Copy of `Moggies - glossary of cat terms`

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Moggies - glossary of cat terms Category: Animals and Nature > Cats Date & country: 22/09/2007, UK Words: 130

Shelter
A local organization that rescues and cares for lost or homeless cats and helps find them new homes.

Shock
A physical state often caused by severe injury, and characterized by depressed physical response (blood pressure, heart rate, etc.).

Solid
A coat pattern consisting of a single colour.

Spay
Any surgical process that prevents a female cat from becoming pregnant.

Species
A biological classification that combines organisms sharing common characteristics and are able to mate and produce fertile offspring.

Spotted
A coat pattern with many dark, rounded spots, particularly at the rear of the body.

Spraying
When a Cat (usually a male) sprays urine to mark its territory.

Stereoscopic vision
The ability to see in three dimensions.

Sterilization
A process, often surgical, that prevents animals from being able to reproduce.

Svelte
Describes a cat's body type characterized by a fine bone structure and narrow shape.

Tabby
A coat pattern consisting of two or more colours in a striped pattern.

Tapetum Lucidum
Mirror-like layer of cells behind the cat's retina. these cells reflect light for good night vision.

Tapeworm
A long, flat, white parasite that inhabits the intestinal tract and causes illness; this infection can spread to humans.

Ticked
A coat pattern consisting of banded hairs.

Ticking
Light hairs that are scattered among darker coloured hairs or spatterings of lighter hairs among darker coloured hairs.

Tom
Un-neutered male cat.

Tortie
A combination of the Tortoiseshell and the Tabby pattern that is also known by the name 'Patched Tabby'.

Tortoiseshell
A coat pattern consisting of a mosaic blend of black and orange.

Toxoplasmosis
A disease caused by infection with a microorganism, toxoplasmosis gondii; usually producing only mild symptoms except if contracted by a pregnant woman, when it can cause blindness and mental retardation in the foetus.

Trait
An inherent physical or mental characteristic; a distinguishing quality; a peculiarity.

Tubal Ligation
A sterilization process that ties the fallopian tubes, preventing the release of eggs.

Ulcer
A rupture in the body's tissue, skin or membrane; usually associated with the stomach lining and its subsequent pain and injury.

Unaltered
An intact male or female cat with full reproductive abilities.

Undercolour
The colour of the hair closest to the skin.

Vaccine
An injection that helps the body build immunity to disease.

Vasectomy
A sterilization process that removes a male cat's sperm transporting connective tubes.

Veterinarian Surgeon
An animal doctor.

Wean
To persuade kittens that are totally reliant on their mother's milk for sustenance to start taking solid food.

Whisker Break
An indentation in the upper jaw.

Whisker Pad
The thickened, or fatty pads around the whisker area.