What does a slow blink mean? Why are calico cats almost always female? What is a clowder? The Klitty Crew collected the words every cat person keeps hearing – body and senses, behaviour, kittens, care, health basics, breeds, coat colours, internet slang and the street art words the crew uses. Tap a term to share a direct link.
Body & senses
- Carpal whiskers#
- A few whiskers on the back of the front legs, just above the paw. They help a cat feel prey it is holding, an area it cannot see well.See also: Whiskers
- Dewclaw#
- The small "thumb" claw on the inside of each front leg. It does not touch the ground but helps when climbing and holding prey. Dewclaws can grow into the pad if not worn down, so they need checking during nail trims.See also: Nail trim
- Ear furnishings#
- The tufts of fur inside the ears. Long tufts at the tips are called lynx tips and are typical of breeds like the Maine Coon.See also: Maine Coon
- Flehmen response#
- The open-mouthed "funny face" a cat makes after sniffing something interesting. It pulls the scent towards the vomeronasal organ for a closer read.See also: Vomeronasal organ
- Heterochromia#
- Eyes of two different colours, for example one blue and one amber. It is most common in white and mostly-white cats and is also called odd-eyed.See also: White cat
- Nose leather#
- The hairless skin on the tip of the nose. Its colour often matches the coat colour, and like a fingerprint its pattern of bumps is individual.
- Papillae#
- The tiny backward-facing hooks on a cat's tongue. Made of keratin, they work like a comb when grooming and help strip meat from bones – and they make a cat's lick feel rough.See also: Allogrooming
- Polydactyl#
- A cat with extra toes, most often on the front paws. It is a harmless genetic trait; polydactyl cats are sometimes called Hemingway cats after the writer's famous colony in Key West.
- Primordial pouch#
- The loose flap of skin and fat along the lower belly. It is normal, not a sign of being overweight, and is thought to protect the belly and allow extra stretch when running and jumping.See also: Obesity
- Purr#
- A low, rhythmic vibration made with the muscles of the larynx while breathing in and out. Cats purr when content, but also when stressed, in pain or giving birth, so the context matters.See also: Slow blink
- Retractable claws#
- Cats keep their claws pulled back in a sheath when relaxed and extend them to climb, scratch or catch prey. That is why a walking cat is silent.See also: Scratching
- Righting reflex#
- The ability to twist the body in mid-air and land on the feet. It starts to develop in young kittens within the first weeks of life. It does not make falls safe – cats can still be badly hurt.See also: High-rise syndrome
- Scruff#
- The loose skin at the back of the neck. Mother cats carry kittens by it. Adult cats should not be lifted or held by the scruff.See also: Kitten
- Tapetum lucidum#
- A reflective layer behind the retina that bounces light back through the eye. It gives cats good vision in dim light and causes the glowing eyes in photos and headlights.See also: Crepuscular
- Third eyelid#
- A thin membrane (nictitating membrane or haw) in the inner corner of the eye that protects and moistens it. It is usually hidden; if it stays visible for a long time, it is worth asking a vet.
- Toe beans#
- The popular name for a cat's paw pads. They cushion every step, help with grip and contain sweat glands – cats sweat mainly through their paws.See also: Dewclaw
- Vomeronasal organ#
- Also called Jacobson's organ: a scent organ in the roof of the mouth that detects pheromones and other chemical signals. Cats open their mouth slightly to use it.See also: Flehmen response
- Whisker fatigue#
- A term for the idea that some cats dislike narrow, deep food bowls because their whiskers keep touching the sides. A wide, shallow bowl is an easy thing to try.See also: Whiskers
- Whiskers#
- Long, stiff hairs (vibrissae) on the muzzle, above the eyes and on the chin. They are rooted deep in nerve-rich follicles and help a cat feel air currents, judge narrow gaps and sense objects close to its face, even in the dark.See also: Carpal whiskers, Whisker fatigue
Behaviour & body language
- Airplane ears#
- Ears turned sideways and flattened like aeroplane wings. A sign of irritation, fear or overstimulation.See also: Petting-induced aggression
- Allogrooming#
- Cats grooming each other, usually on the head and neck. It strengthens bonds between cats that get along well.See also: Bunting
- Belly trap#
- The fluffy belly shown by a cat lying on its back. It often means trust – but many cats do not want it touched.See also: Primordial pouch
- Bottlebrush tail#
- A suddenly puffed-up tail. The cat is startled or scared and is trying to look bigger.See also: Hiss
- Bunting#
- Rubbing the head or cheeks against people and objects. It leaves scent from glands in the face and is a friendly way of saying "you belong to my group".See also: Allogrooming
- Butt wiggle#
- The little hip shuffle just before a pounce. It is thought to help the cat balance and get ready to spring.See also: Pounce
- Cat nap#
- Cats sleep or doze for a large part of the day, often in short naps, so they have energy for hunting and play.See also: Crepuscular
- Caterwauling#
- Loud, drawn-out yowling, often heard from cats in heat or when rival toms meet. In older cats, new night-time yowling can be a reason to see a vet.See also: Heat
- Catnip response#
- Rolling, rubbing and playful excitement caused by nepetalactone in catnip. Not all cats react – the response is inherited – and young kittens usually don't react yet.See also: Silvervine, Catnip
- Chattering#
- The fast clicking or chirping sound some cats make while watching birds or insects through a window – often with twitching jaws.See also: Trill
- Crepuscular#
- Most active at dawn and dusk. That is why many cats are wide awake in the early morning.See also: Zoomies
- Gift#
- Prey a cat brings home and drops at your feet. It is natural hunting behaviour; one more reason to keep cats indoors during bird nesting season.See also: Indoor cat
- Heat#
- The fertile phase of an unspayed female cat (oestrus). Cats in heat may yowl, roll and try to get outside.See also: Spay and neuter, Caterwauling
- Hiss#
- A clear warning that a cat feels threatened and wants distance. Best answered by giving the cat space.See also: Airplane ears
- Kneading#
- Pushing the front paws in and out against a soft surface, also called making biscuits. Kittens do it while nursing; adult cats often knead when comfortable.See also: Kitten
- Loaf#
- A cat sitting with all paws and the tail tucked under the body, looking like a loaf of bread. Usually a relaxed but alert pose.See also: If I fits, I sits
- Meow#
- Adult cats rarely meow at each other – the meow is mostly a way to talk to humans, and every cat develops its own "vocabulary" with its people.See also: Trill, Caterwauling🎬 VenRod’s video pick →
- Petting-induced aggression#
- A sudden bite or swipe while being stroked. Many cats have a limit; watch for a twitching tail and rotating ears and stop before it is reached.See also: Airplane ears
- Pounce#
- The leap at the end of the hunting sequence: watch, stalk, wiggle, jump. Wand toys let indoor cats play the whole sequence.See also: Enrichment🎬 DeeNice’s video pick →
- Question-mark tail#
- A tail held high with a curled tip. Usually a friendly, curious or playful mood.See also: Bottlebrush tail
- Scratching#
- Cats scratch to keep their claws in shape, stretch and leave visible and scent marks. A sturdy scratching post gives them a place for it.See also: Scratching post
- Slow blink#
- Half-closing the eyes slowly while looking at someone. Often called a cat kiss, it signals that the cat feels relaxed and safe. You can slow-blink back.See also: Purr🎬 VenRod’s video pick →
- Spraying#
- Marking territory with urine on vertical surfaces. Most common in intact cats; neutering and reducing stress usually help.See also: Spay and neuter
- Trill#
- A short, rolling, chirpy sound, half meow and half purr. Mother cats use it to call kittens; many cats use it as a friendly greeting.See also: Meow🎬 VenRod’s video pick →
- Zoomies#
- Sudden bursts of wild running, often at night or after the litter box. Experts call them frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs); they are a normal way to burn energy.See also: Crepuscular🎬 Kinky’s video pick →
Kittens & life stages
- Bottle baby#
- An orphaned or rejected kitten that has to be fed by hand. Bottle babies need feeding around the clock and are often raised by foster carers.🎬 PoshX’s video pick →
- Colostrum#
- The first milk after birth. It is rich in antibodies that protect newborn kittens.See also: Bottle baby
- Gib#
- An older word for a neutered male cat.See also: Spay and neuter
- Kitten#
- A young cat, usually up to about one year old. The first months are full of growth, play and learning.See also: Socialisation window, Weaning🎬 Kinky’s video pick →
- Kitten season#
- The time of year, mainly spring and summer, when most kittens are born and shelters are busiest.See also: Spay and neuter, Foster🎬 PoshX’s video pick →
- Senior cat#
- An older cat. Seniors often sleep more and need regular vet checks; many indoor cats live well into their teens.See also: Chronic kidney disease
- Socialisation window#
- A sensitive phase in the first weeks of life when kittens learn whether people, sounds and other animals are safe. Gentle, positive handling during this time shapes friendly adult cats.See also: Kitten🎬 Kinky’s video pick →
Care & everyday life
- Adoption#
- Taking a cat home from a shelter or rescue. Many adult cats are waiting for a home, not only kittens.🎬 PoshX’s video pick →
- Adventure cat#
- A cat that joins its people outdoors – hiking, camping or travelling – usually on a harness or in a backpack carrier.See also: Harness training🎬 SinDee’s video pick →
- Carrier#
- A box or bag to transport a cat. Leaving it out at home as a cosy bed makes vet trips less stressful.
- Cat flap#
- A small door that lets cats go in and out. Microchip flaps open only for registered cats.See also: Microchip
- Cat grass#
- Young grass, often oat or wheat, grown for cats to nibble. Unlike many houseplants, it is safe.See also: Toxic plants
- Cat tree#
- A climbing tower with platforms, hideouts and scratching surfaces. It gives indoor cats height, which many cats love.See also: Enrichment
- Catio#
- A secure outdoor enclosure for cats, from a netted balcony to a garden run. Fresh air without traffic or wandering.See also: Indoor cat🎬 SinDee’s video pick →
- Catnip#
- A plant of the mint family (Nepeta cataria). Dried or fresh, it makes many cats playful for a few minutes.See also: Catnip response, Silvervine
- Clumping litter#
- Cat litter that forms solid clumps when wet, so urine can be scooped out easily.See also: Litter box
- Community cat#
- An umbrella term for outdoor cats without one owner, often cared for by neighbours.See also: TNR
- Dry food#
- Kibble. Convenient and long-lasting; cats eating mainly dry food need easy access to fresh water.See also: Wet food, Water fountain
- Enrichment#
- Everything that keeps a cat's mind and body busy: play, puzzle feeders, climbing spaces, window views and new smells.See also: Puzzle feeder, Cat tree🎬 DeeNice’s video pick →
- Feral cat#
- A cat that grew up without human contact and is not used to people. Feral cats usually do not become lap cats.
- Foster#
- Caring for a cat at home temporarily until it is ready for adoption – often kittens, mothers or cats recovering from illness.See also: Bottle baby, Adoption🎬 PoshX’s video pick →
- Grooming#
- Cats spend a lot of their waking time cleaning themselves. Long-haired cats need help with brushing to prevent mats.
- Hairball#
- A wad of swallowed fur that a cat brings up. Regular brushing helps; frequent hairballs or retching without result are reasons to see a vet.See also: Grooming
- Harness training#
- Teaching a cat to wear a harness and walk on a lead – step by step and with treats. Popular with adventure cats.See also: Adventure cat🎬 SinDee’s video pick →
- High-rise syndrome#
- Injuries cats suffer when falling from windows or balconies. Secure nets and screens prevent it.See also: Righting reflex, Catio
- Indoor cat#
- A cat that lives inside only. Indoor cats are safe from traffic and need extra play and enrichment.See also: Catio, Enrichment
- Litter box#
- The cat toilet. A common rule of thumb is one box per cat plus one, in quiet places, cleaned daily.See also: Clumping litter
- Microchip#
- A tiny chip under the skin with an ID number. If a lost cat is found, a vet or shelter can scan it and contact the owner – if the details are registered.
- Nail trim#
- Shortening the sharp tips of the claws with cat clippers, avoiding the pink quick. Indoor cats often need it.See also: Dewclaw
- Obligate carnivore#
- An animal that must eat meat. Cats need nutrients found in animal tissue, such as taurine, so they cannot live on a vegetarian diet.See also: Taurine
- Pheromone diffuser#
- A plug-in that releases synthetic copies of calming cat face pheromones. It can help in new homes or stressful times.See also: Bunting
- Puzzle feeder#
- A toy that releases food only when the cat works for it. Good for clever cats, fast eaters and indoor cats.See also: Enrichment🎬 DeeNice’s video pick →
- Rescue#
- An organisation or person that takes in cats in need and finds them new homes. Also the story of a cat being saved.🎬 PoshX’s video pick →
- Scratching post#
- A tall, stable post covered in sisal or similar material where a cat can scratch and stretch. Placing it near sleeping spots helps.See also: Scratching
- Silvervine#
- A climbing plant from Asia (matatabi). Many cats that ignore catnip react to silvervine sticks or powder.See also: Catnip
- Spay and neuter#
- Surgery that stops cats from reproducing (spaying for females, neutering for males). It prevents unwanted litters and reduces spraying and roaming.See also: TNR, Kitten season🎬 PoshX’s video pick →
- Stray cat#
- A cat that once lived with people but is now lost or abandoned. Strays can often be re-homed.See also: Feral cat
- Taurine#
- An amino acid cats cannot make enough of themselves. A lack can cause heart and eye problems; complete cat foods contain it.See also: Obligate carnivore
- TNR#
- Trap-Neuter-Return: community cats are trapped, neutered, vaccinated and returned to their territory, so colonies stop growing.See also: Community cat, Feral cat🎬 PoshX’s video pick →
- Toxic plants#
- Several common plants are dangerous to cats. Lilies are extremely toxic – even pollen or vase water can cause kidney failure. Check plants before bringing them home.See also: Cat grass, Lily poisoning
Health basics
- Cat flu#
- Upper respiratory infection with sneezing, runny eyes and nose, mostly caused by feline herpesvirus or calicivirus. Common in shelters and young kittens.See also: Core vaccines
- Chronic kidney disease#
- Gradual loss of kidney function, common in older cats. Signs include drinking and peeing more and weight loss.See also: Senior cat
- Core vaccines#
- The vaccines recommended for all cats, generally against panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus and calicivirus, plus rabies where required. Your vet will advise on the schedule.See also: Feline panleukopenia, Cat flu
- Dental disease#
- Problems with teeth and gums, including painful tooth resorption. Bad breath and dropping food are common signs.
- Deworming#
- Treatment against intestinal worms, especially important for kittens and cats that hunt.See also: Fleas
- Diabetes#
- A disease where the body cannot regulate blood sugar. In cats it is linked with overweight; signs are thirst and weight loss.See also: Obesity
- Ear mites#
- Tiny parasites in the ear canal causing dark, crumbly debris and scratching. Very contagious between pets.
- Feline panleukopenia#
- A highly contagious and often deadly virus disease, also called feline distemper. Vaccination protects against it.See also: Core vaccines
- FeLV#
- Feline leukaemia virus, spread through close contact such as grooming and shared bowls. Testing and vaccination are available.See also: FIV
- FIV#
- Feline immunodeficiency virus, spread mainly through deep bite wounds. Many FIV-positive cats live long, good lives with vet care.See also: FeLV
- Fleas#
- Small jumping parasites that cause itching and can carry tapeworms. Indoor cats can get them too; vets recommend suitable treatments.See also: Deworming
- FLUTD#
- Feline lower urinary tract disease – problems with the bladder and urethra. Straining in the litter box, especially in male cats, is an emergency.See also: Urinary blockage
- HCM#
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart muscle and the most common heart disease in cats. Some breeds are screened for it.See also: Maine Coon, Ragdoll
- Human medicine#
- Many human painkillers, such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen, are toxic to cats. Never give medicine without a vet.
- Hyperthyroidism#
- An overactive thyroid gland, common in older cats: weight loss despite a big appetite, restlessness and vomiting.See also: Senior cat
- Lily poisoning#
- Kidney failure caused by lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis). Any contact needs emergency vet care.See also: Toxic plants
- Obesity#
- Being overweight. It raises the risk of diabetes and joint problems; portion control and play help.See also: Primordial pouch, Diabetes
- Ringworm#
- Not a worm but a fungal skin infection causing round, hairless patches. It can spread to people.
- Toxoplasmosis#
- A parasite infection cats can pass on through their faeces. Daily litter cleaning and gloves are simple precautions, especially during pregnancy.See also: Litter box
Breeds
- Abyssinian#
- A slim, active breed with a ticked, warm-coloured coat and big ears. Curious and playful.See also: Ticked tabby
- American Shorthair#
- A sturdy, easy-going breed developed from working cats in North America; the silver tabby is classic.See also: Tabby
- Bengal#
- A spotted or marbled breed from crossing domestic cats with the Asian leopard cat. Very active and often fond of water.See also: Spotted tabby
- Birman#
- A semi-longhaired colourpoint breed with white "gloves" on all four paws and blue eyes.See also: Colourpoint
- British Shorthair#
- A round-faced, dense-coated breed, famous in blue-grey. Calm and independent.See also: Blue
- Burmese#
- A muscular, glossy breed with a famously people-oriented character.
- Cornish Rex#
- A breed with a soft, curly coat of only down hair and a slim, athletic body.See also: Devon Rex
- Devon Rex#
- A curly-coated breed with huge ears and an elfin face, known as playful and cuddly.See also: Cornish Rex
- Domestic longhair#
- A mixed-breed cat with long fur (DLH).See also: Domestic shorthair
- Domestic shorthair#
- The everyday mixed-breed cat with short fur (DSH) – not a breed but the most common cat in the world.See also: Domestic longhair
- Egyptian Mau#
- A naturally spotted breed and one of the fastest domestic cats.See also: Spotted tabby
- Exotic Shorthair#
- A short-haired version of the Persian with the same flat face and calm nature.See also: Persian
- Maine Coon#
- One of the largest domestic breeds: long, shaggy coat, lynx tips and a gentle character.See also: Ear furnishings, HCM
- Norwegian Forest Cat#
- A big, long-haired breed from Scandinavia with a water-repellent double coat, built for cold winters.See also: Siberian
- Oriental Shorthair#
- A relative of the Siamese in solid colours and patterns, with big ears and a talkative nature.See also: Siamese
- Persian#
- A long-haired breed with a flat face and calm temperament. The coat needs daily brushing.See also: Exotic Shorthair
- Ragdoll#
- A large, blue-eyed colourpoint breed that often goes limp when picked up.See also: Colourpoint
- Russian Blue#
- A slender breed with a dense silver-blue coat and green eyes; often shy with strangers.See also: Blue
- Savannah#
- A tall, spotted breed from crossing domestic cats with the serval. Keeping early generations is restricted in some places.
- Scottish Fold#
- A breed with forward-folded ears. The gene behind the fold also affects cartilage and can cause painful joint disease, which is why breeding it is criticised or banned in some countries.
- Siamese#
- A slim, vocal colourpoint breed with blue eyes – and a lot to say.See also: Colourpoint, Meow🎬 VenRod’s video pick →
- Siberian#
- A powerful, long-haired forest cat from Russia with a triple coat.See also: Norwegian Forest Cat
- Sphynx#
- A hairless-looking breed (it has fine down). Needs regular baths and protection from cold and sun.
- Turkish Van#
- A breed with colour only on the head and tail; known for enjoying water.See also: Van pattern
Coat colours & patterns
- Bicolour#
- Any colour combined with white.See also: Van pattern
- Black cat#
- A solid black coat. Black cats are lucky in some cultures and unlucky in others; online they are lovingly called voids.See also: Void
- Blue#
- Breeder's word for a grey coat – a dilute form of black.See also: Dilute, Russian Blue
- Calico#
- A tortoiseshell with white patches – also almost always female.See also: Tortoiseshell, Dilute
- Classic tabby#
- Wide swirling stripes with a bullseye on the side (also blotched tabby).See also: Tabby
- Colourpoint#
- A light body with darker face, ears, paws and tail. The colour depends on a temperature-sensitive enzyme: cooler body parts get darker.
- Dilute#
- A softened version of a colour: black becomes blue (grey), orange becomes cream.
- Mackerel tabby#
- Narrow, parallel stripes running down the sides, like a fish skeleton.See also: Tabby
- Orange cat#
- Ginger or red cats. Most are male, because of the X-linked orange gene. Internet lore says they share "one brain cell".See also: Tortoiseshell, Orange cat energy🎬 Kinky’s video pick →
- Smoke#
- A coat where each hair is white at the root and coloured at the tip, which shows when the cat moves.
- Tabby#
- The most common coat pattern, with stripes, swirls or spots and an "M" mark on the forehead.
- Ticked tabby#
- Each hair banded in several colours, giving a sand-like coat with few stripes.See also: Abyssinian
- Tortoiseshell#
- A mottled mix of black and orange. Because the orange gene sits on the X chromosome, torties are almost always female.See also: Calico
- Van pattern#
- Colour only on the head and tail, the rest white.See also: Turkish Van
- White cat#
- A solid white coat. White cats with blue eyes are more often born deaf.See also: Heterochromia
Cat culture & internet slang
- Blep#
- A cat sitting with the tip of its tongue sticking out, usually after grooming. Peak cuteness.See also: Mlem
- Bodega cat#
- A shop cat in a New York corner store, keeping mice away and customers happy.See also: Ship's cat
- Cat distribution system#
- The joke that cats choose their humans by turning up on doorsteps, in gardens or at the shelter on exactly the right day.🎬 PoshX’s video pick →
- Cat tax#
- When someone posts about their cat online, people ask for the "cat tax": a photo of the cat.
- Caturday#
- Saturday as the internet's official cat-photo day.
- Chonk#
- Internet word for a round, heavy cat. Funny online, but real overweight is a health risk.See also: Obesity
- Floof#
- A very fluffy cat.See also: Domestic longhair
- If I fits, I sits#
- The internet law that a cat will sit in any box, basket or outline that is roughly its size.See also: Loaf
- International Cat Day#
- Celebrated on 8 August. Some countries have their own cat days too, such as 22 February in Japan ("nyan nyan nyan").
- KC#
- Short for the Klitty Crew: Kinky, SinDee, PoshX, VenRod and DeeNice – a street art crew of cats founded in Zurich.See also: CrewMeet the Klitty Crew →
- Lolcat#
- Early internet memes of cats with funny captions in broken English. The start of cats ruling the internet.
- Maneki-neko#
- The Japanese beckoning cat figure with a raised paw, believed to bring luck and customers.
- Orange cat energy#
- The joke that orange cats are chaotic and simple-minded. Every orange cat owner has a story.See also: Orange cat🎬 Kinky’s video pick →
- Ship's cat#
- A cat kept on board to catch rats – a tradition on ships for centuries.See also: Bodega cat
- Smol#
- Internet word for something small and cute, like a kitten.See also: Kitten🎬 Kinky’s video pick →
- Talking cat#
- A cat that seems to answer back with meows, trills and chirps – a favourite video genre.🎬 VenRod’s video pick →
Street art words the Klitty Crew uses
- Blackbook#
- An artist's sketchbook for practising letters and collecting tags from other writers.See also: Tag🎬 DeeNice’s video pick →
- Bubble letters#
- Round, inflated letters – a classic graffiti style and the KC poster look.See also: Throw-up
- Mural#
- A large painting on a wall, usually made with permission.See also: Paste-up🎬 SinDee’s video pick →
- Throw-up#
- A quick piece, usually bubble letters with an outline and simple fill.See also: Bubble letters
- Wholecar#
- A train carriage painted from end to end – the dream of many writers, and part of Kinky's story.See also: Piece🎬 Kinky’s video pick →
Health entries are general information only and no substitute for advice from a vet. If your cat seems unwell, please contact a veterinarian.
