A glossary to help you understand any technical words you might come across when reading advice about how to look after your cat.
Don’t get stuck on terminology again… all the words are alphabetically ordered to help you find things quickly.
Table of Contents
Anemia
Anemia for cats is a condition that causes a lack of red blood cells. It is a type of disease that can affect both cats and dogs. Cats with anemia often do not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen. This can cause them to become very weak and lethargic. If left untreated, it can lead to death. The main symptoms of anemia in cats include weakness, pale gums, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Anthelmintic
Anthelmintic for cats is a medicine that kills worms in your cat’s stomach. The most common problem that causes cats to need this medicine is worms in their stomach. These worms cause cats to throw up, have diarrhea, and lose weight. If you suspect your cat has worms, call your vet.
Antidote
Antidote for cats is a product designed to protect cats from fleas. It combines natural ingredients that are safe for cats and pets. It helps to control fleas and ticks, and it helps to keep them healthy. It has been used for years by veterinarians and pet owners.
Anti-emetic
Anti-emetic for cats is a homeopathic remedy that can treat vomiting caused by motion sickness or anxiety. This product is also known as Cataplex. It is made from natural ingredients like chamomile, lemon balm, and valerian root. It is also recommended for cats with allergies to certain foods.
Anuria
Anuria is a prescription drug used to treat feline lower urinary tract disease (fluid). It is also known as flunixin meglumine. This medication works by blocking prostaglandins, chemicals that cause inflammation in the bladder and kidneys. This helps reduce pain and swelling in the bladder and kidneys.
Atopy
Atopy is a name for a syndrome caused by inhaling particles from the environment.
Atrophy
Atrophy is one of the most common causes of death in cats. It is caused by a failure of the muscles to use glucose effectively. This leads to a buildup of lactic acid in the body. This causes the cat to become weak and lethargic. As the condition worsens, the cat cannot walk or even stand.
Aversive stimulus
An unpleasant or painful stimulus.
Bilateral
A Bilateral is a cat that has both a right and left side. This means this cat has two eyes, two ears, two legs, two tails, and two noses. Bilateral cats are usually born this way but can also be born with only one eye or ear.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a medical procedure that removes a tissue sample from a part of the body. It is used to diagnose a disease or to find cancer cells. A biopsy is performed when the doctor suspects something is wrong with the tissue. A biopsy may determine whether there is cancer or a benign growth (such as a cyst).
Breech birth
Breech birth is a type of birth that occurs when the baby comes out feet first. This is different from a Cephalic Birth when the baby comes out head first. Breech Births are very common in domestic cats and are not harmful to the cat. If your cat has a breech birth, it will usually have difficulty getting up after birth. They may need help getting back into their litter box.
Cat Calling
Catcalling is a type of vocalization used by a male cat to attract a female cat. Male cats often make the sound by rubbing their paws against a surface. This is known as the “purring” sound.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a condition that affects the heart muscle. It is caused by the heart being unable to pump blood effectively. In cats, cardiomyopathy is a condition that can be caused by heartworms or by a buildup of calcium in the heart muscle.
Castration
Castration is a procedure performed on male cats that removes the testicles. It is done to prevent them from spraying urine and marking their territory. It is usually done between 4-8 weeks old and is a straightforward procedure.
Coitus
Coitus is a Latin word that means “to lie down together” or “to have intercourse.” It is used for the act of mating. In the wild, cats mate with their partner in the same manner that humans do. They mate for a short period and then retreat to their den to rest and sleep.
Congenital
Congenital refers to conditions that develop before birth or shortly after birth. Cats are born with a congenital disorder if born with a condition present at birth. Some of these conditions are genetic in nature, while others are not.
Corticosteroid
Corticosteroids are a class of drugs used to treat various conditions, including inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and asthma. They can also be used to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs. Corticosteroids are often given to cats with severe allergies, asthma, cancer, kidney disease, or liver disease to reduce swelling. These drugs may also be given to cats who are having surgery.
Dewclaw
Dewclaw is a rare disease in cats. It is a type of tumor that grows on the paw and causes it to turn black. It is usually found on the front paws, but it can also be found on the back paws. This condition is usually harmless but can cause a lot of pain. Dewclaw is not contagious, but it can spread to other cats if they lick or scratch the affected paw. Dewclaw is common in certain breeds of cats, including the Maine Coon, Persian, Scottish Fold, and Russian Blue. If your cat has a black paw, you should take it to the vet immediately.
Diabetes
There are two types of diabetes:
Diabetes insipidus
Diabetes insipidus is a condition that causes an animal to not produce enough of the hormone that regulates the amount of water in the body. It can cause an animal to become very thirsty and urinate excessively. Cats with diabetes insipidus often drink water excessively and may urinate frequently.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a condition that occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin, or your cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. Cats with diabetes mellitus usually have either type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is when the pancreas does not produce insulin. This means that your body does not produce any insulin at all. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is when the pancreas produces insulin, but the cells in your body do not respond to the insulin produced.
Diuretic
Diuretic for cats is a drug that increases urine production and excretion. It treats high blood pressure, heart failure, and kidney disease. It can also be used for other purposes, such as to treat edema, to treat symptoms of congestive heart failure, to treat certain types of liver disease, or to treat certain types of lung disease.
Domestic shorthair cat
The domestic shorthair cat is a medium-sized cat breed that is often called a longhair cat. This cat breed originated in the United States in the early 1900s. There are several reasons why this cat breed is popular. First, this cat breed is very easy to care for. It doesn’t require much grooming. Second, this cat breed is amiable. Third, this cat breed is brilliant. The domestic shorthair cat is not a big fan of loud noises or sudden movements. They are usually reticent and calm. They are also brilliant and love to play.
Dyspnoea
Dyspnoea is a condition that causes breathing difficulties. It is not uncommon for cats to experience this condition due to several factors, including poor air quality, infections, and respiratory illnesses. Cats that are underweight or have a respiratory illness, such as Feline Lower Respiratory Disease (FLRD), may be at higher risk of developing dyspnoea.
Embolus
An embolus is a word created by veterinarians to describe a medical condition in cats that causes them to stop eating and drinking. It is not a disease but rather a condition that requires treatment. The cause of the condition is usually unknown. However, some common causes can lead to this condition, including kidney, liver, and heart problems. The condition is typically treated by using fluids to rehydrate the cat.
Ectoparasite
Ectoparasites are parasites that live on the skin of animals. They are usually found on cats and dogs. They feed on the host animal’s blood, causing anemia, diarrhea, and other problems. Cats’ common ectoparasites are fleas, ticks, mites, and lice.
Endoparasite
Endoparasites are parasites that live within the body of their host. They may cause disease or discomfort in their hosts. Cats are often carriers of endoparasites. The most common types of endoparasites found in cats are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, fleas, ticks, and mites. These parasites can cause various cat problems, including skin irritation, diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, hair loss, and other health issues.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a virus that causes a disease in cats called Feline AIDS. Its most common form is FIV-1, which is a retrovirus. Cats infected with FIV can pass the virus to other cats through bite wounds and saliva.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FelV)
Feline leukemia virus is a virus that causes a disease called feline leukemia in cats. It is fatal in some cases. The symptoms of the disease include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and blood in the urine or stool. It can also cause neurological problems such as paralysis.
Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion (FORL)
The feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion is a disease caused by an infection of the oral cavity of a cat. It is characterized by the formation of resorption pits in the teeth of the cat. The condition is sometimes referred to as a feline periodontal or dental disease. This condition is often confused with gingivitis or periodontitis in humans. However, it is not contagious. The disease usually begins with gum inflammation, followed by the appearance of tartar and the tooth’s enamel resorption. The tartar and the resorption of the enamel causing the teeth to become loose and fall out. The disease may occur in the mouth, jaw, cheek, tongue, gums, lips, or face.
Gestation
Gestation is a word used to describe the time between a male cat’s mating and its offspring’s birth. In many species of animals, gestation is about 40 days, while in felines, it lasts approximately 63 days. Cats go into heat cycles to trigger ovulation, which is the release of an egg from an ovary. After the egg is released, it travels down the oviduct, fertilized by a sperm. The fertilized egg then attaches to the uterus wall, which will stay until it is ready to be born.
Granuloma
Granuloma is a skin condition that causes your cat’s skin to swell up. This is usually caused by a bacterial infection that travels from your cat’s nose or mouth to its skin. Your cat may also get a fever, lose weight, and have trouble breathing. Treatment includes cleaning your cat’s nose and mouth and giving it antibiotics.
Haemothorax
Bleeding into the lungs or chest fills the air spaces.
Hypertension
Haemothorax is a type of trauma caused by a penetrating wound to the thorax. The lungs are the most common organ injured. Other organs that may be affected include the heart, esophagus, liver, spleen, kidney, stomach, and intestines. Cats are prone to haemothorax because of their anatomical structure. Their chest cavity is divided into two halves by a strong rib cage. This creates a space between the two lung lobes. If a cat gets hit by a sharp object, the object pierces the chest wall and enters the space between the lung lobes. The object may move into one or both lung lobes and cause bleeding.
Idiopathic
Idiopathic means that the cause is unknown. It can apply to humans or animals. The most common cause of idiopathic disease in cats is the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). It is also called feline-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (FAIDS). Other causes of the idiopathic disease include immune-mediated diseases such as lymphosarcoma and genetic disorders.
Leucopenia
Leucopenia is a condition that occurs when there is a lack of white blood cells in the blood. This leads to anemia or low levels of red blood cells in the body. It can be caused by several conditions, including infections, immune disorders, tumors, and parasites.
Lymph
Lymph is a fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system. Lymph is part of the immune system. It helps fight infections and cancer cells and remove cellular debris. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphoid tissues that drain lymph from the blood and return it to the bloodstream.
When cats ‘mark.’
Cats mark their territory by spraying urine on trees and shrubs. Cats mark their territory by rubbing their face, ears, legs, tail, and back against tree trunks or shrubs. They may also spray urine on garbage cans, fences, and walls.
What does ‘metastasis’ mean in cat cancer?
Metastasis means cancer has spread from its original location to other body parts. It is a common term used in cancer treatment.
The term metastasis usually refers to cancer that has spread from its original location to another body area. This is usually caused by the cancer cells traveling through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. Cancer that spreads to the lungs is called “pulmonary metastasis.” Cancer that spreads to the liver is called “hepatic metastasis.” Cancer that spreads to the bones is called “osteosarcoma.” The treatment for this varies depending on the type of cancer and where it has spread.
Where does a microchip go in a cat?
Microchips are implanted in cats to identify if they get lost. The chip is usually placed under the skin between the shoulder blades. There is no particular procedure to remove a microchip from a cat, but it is crucial to take your cat to a vet for regular check-ups. If your cat gets lost, your vet can find it by reading the microchip.
