Library
The reference shelf, for looking things up.
Guides explain. The library is where you check a word, a number or a printable list, and see what has been added lately.
Latest additions
Missing something?
The library grows page by page. Tell us the word or question you could not find and we will add it to the list.
Suggest a pageGlossary
Cat words, in plain language
21 terms
Rubbing the head or cheeks on people and objects to leave scent.
A coat of white with patches of black and orange. Almost always female.
A group of cats.
A pale body with darker ears, face, paws and tail, as in Siamese cats.
Most active around dawn and dusk.
The small inner claw higher up on each front leg.
An open-mouthed grimace that draws a scent to a special organ in the roof of the mouth.
Swallowed fur that gathers in the stomach and is coughed up.
Pushing the front paws in and out on a soft surface, a habit from kittenhood.
Sitting with paws and tail tucked under the body, like a loaf of bread.
A tiny identity chip placed under the skin and read with a scanner.
Surgery that prevents breeding: spaying for females, castration for males.
Born with extra toes.
The loose flap of skin along a cat's belly. Normal, not a sign of being overweight.
A low continuous rumble. Often contentment, but also heard when a cat is stressed or unwell.
An unspayed adult female cat.
A relaxed, deliberate blink, usually a sign of trust.
A coat pattern of stripes, swirls or spots, with an M shape on the forehead. Not a breed.
An unneutered adult male cat.
A mottled coat of black and orange. Almost always female.
A sudden burst of running and jumping.
Cat at a glance
The numbers people look up most
How to read a page's status
Where our facts come from
- Veterinary association guidelines
- Animal poison-control services
- Veterinary nutrition references
- Cat registries, for breed and coat facts
Printables
Lists for the fridge door
New-cat checklist
Everything to have ready before day one.
Cat-proofing, room by room
Cords, windows, plants and cleaners.
Feeding log
A week of meals and weights on one page.
Vet visit record
Dates, vaccines and questions to ask.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a guide and a library entry?
Guides explain a topic step by step — what to do, when to call the vet. Library entries are reference items: a glossary term, a number to look up, or a checklist to print. Think of guides as chapters and the library as the index. The International Cat Care knowledge base uses a similar distinction.
What do the page-status badges mean?
"Reviewed" means the page has been checked against its sources and the date is shown. "Under review" means a source has been updated and the page is being rechecked. "Expired" pages are hidden from the site until re-verified. This approach follows the spirit of WSAVA evidence-update guidelines.
Where do the reference facts come from?
Numbers (teeth counts, temperature ranges, sleep hours) are drawn from veterinary anatomy and physiology texts, cross-checked with the Merck Veterinary Manual and WSAVA nutritional guidelines. Each number links to its source within the detail page.
Can I suggest a glossary term?
Yes — use the "Suggest a page" button to email a request. We prioritise terms our readers look up most often. Submissions are checked for accuracy before being added; see the how a page is made section for the full process.
Are the printables free to use?
Yes, all printable checklists are free for personal use. Print as many copies as you need for your own cats. They are not licensed for redistribution or sale. For professional handout use, please contact us.