Cats Dictionary

kennel cough: A highly contagious illness characterized by an inflammation of the upper respiratory system. Symptoms include a dry cough and gagging.

kindle: A group of kittens.

laces: White markings that extend up the back of some cats' legs.

lactation: The production of milk through the breast tissue.

linebreed: Mating closely related animals to produce offspring with desired characteristics.

locket: The white spot on the base of some cats' throats.

lordosis: An exaggerated inward curvature of the lower spine.

mask: The dark areas of fur on the faces of some cats.

moggy: A cat of indeterminate breeding (i.e., a cat that is not a pedigree breed). A popular name for cats in the U.K.

monorchid: A male cat with only one descended testicle.

necklace: The bands of color across the lower neck and chest area of some cats.

neuter: To remove a male cat's testicles.

odd-eyed: Having eyes of different colors. For example, having one blue and one green eye.

oestrus: The period during which a female cat is most receptive to mating. Also spelled as 'estrus.'

olfactory mucosa: The region of the nose that is responsible for detecting smells.

onychectomy: Surgically removing the claws of a cat.

orchidectomy: The surgical removal of one or both testicles.

Otitis Media: Inflammation of the middle ear.

outcrossing: Mating between different species.

ovariohysterectomy: Removing a female's ovaries to prevent reproduction. Also known as spaying.