknown breed. It is an affectionate British word for the ordinary domestic cat. Domestic shorthair →
Moult Coat and colour
The shedding of old fur. Cats shed all year, with extra in spring and autumn.
Moving house Home and safety
A stressful time for cats. Keep them in one room at first with their things, and update their microchip details.
Multi-cat household Behaviour
A home with more than one cat. Provide a litter tray, water and bed for each, and spread them out.
Munchkin Breeds and words
A short-legged cat. Many vets and welfare groups have concerns about the short-leg gene. Munchkin guide →
Muzzle Anatomy
The nose and mouth area of the face.
N
Neutering Health and care
An operation to stop a cat having kittens. Spaying is for females and castration for males. Most vets suggest it from around four months, so ask your vet.
Night howling Behaviour
Loud calling at night. In older cats it can signal confusion or pain, so tell your vet.
O
Obesity Health and care
Carrying too much weight. It raises the risk of diabetes and joint problems. Measure meals and play every day.
Obligate carnivore Food and feeding
An animal that needs meat to stay healthy. Cats cannot thrive on a vegetarian diet.
Odd-eyed Coat and colour
A cat with one blue eye and one of another colour, mostly seen in white cats.
Oestrus Kittens and rescue
When a female cat is in heat and ready to mate. She may call loudly and be restless.
Outcross Kittens and rescue
Mating a cat from one breed with another, to add new traits or reduce inbreeding.
Over-grooming Behaviour
Licking so much that fur thins or skin gets sore. It can be a sign of stress, allergies, pain or parasites, so ask your vet.
P
Papillae Anatomy
The tiny backward-facing hooks on a cat’s tongue. They make it feel like sandpaper and help with grooming and eating. Why do cats stick their tongues out? →
Paw pads Anatomy
The soft pads on the underside of a cat’s paws, which cushion steps and grip. Cat paw pads explained →
Pedigree Breeds and words
A cat whose parents are the same breed, with the family tree recorded by a registry.
Persian Breeds and words
A long-haired, flat-faced breed known for a calm nature and daily grooming needs. Persian guide →
Pet insurance Health and care
A policy that helps with vet bills. Check what it covers, because routine care and existing conditions are often not included.
Pheromone diffuser Home and safety
A plug-in that releases calming scent signals. Some owners find it helps during stress.
Piloerection Body language
The scientific word for fur standing on end, as in a puffed tail or arched back.
Pinna Anatomy
The outer, visible part of the ear.
Play fight Behaviour
Pouncing, wrestling and bunny-kicking between cats or with a person. It is normal play that practises hunting.
Polydactyl Breeds and words
A cat with extra toes. It is a harmless inherited trait that is quite common in some places.
Polydactyl cat Breeds and words
A cat with extra toes. It is usually harmless, and common in some parts of the world. Cat paw pads →
Portion control Food and feeding
Measuring meals to keep a healthy weight. Use the guide on the pack and adjust with your vet’s advice.
Prescription diet Food and feeding
A vet-only food for a medical condition such as kidney disease. Use only on a vet’s advice.
Prey gift Behaviour
A mouse, bird or toy a cat brings home. It may be instinct, sharing, or showing off.
Primordial pouch Anatomy
The loose flap of skin on a cat’s belly. All cats have one, and it is not the same as being overweight.
Pupil dilation Behaviour
Pupils turn big and round in the dark, and also when a cat is excited, scared or very focused.
Purring Behaviour
A low, continuous vibration cats make while breathing. It usually means contentment, but cats also purr when they are anxious or in pain, so look at the rest of their body language.
Puzzle feeder Behaviour
A toy or bowl that makes a cat work for food. It slows eating and keeps them busy.
Q
Quality of life Health and care
How well a cat is eating, moving, grooming and enjoying life. Vets use it to guide care for older or poorly cats.
Queen Breeds and words
A female cat who is able to have kittens.
Queening Kittens and rescue
A queen giving birth to kittens.
R
Ragdoll Breeds and words
A big, gentle, blue-eyed, pointed breed known for going floppy when held. Ragdoll guide →
Raw feeding Food and feeding
Feeding uncooked meat. It carries food safety and nutrition risks, so talk to your vet.
Red Coat and colour
In cat colour terms, an orange or ginger coat. Ginger cat facts →
Redirected aggression Behaviour
When a cat is wound up by something they cannot reach, such as a cat outside, and lashes out at whoever is nearby.
Rehoming Kittens and rescue
Finding a cat a new home, usually through a charity or rescue.
Resource guarding Behaviour
Protecting food, toys or a favourite spot from other cats or people.
Retractable claws Anatomy
Claws that cats can pull in to keep them sharp and quiet, and put out to climb, grip and scratch.
Rex Breeds and words
A cat with a curly or wavy coat caused by a gene change, such as the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex.
Righting reflex Anatomy
The way a falling cat twists in mid-air to land on its feet. It does not make a cat safe from injury.
Ringworm Health and care
A fungal skin infection, not a worm. It causes circular, hairless, scaly patches and can spread to people.
Rosette Coat and colour
A spot with a darker outline and a lighter centre, as seen in Bengals.
Roundworm Health and care
A common intestinal worm in kittens. Regular worming prevents it.
Ruff Coat and colour
Longer fur around a cat’s neck, like a lion’s mane or a frill.
Runt Kittens and rescue
The smallest kitten in a litter. Many do well with good care.
S
Savannah Breeds and words
A tall, spotted hybrid from a domestic cat and a serval. Savannah guide →
Scent glands Anatomy
Glands on the cheeks, chin, paws and base of the tail that release scent, which cats spread by rubbing and scratching.
Scent marking Behaviour
Rubbing, scratching or spraying to leave a cat’s scent on things. It is how cats make a place feel safe and familiar.
Scottish Fold Breeds and words
A breed with folded ears caused by a gene that also affects joints, which is why many vets and welfare groups oppose breeding them. Scottish Fold guide →
Scratching Behaviour
Dragging claws over a surface. It keeps claws in shape, stretches the body and leaves both a visible and a scent mark. Offer a sturdy scratching post so furniture is spared.
Scratching post Home and safety
A tall, stable post for scratching. It should be tall enough for a full stretch.
Scruff Anatomy
The loose skin at the back of the neck. Mother cats carry kittens by it, but you should never lift an adult cat this way.
Seal point Coat and colour
Dark brown, almost black points on a cream body, the classic Siamese colour. Siamese cat colours →
Senior cat Breeds and words
A cat aged around 11 or over, according to International Cat Care. Vets often suggest check-ups every six months. Cat life stages →
Senior cat food Food and feeding
A diet for older cats, sometimes with joint support. Ask your vet.
Senior health check Health and care
A check-up for older cats, often every six months, to catch problems early. Senior cat health →
Shaded Coat and colour
A coat with a lightly tipped colour on a white undercoat, giving a shimmering look.
Show cat Kittens and rescue
A pedigree cat judged against the breed standard at a cat show.
Showing the belly Body language
Rolling onto the back can mean trust, a wish to play, or a defensive pose. Read the rest of the body.
Siamese Breeds and words
An old, chatty, blue-eyed, pointed breed from Thailand. Siamese guide →
Silver vine Behaviour
A plant that many cats find as exciting as catnip, including some who ignore catnip.
Sitting with tail wrapped Body language
A cat sitting neatly with the tail wrapped round the paws is usually relaxed, or a little cool.
Sleeping positions Behaviour
Curled up means warm and safe, stretched out means relaxed, and on the back with the belly showing means very trusting.
Slow blink Behaviour
A slow close and open of the eyes. Many people read it as a cat’s “kiss”, a sign of trust, and you can slow blink back.
Slow feeder bowl Food and feeding
A bowl with ridges to slow fast eaters.
Smoke Coat and colour
A coat where the hairs are pale at the root and dark at the tip, so the cat looks dark in repose and flashes pale when it moves.
Solid Coat and colour
A coat that is one colour all over, with no stripes, spots or white.
Somali Breeds and words
The long-haired version of the Abyssinian, with a fox-like tail. Somali guide →
Spay Health and care
An operation to neuter a female cat.
Sphynx Breeds and words
An almost hairless breed that began in Toronto in the 1960s. Not hypoallergenic. Sphynx guide →
Sploot Behaviour
Lying flat on the belly with the back legs stretched out behind. It is a relaxed, cooling position.
Spotted tabby Coat and colour
A tabby whose stripes are broken into spots.
Spraying Behaviour
Squirting a small amount of strong-smelling urine on a vertical surface, usually to mark territory. It is different from toileting, and a vet can help if it starts suddenly.
Squinting Body language
Half-closed eyes usually mean a content, relaxed cat, though squinting in bright light or with discharge may mean an eye problem.
Stalking Behaviour
Creeping low and slowly towards a toy or prey before pouncing. It is a hunting instinct.
Stray Kittens and rescue
A cat who is lost or has been abandoned. Check for a microchip.
Stretching Behaviour
Cats stretch after sleeping, to loosen muscles and spread scent from the paws.
String and ribbon Home and safety
Cats can swallow string, ribbon and elastic, which can be dangerous. Put them away after play. Safe cat toys →
T
Tabby Coat and colour
A coat pattern with stripes, swirls or spots and an “M” on the forehead. Tabby is a pattern, not a breed. Cat coat colours and patterns →
Tabby and white Breeds and words
A cat with tabby patches and white markings, common in moggies.
Tail puffed Body language
A bottle-brush tail means a cat is frightened or startled, and has raised the fur to look bigger. Cat tail language →
Tail tucked Body language
A tail held low or tucked under the body usually means a cat is worried, anxious or unwell. Cat tail language →
Tail up Body language
A tail held straight up usually means a happy, confident cat who is pleased to see you. Cat tail language →
Tail wag Body language
A swishing tail in cats usually means annoyance or intense focus, not happiness as in dogs. Cat tail language →
Tapetum lucidum Anatomy
A mirror-like layer at the back of the eye that bounces light back and makes cat eyes shine in the dark, and helps them see in dim light.
Tapeworm Health and care
An intestinal worm caught from fleas and prey. Treatment is simple.
Taurine Food and feeding
An amino acid cats must get from their food. Complete cat foods include it.
Teething Health and care
Kittens lose their baby teeth and grow their adult ones between about three and six months old, and may chew a lot. Kitten teething →
Territory Behaviour
The area a cat treats as their own, marked with scent and scratching. Indoor cats treat the home as their territory.
Third eyelid Anatomy
A thin extra eyelid in the inner corner of the eye, also called the nictitating membrane. If it covers part of the eye, it can be a sign of illness.
TICA Kittens and rescue
The International Cat Association, a worldwide cat registry.
Ticked Coat and colour
A coat where each hair has bands of colour, giving a warm glow without stripes, as in the Abyssinian.
Ticks Health and care
Small parasites that attach to the skin. Remove carefully with a tick hook, or ask your vet.
TNR Kittens and rescue
Trap, neuter, return: catching a feral cat, neutering them and returning them to their territory.
Toe beans Behaviour
A fond name for the pads on a cat’s paws, which often look like little beans. Cat paw pads explained →
Tom Breeds and words
An unneutered male cat.
Tomcat Breeds and words
An unneutered male cat.
Torbie Coat and colour
A tortoiseshell with tabby stripes, also called a patched tabby.
Tortoiseshell Coat and colour
Often shortened to tortie. Orange and black mixed or swirled together, with little or no white. Almost always female.
Toxic plants Home and safety
Plants that can harm cats, especially lilies. Check before you bring plants home. 12 things toxic to cats →
Travelling with a cat Home and safety
Use a secure carrier, a familiar blanket, and keep journeys short.
Treat ball Food and feeding
A ball that releases a few pieces of food as a cat rolls it.
Trill Behaviour
A rolling, purr-like sound with a rise in pitch. Cats often trill as a friendly greeting.
Tuxedo Coat and colour
A black and white coat with a white chest and paws, like a dinner suit. It is a pattern found in many breeds and moggies. Tuxedo cat facts →
U
Undercoat Coat and colour
The soft, dense layer of fur close to the skin that keeps a cat warm.
Urine sample Health and care
A sample your vet may ask for if a cat has urinary signs or kidney concerns.
V
Vaccination boosters Health and care
A yearly top-up jab that keeps protection up. Ask your vet what your cat needs.
Van pattern Coat and colour
A mostly white cat with colour only on the head and tail, named after the Turkish Van.
Vertical space Behaviour
High places such as shelves and cat trees. Cats feel safer when they can climb and look down.
Vet registration Health and care
Registering with a local vet before you need one makes emergencies easier.
Vibrissae Anatomy
The scientific word for whiskers.
W
Wand toy Behaviour
A toy on a stick and string, such as a feather wand. It lets a cat chase, pounce and hunt safely with you. Safe cat toys →
Water fountain Food and feeding
A moving-water bowl that some cats prefer to drink from.
Weaning Food and feeding
The change from mother’s milk to solid food, usually starting at around four weeks.
Wet food Food and feeding
Cat food in pouches or tins, high in moisture. It helps cats take in water.
Wet food pouch Food and feeding
A single-serve pouch of wet cat food.
Whisker position Body language
Whiskers pushed forward show curiosity or hunting focus, and pulled back show fear or annoyance. Cat whiskers →
Whiskers Anatomy
Long, sensitive touch hairs on the muzzle (and above the eyes, on the chin and behind the front legs). They help a cat judge gaps and sense air movement. Never trim them. Cat whiskers →
White spotting Coat and colour
The gene that causes white patches, from a white chest to a mostly white coat.
Window perch Home and safety
A shelf or seat at a window, so an indoor cat can watch the world.
Window watching Behaviour
Sitting at the window to watch birds and people. It is cheap, natural entertainment for indoor cats.
Worming Health and care
Treatment to kill intestinal worms. Ask your vet how often your cat needs it.
Y
Yowl Behaviour
A long, loud, drawn-out call. It can mean a queen calling, stress, or confusion in an older cat. A new yowling habit is worth a call to the vet. What your cat’s sounds mean →
Z
Zoning out Behaviour
Staring into space. It is often normal, but a cat that seems confused or disorientated should see a vet.
Zoomies Behaviour
A sudden burst of fast, wild running around, often at dusk or after a trip to the litter tray. Vets call them frenetic random activity periods, and they are normal, especially in young cats.
More cat words and pictures
Explore the cat infographics, the cat breeds directory and the cat phrases and what they mean. This glossary is a friendly guide, not veterinary advice: ask your vet about your own cat.
Socialisation Kittens and rescue
Getting a young kitten used to people, sounds, handling and other animals. The key window is around two to seven weeks old.