Glossary

Acute metritis: an infection of the uterus.
Agouti: the color between the stripes of a tabby cat. In non-agouti cats there is no contrast, producing a solid (self) coat.
Ailurophile: a person who loves cats.
Ailurophobe: a person with an intense dislike or fear of cats.
Alfalfa: one of the richest mineral foods containing abundant amounts of trace minerals (zinc, iron, manganese), vitamins (A,C), and nutrients needed by cats to sustain well-being.
Allergen: any inanimate or living object that creates an allergic reaction in an animal.
Altered: a cat that has had its reproductive organs removed (either spayed females or neutered males).
Amino acids: the building blocks of protein.
Anemia: a condition caused by iron deficiency.
Animal digest: the dry by-product of rendered meat. During rendering, all usable animal parts (including fetal tissues and glandular wastes) are heated in vats and the liquid is separated from the dry meal. This meal is covered with charcoal and labeled "unfit for human consumption" before processing it into pet food. Digest can also include intestines, as well as the contents of those intestines, such as stool, bile, parasites and chemicals.
Animal fat: obtained from the tissues of mammals and/or poultry in the commercial processes of rendering or extracting. It consists predominantly of glyceride esters of fatty acids, and contains no additions of free fatty acids.
Anoestrus: the period of inactivity in the female cat's reproductive cycle.
Apples: an excellent source of pectin, which is a water-soluble fiber.
Argenine: promotes growth, muscle building, and healing, as well as fat burning. Known to be an immune system booster, and cancer fighter.
Ash: the total mineral content of the feline diet.
Asthma: an allergic condition leading to wheezing and difficulty in breathing.
Awn hair: short, thick, bristly hair which lies underneath a cat's top coat.
Bacteria cultures: lactobacillus acidoophilus, bacillus subtillis, bbifidobacterium thermophilum, bifidobacterium longum, and eteroccoccus faecium are active dehydrated cultures added to some pet foods after processing. Upon ingestion, they are activated, helping to maintain normal bacteria balance in the lower intestine of the pet, aiding in digestion, and reducing the incidence of diarrhea, all of which contribute to colon health.
Banding: Distinct bands of colour in a cross-wise direction.
Barley: whole barley is the whole grain with the hull and bran. It is a good carbohydrate source of energy and Vitamin B, and is an excellent source of soluble fiber. Barley is a quality grain source which doesn’t have the propensity for allergic reactions often associated with corn or wheat.
Barley grass: A good source of chlorophyll, fiber, and phytochemicals.
Beef: a great source of protein, as well as Vitamin B-12, selenium, zinc, iron, and Vitamin B.
Beef broth: obtained by cooking bones and/or muscle. It is a flavor sometimes added to canned foods.
Behavior: The act or manner in which cats conduct themselves.
Beta carotene: plays an important role in animal health as a precursor of Vitamin A,which is an essential nutrient needed for normal growth development, reproduction, immune function, and vision; and also acts as an antioxidant, and a potent quencher of singlet oxygen (singlet oxygen and free radicals are unstable chemical species that can arise from normal metabolism or from exposure to pollutants in the environment).
Bib: The part of the ruff, or lengthened hair, around the chest area.
Bicolor: A cat with more than two spots of color on the torso, either white and one basic color, or white with one tabby color.
Biological value: a measurement of the quality of a protein source based on its ability to furnish the necessary amino acids and the availability of those amino acids.
Biotin: also known as Vitamin H, it is active in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and protein, as well as the formation of fatty acids. It promotes normal health of sweat glands, nerve tissue, bone marrow, blood cells, skin, and hair.
Blaze: A marking down the forehead, nose and under the chin.
Blueberries: excellent source of Vitamin A and C, potassium, and fiber.
Bran: the portion of a grain which contains important antioxidants, B vitamins, and fiber.
Breeding: The process of reproduction; mating and giving birth to offspring.
Breed-suitable: A cat that meets strict breed criteria, proving its worthiness to reproduce.
Broccoli: rich in Vitamin A and C, calcium, and antioxidants.
Brown rice: a natural whole grain associated with natural health foods. The bran portion provides essential B vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Brown rice is a good source of energy and fiber for colon health.
Calcium ascorbate: important for the formation of strong bones and teeth, as well as in promoting healthy muscle and tissue growth.
Calcium carbonate: a mineral used to provide calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
Calcium iodate: a source of the essential trace mineral iodine, important for proper thyroid function which helps regulate energy and metabolism.
Calcium pantothenate: one of the B vitamins, it acts as a coenzyme in the conversion of amino acids, and is important for healthy skin. It also promotes normal development, and aids in the release of energy from foods.
Calcium phosphate: a mineral supplement containing 2O% calcium and 18% phosphorus, essential for strong bones and teeth.
Calicivirus: a serious respiratory illness.
Calico: coat pattern that consists of a mosaic blend of black and orange, plus patches of white.
Canola oil: obtained by extracting the oil from canola seeds, it provides the animal with calories needed for energy and both alpha-linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) necessary for a healthy coat.
Carbohydrate: a food source including starch, sugars and celluloses, created by the combination of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen.
Carbohydrates: not a required component of a cat’s diet, but included as a source of energy and fiber. Sources of carbohydrates in cat food include corn, rice, grain sorghum, wheat, oats, and barley. Carbohydrates can be divided into two parts: the digestible portion includes the sugars and starches that are used for energy, while the nondigestible portion is fiber which provides bulk to the diet for proper gastrointestinal function.
Carpal pads: anti-skid pads found on the wrists of the cat's front legs.
Carrageenan gum: a natural ingredient used as a thickener and stabilizer in canned food.
Carrots: provide antioxidants and phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals. Carrots are high in Vitamin A and carotenoids, which are antioxidants that provide protection against free radicals.
Caterwaul: a loud, shrill cry, often heard in unaltered cats who are in heat.
Cellulose: a rich source of insoluble fiber, helping to maintain gastrointestinal tract health, reduce calorie content and the risk of hairballs in cats.
Characteristic: something that is typical; a distinguishing trait, quality or property.
Chelated minerals: trace minerals which are firmly attached, usually to an amino acid or other organic component, forming a compound which is easier for the cat to absorb and assimilate; important for proper growth, cell repair, digestive and immune system health. Chelated minerals include iron, zinc, copper, manganese, potassium, and cobalt.
Chemical preservatives: include BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytolulene), propyl gallate, propylene glycol (also used in automotive antifreeze and is suspected of causing red blood cell damage) and ethoxquin , are all potentially cancer causing agents that are nevertheless used in some cat foods.
Chicken: a highly digestible source of protein providing essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals for muscle development, energy, and coat condition. Amino acids are more readily available in fresh chicken that has not been subjected to the high heat process associated with chicken meals.
Chicken broth: obtained by cooking poultry bones and/or muscle, added as a flavoring to canned foods.
Chicken by-products: ground parts from poultry carcasses such as feet, heads, feathers, intestines, necks and undeveloped eggs and can included any rendered material.
Chicken fat: a high quality source of fat that provides essential fatty acids and energy. It is high in linoleic acid (omega-6), associated with healthy skin and coat.
Chicken liver: liver specifically from chicken is an excellent source of high quality protein, essential fatty acids, and all of the B vitamins.
Chicken meal: a highly digestible source of protein, produced by cooking chicken at high temperatures, extracting the fat and drying the meat residue. It is a meat protein, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for muscle development and energy.
Chicory root: a perennial herb that provides a source of insulin for pets. Known as a prebiotic that feeds the good bacteria and hinders the growth of bad bacteria in the pet’s digestive tract.
Choline chloride: protects nerve function and maintains pet metabolism, and also helps regulate the liver and aids in maintaining acid and water balance.
Chondroitin: extracted mainly from the cartilage of sharks and other marine sources, it is believed to be helpful in maintaining and rebuilding cartilage in pets.
Cobalt amino acid complex: cobalt aids in promoting proper formation of red blood cells, and is involved in enzyme reactions, and helps in forming myclin nerve coverings. The proteinate or chelated form of cobalt is readily absorbed by the pet.
Cobby: describes a cat's body type characterized by a large bone structure and rounded shape.
Colustrum: milky fluid secreted from the mother's nipples, or mammary glands, for the first few days after birth; rich in protein and contains antibodies which initially protects the young kittens from disease.
Conjunctivitis: inflammation of the membrane on the inside surface of the eyes.
Convulsions: strong and involuntary contraction of the muscles.
Copper amino acid complex: promotes normal red blood cell formation, acts as a catalyst in storage and release of iron to form hemoglobin for red blood cells, assists in the production of several enzymes involved in respiration, promotes connective-tissue formation, and central nervous system function, as well as maintaining normal insulin function. Copper is an essential mineral for preventing enemia in cats.
Corn products: include corn meal, gluten and grits; which are cheap, allergy causing fillers and are very difficult for animals to digest.
Cranberries: contribute to urinary tract health by providing acids that act as antioxidants annd help protect against the spread of bacteria in the urinary tract. Because of this quality, cranberries help prevent bacterial infections of the bladder.
Crepuscular: nocturnal; active during twilight hours of dawn and dusk.
Deboned whitefish: the clean tissue of whole whitefish, which is a source of high quality protein and essential long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids which can help balance Omega-6 acids, for the health of the cat’s skin and coat.
Declawing: a surgical process that permanently removes the nails on an animal. This process is banned in some countries and states, and frowned upon by many veterinarians.
Dicalcium phosphate: a mineral supplement containing 2O% calcium and 18% phosphorus, essential for strong bones and teeth.
Digestible energy: the amount of energy in the food which is actually digested and absorbed.
Domestication: a process that tames animals and their offspring, so that they may live in close contact with humans.
Dried molasses: a good source of readily available carbohydrates.
Dried whey: contains essential amino acids, and is a good source of dietary calcium.
Egg product: a source of high quality protein and fatty acids. It is a complete protein source providing all the essential amino acids contributing to growth and muscle development. The fatty acid profile includes arachidonic acid, and Omega-6 fatty acids associated with healthy skin and coat.
Endosperm: the portion of a grain which contains energy producing carbohydrates, proteins, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.
Essential amino acids: amino acids that are required to be in the diet, since the cat is unable to produce enough of them in the body.
Euthanasia: A humane process of killing animals because they are very ill or injured.
Fats: oils or lipids, included in the feline diet to provide energy and essential fatty acids, to carry fat-soluble vitamins, increase palatability, insulate, protect internal organs, and as a structural component of cellular membranes.
Feline: nember of the cat family - felidae.
Feline immunodeficiency virus: a virus that invades the cat's DNA and uses it to reproduce, causing dysfunction of the immune system.
Feline leukemia: a group of diseases that often cause cancer and death.
Feral cat: an untamed domestic cat that was born - or has reverted to - living in the wild.
Fermentation: digestion of fiber and other complex substances by bacteria in the intestinal tract, producing short-chain fatty acids and gases.
Fiber: the nondigestible portion of plant material in the cat’s diet, which provides bulk to the diet for proper gastrointestinal function.
Fish broth: obtained by cooking bones and muscle, added as a flavoring to canned foods.
Fish meal: an excellent source of protein and omega fatty acids that help the skin and coat, and promotes healthy growth and development.
Flax seed: ground flax seed contains flax seed oil, which is the richest source of essential Omega-3 fatty acids (linolenic acid), as well as essential amino acids, containing all the essential vitamins and minerals required by cats. Flax is beneficial for its anti-inflammatory effect, and has been known to help prevent arthritis and cancer. Flax seed is also a good source of fiber which aids in digestion. Contains both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Fleas: wingless, jumping parasites that feed on blood.
Flehmening: the grimace a cat makes when it draws air over the Jacobsen's Organ in its mouth.
Folic acid: necessary for the metabolism of amino acids and the production of red blood cells, hormones, and antibodies.
Food fragments: lower end by-products of the food manufacturing process; examples include wheat bran and brewers rice which are a waste product of the alcohol industry.
Free-feed: a feeding process that gives a cat open access to a food bowl all day.
Free radicals: an unstable chemical species that can arise from normal metabolism or from environmental exposure to pollutants in the environment; and which, if not neutralized, can cause serious cellular damage leading to chronic diseases, including cancer.
Fructooligosacharides: a source of insulin, and often referred to as a prebiotic, which serves as a food source for the beneficial bacteria that live in the gastrointestinal tract, or that are added to the food (probiotic).
Garlic cloves: a potent antioxidant that helps to thin the blood, strengthen the heart, and maintain good circulation. Garlic cloves contain a natural antibiotic and antiseptic called allicin, which helps to protect against cancer.
Gastritis: inflammation of the mucous membrane surrounding the stomach.
Genetic: inherited.
Genus: biological classification that combines organisms sharing common characteristics; ranks between species and family.
Germ: the portion of a grain which contains B vitamins, protein, minerals, and healthy fats.
Ginger: promotes digestive system health and stimulates the immune system.
Glucosamine: helps to maintain connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
Green tea extract: contains high levels of natural antioxidants useful in supporting the body’s immune system.
Grooming kit: a collection of materials needed for the care of a cat's coat, including brush, comb and feline shampoo.
Gross energy: the total energy found in the food.
Ground millet: the entire product obtained in grinding millet, a nutritious grain that is high in fiber and B-complex vitamins and methione.
Ground whole grain sorghum: The feed value of grain sorghum is similar to corn and is grown primarily as a feed grain for livestock.
Guard hair: long, course hairs that make up the cat's top coat. These carry the pattern of the fur.
Guar gum: primarily used as a thickener and stabilizer in canned food, it is a highly soluble and digestible fiber with low caloric content that is known to reduce cholesterol levels.
Habit: a fixed or constant practice established by frequent repetition; an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary.
Hand-feed: a feeding process that offers a cat food periodically during the day and for a limited time (usually twice a day, for about twenty minutes).
Heartworm: a rare, but potentially life-threatening parasite, that travels through a cat's bloodstream and grows large in the heart.
Heat: a period of time when female cats are sexually receptive.
Hereditary: derived from ancestry; describing a genetically transmitted or transmittable characteristic; inborn; independent of prior learning.
Herring oil: a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, serving as an energy source.
Hookworm: a parasitic worm that thrives in unsanitary conditions.
Housetraining: process of instruction that teaches a cat to eliminate in a litter box.
Humane society: local organization that rescues and cares for lost or homeless cats and helps find them new homes.
Hysterectomy: sterilization process that removes a female cat's uterus.
Inherent: implanted by nature; intrinsic, innate; involved in the constitution or essential character; belonging by nature or habit.
Innate: inborn, inherited; existing or determined by factors present from birth; congenital.
Instinct: a propensity that urges an animal to perform actions that are for the most part useful or beneficial; a natural or inherent aptitude that is largely hereditary and usually unalterable.
Iron amino acid complex: iron is an essential mineral for preventing anemia, and stimulating the production of hemoglobin in the bone marrow. Hemoglobin is the red-blook pigment that carries oxygen to the body cells and forms part of several enzymes and proteins.
Jacobsen's organ: an organ in the roof of a cat's mouth that is linked with the sense of smell and taste.
Jowls: loose flesh around the neck and throat.
Kelp: a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including iodine. It is also an antioxidant, beneficial in preventing against cancer.
Kilocalorie: a unit of measurement of energy. One kilocalorie (kcal) is equal to one thousand calories. One calorie is the amount of energy needed to increase the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius.
Kittens: offspring of a female cat.
Kink: a twist, curl, bend or bump in the tail bone.
Laces: white markings on a cat’s legs.
Lactating: period when a female cat is breast-feeding young offspring.
Lamb: a highly digestible source of protein providing essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals for muscle development, energy, and coat condition.
Lamb broth: obtained by cooking the bones and/or muscle, and used as an added flavor in canned pet foods.
Lamb liver: liver specifically from lamb is an excellent source of high quality protein and a rich source of Vitamins A, D, and all of the B vitamins.
Lamb meal: a highly digestible source of protein produced by cooking lamb at high temperatures, extracting the fat and drying the meat residue. It is a meal protein, providing essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals for muscle development and energy.
Laryngitis: an inflammation of the larynx, often temporarily making meowing difficult.
L-Carnitine: an amino acid that increases fat metabolism, lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and promotes endurance.
Lecithin: rich in choline and necessary for the proper functioning of the skin, liver, brain, and nervous system; also aids in the digestion and emulsification of fats.
Lentils: rich in B Vitamins and protein, as well as fiber that promotes a healthy heart and lowering cholesterol.
LifeSource Bits: A Blue Buffalo pet food component that contains essential vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants for improved immune function, specific life stage needs, and protection against environmental toxins.
Lithe: a cat body type that is lean, narrow and small-boned.
Litter: all the kittens born to a mother in a single birth.
Litter box: lined container filled with kitty litter, used as a sanitary place for cats to eliminate.
Liver meal: obtained by drying and grinding livers from mammals; and is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Locket: solid white marking on the neck.
Lordosis: When a female cat who is on heat lies with her front paws down and her rear end in the air.
Lysine: an amino acid necessary for proper growth and bone development; aids in the production of antibodies, hormones, and enzymes, as well as collagen formation and tissue repair.
Mackerel: a type of tabby pattern where the colors of the coat appear striped.
Malted barley flour: an excellent choice for specialized pet food diets, as it is slowly digested and contains high levels of double fiber.
Manganese amino acid complex: manganese is an essential mineral for normal growth and development; aids is carbohydrate metabolism, promotes nerve function, aids in formation of connective tissue, and is involved in the antioxidation process.
Mask: the darker shadings on the face.
Meat and bone meal: inexpensive sources of animal protein. Many pet food manufacturing companies do not clarify the source of meat, or use human-grade meat. The protein in meat meal containing a large amount of processed bone may not be digestible and fail to provide adequate nutrition.
Meat based: labels that say "meat based" may also include blood vessels, tendons, organs and other parts of the rendered animal. Note again that these companies do not clarify the source of meat, nor are they necessarily human-grade meat products.
Meat by-products: parts of slaughtered animals, not including meat (no muscle meat included). Included are lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, liver, blood, bone, partially defatted low-temperature fatty tissue, and stomach and intestines freed of their contents. Meat byproducts may also legally contain 4D animals (dead, dying, diseased, down), road kill, euthanized cats and dogs, including their collars. These source products are rendered, the fat is siphoned off to be used as "animal fat," and the remaining material is extruded to form "meat by-product meal.
Menadione dimethylpyrimidional bisulfite: a source of Vitamin K activity. Vitamin K is also known as phytonadione, and is essential for blood coagulation. Promotes normal growth and development of bone health.
Menadione sodium bisulfite complex: a source of Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting.
Menhaden fish meal: a meal obtained from processing fish of the menhaden species; a good source of high quality fish protein and Omega-3 essential fatty acids, including EPA, DHA, and arachionic acid; fatty acids associated with preventing coronary artery disease, and protecting against arteriosclerosis.
Metabolizable energy: the energy that is not lost through the kidneys in the urine, and which is available and used by the tissues.
Milk: obtained from cows, and serves as a source of protein and calcium.
Minerals: required by the cat’s body for structure, acid-base balance, and as a part of enzymes and hormones. Minerals can be divided into two groups: micro (trace) minerals, and macro (major) minerals.
Mites: very small arachnids that cause and carry a variety of diseases.
Mixed tocopherols: a good source of Vitamin E, as well as an antioxidant used to protect against cellular damage from free radicals (cancer-causing agents), and helps to maintain normal heart and joint function.
Muzzle: the jaws and mouth.
Natural: a food or ingredient derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources, either in its unprocessed state or having been subject to physical processing, heat processing, rendering, purification, extraction, hydrolysis, enzymolysis or fermentation, but not having been produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process and not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic except in amounts as might occur unavoidably in good manufacturing practices
Natural flavor: a powder or liquid made by taking liver and breaking it down using enzymes; used for its ability to improve the taste of dry foods; sprayed or dusted on the exterior of dry pet foods.
Necklace: bandings of color across the lower neck and chest area, as if the cat is wearing a necklace.
Neuter: any surgical process that prevents a male cat from being able to impregnate a female.
Niacin: Vitamin B-3, also called nicotinic acid or nicotinamide; essential for healthy nerves and skin; important in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats; and reduces cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Nocturnal: crepuscular; active during twilight hours of dawn and dusk.
Oat flour: obtained in the manufacturing of rolled oats, and consists of floury portions of the oat groats. Oat flour is a good source of highly digestible carbohydrates, protein, and nutritional fibers.
Oatmeal: an excellent carbohydrate source of energy. It is a high quality grain source, rich in B vitamins and minimizes allergic reactions often associated with wheat and corn. Whole oats are the whole grain with hull and bran. Oatmeal is known to help protect against heart disease and cancer, lower cholesterol, and maintain the proper levels of sugar.
Obligate carnivore: an animal that by its genetic makeup must eat the tissue of other animals in order to thrive. Obligate carnivores may eat other foods, such as vegetables, grains, or fruit, but they must eat meat as the main source of their nutrients.
Ocean whitefish: the clean tissue of whole whitefish or whitefish cuttings. It is a source of high quality protein, calcium, and phosphorus, and essential long-chain Omega-3 acids for a healthy skin and coat.
Omega-3 fatty acids: a class of fatty acids that tend to be less inflammatory than omega-6 fatty acids. An omega-3 fatty acid is named such because its first double bond is located three carbon atoms from the omega end of the molecule.
Omega-6 fatty acids: a class of fatty acids that tend to promote inflammation. Regulating the ratio of omega-6:omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the inflammatory response. An omega-6 fatty acid is so named because its first double bond is located six carbon atoms from the omega end of the molecule.
Onychectomy: declawing; a surgical process that permanently removes the nails on an animal.
Ovariohysterectomy: A sterilization process that removes a female cat's ovaries.
Panleukopenia: viral infection that attacks the bones and intestinal walls.
Pantothenic acid: essential for the metabolism of fats, fatty acids, and the production of hormones, steriods, and enzymes; important in cell building and the central nervous system.
Papillae: the tiny, pointed hooks on a cat's tongue that give the tongue its rough surface.
Paralysis: the loss of movement and/or sensation on the body.
Parasite: an organism that lives in or on another organism and often survives by draining nutrients from its host.
Parsley: an herb associated with reducing urinary tract inflammation, aids in digestion, and helps the body dispose of excessive fluid by increasing urine production. It also contains Vitamin A and C, vitamins associated with antioxidant properties, to assist the immune system.
Particolor: a coat pattern consisting of two or more colors in distinct patches.
Peas: a good source of protein and Vitamin A. Peas are packed with fiber to help manage cholesterol and blood sugar, as well as a good source of potassium.
Pedigree: cats that have been bred for a specific purpose or for strict physical characteristics, and have been bred along pure lines for many years without interbreeding.
Pneumonia: a serious disease characterized by lung inflammation.
Pointed: a coat pattern consisting of a solid color on the body and a darker color on the ears, tail, face and legs.
Points: extremes of the body comprising the mask, ears, legs and tail.
Potassium chloride: important for a healthy nervous system and regular heart rhythm, aids in proper muscle contraction and maintaining stable blood pressure, and is important in helping the cat maintain proper acid-base balance.
Potassium iodide: used as a bioavailable source of iodide, which is essential for thyroid health. It promotes normal cell function, and is important in the fformation of bones, teeth, muscles, and blood.
Potatoes: provide B vitamins, carbohydrates, Vitamin C, potassium, iron, and magnesium.
Potato flour: obtained by drying and grinding whole potatoes; serves as a source of carbohydrates, and also contains a number of essential minerals, especially potassium, which is required for fluid balance.
Poultry by-product meal: consists of the ground, rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered poultry, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, intestines, exclusive of feathers, except in such amounts as might occur unavoidably in good processing practices.
Praise: positive reinforcement that indicates satisfaction to your cat.
Pregnant: when a female cat is carrying unborn offspring.
Protein: composed of individual building blocks called amino acids, and required in the cat’s diet for structure, function, and energy.
Psyllium: a source of soluble fiber that helps with digestion, and is useful to prevent hairballs in cats.
Puberty: a growth stage reached between 6 and 12 months of age when cats become sexually active and able to reproduce.
Pyometra: an infection of the uterus.
Pyridoxine: Vitamin B-6, essential for the metabolism of proteins, and acts as a cofactor for the large hydrochloride number of enzymes involved in amino acid and metabolism. Also involved in the metabolism of the precursor of heme - a compound of blood that helps in the normal function of the brain.
Queen: an unaltered (intact) female cat.
Quick: the root inside a nail that feeds blood to the nail.
Rabies: a viral infection that affects the nervous system, causing either hyperactivity or extreme listlessness.
Rhinotracheitis: a serious respiratory illness.
Riboflavin: important for the digestion of fats and carbohydrates, and for a healthy skin and coat. Key for normal growth and development.
Rice protein: concentrated protein faction of rice grain, resulting from the rice wet milling. Provides an excellent hypoallergenic source of protein.
Righting reflex: the ability to properly orient the body during a fall.
Rosemary extract: an excellent and natural preservative that is also known to help protect against cancer.
Roundworm: a parasitic worm resembling round spaghetti that may cause illness, particularly in young, old or weakened cats.
Ruff: protruding or lengthened hair around the neck and chest.
Rye: a grain providing high quality carbohydrates for energy. It is not commonly used in pet foods, and minimizes the potential of allergic reactions associated with corn and wheat.
Rye flour: consists of flour together with fine particles of rye bran, and serves as a nutritious grain that is high in fiber and B-complex vitamins.
Salmon: an excellent source of protein and omega fatty acids that help skin and coat, growth and development.
Salmon meal: the clean, dried and ground tissue of salmon. It must not contain more than 1O% moisture. It is an excellent source of high quality protein, calcium, phosphorus, and long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids which are critical for healthy skin and coat, and proper body function.
Scratching post: a free standing tower covered in burlap, rope, cardboard or other stiff material that cats use to safely rub their claws.
Sea cucumber: a source of the polysaccharide chondroiton sulfate, believed to be helpful in maintaining and rebuilding cartilage.
Sea salt: a natural form of salt obtained from processing seawater. It is a supplement for sodium and chloride, essential nutrients required by cats. Sodium and chloride are electrolytes which help regulate water balance in the body, aids muscle contraction and nerve transmission, and regulate the body’s acid-balance. Sea salt also contains trace minerals associated with animal health.
Shaded: a coat pattern consisting of a single color that varies from light to dark shading across the length of each hair.
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.).
Short-chain fatty acids: produced when bacteria break down fiber, providing energy to the cells lining the large intestine. The moderately fermentable fiber beet pulp has been shown to produce appropriate levels of short-chain fatty acids, in contrast to nonfermantable fibers such as cellulose and peanut hulls, which produce very few.
Singlet oxygen: an unstable chemical species that can arise from normal metabolism or from environmental exposure to pollutants in the environment; and which, if not neutralized, can cause serious cellular damage leading to chronic diseases.
Sodium selenite: a source of selenium, which is important to healthy muscles and nerves, in fertility, and enhances the antioxidant characteristics of Vitamin E.
Solid: a coat pattern consisting of a single color.
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.
Spirulina: a blue-green algae that grows on the surface of alkaline lakes, one of the oldest plants on the planet. Algae are associated with providing therapeutic as well as nutritional value. Spirulina contains B-complex vitamins, beta-carotene, gamma-linolenic acid, iron, and protein.
Spotted: a coat pattern with many dark, rounded spots, particularly at the rear of the body.
Spraying: when a cat (more commonly 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.
Sunflower oil: obtained from processing sunflower seeds, and is an excellent source of Omega-6 fatty acids also containing 62-7O% linolenic acid. Omega-6 fatty acids are associated with coat and skin health.
Svelte: describes a cat's body type characterized by a fine bone structure and narrow shape.
Sweet potatoes: sources of potassium, B vitamins, and beta-carotene. They provide phytochemicals and carotenoids, sources of antioxidant agents providing natural protection against free radicals (cancer-causing agents).
Tabby: a coat pattern consisting of two or more colors in a striped pattern.
Tallow: low quality hard white fat that most animals find hard to digest, not to mention the cardiac risks resulting.
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.
Taurine: an amino acid required by cats and kittens, as it is associated with growth, eye health, and cardiac health.
Thiamine hydrochloride: Vitamin B-1, essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates and protein. It is also important for a healthy nervous system, keeps mucous membranes healthy, and maintains normal function of the nervous system, muscles and heart. Also promotes normal growth and development.
Thiamine mononitrate: a form of thiamine or Vitamin B-1. The mononitrate form is typically more stable than the hydrochloride form. Thiamine is required for proper energy metabolism.
Ticked: a coat pattern consisting of banded hairs.
Ticking: light hairs that are scattered among darker colored hairs or spatterings of lighter hairs among darker colored hairs.
Tom: un-neutered (intact) male cat.
Tomato pomace: the mixture of tomato skins, pulp, and crushed seeds; serves as a good source of soluble fiber and rich in the antioxidant lycopene.
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.
Tuna: an excellent source of protein and omega fatty acids that help skin and coat, aid in growth, and the development of the nervous system.
Turkey: a good source of protein, rich in calcium, potassium, B vitamins, niacin, iron, and zinc, which promote energy and overall health.
Turmeric: an herb that aids digestion by helping to stimulate the flow of bile, which helps digest fat.
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 color 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: an animal doctor.
Vitamins: act as cofactors in metabolism and the production of energy in the body. Vitamins can be divided into two groups: water-soluble vitamins (B-complex and C), and fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E, and K).
Vitamin A: essential for healthy bones, teeth, hair, skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. It is an oil soluble vitamin and is important to the immune system, especially to combat respiratory infections. It is a building block of rhodopsin, a compound in the retina responsible for sight in partial darkness.
Vitamin B-12: a coenzyme in nucleic acid, protein, and lipid synthesis; necessary for growth, and known to treat some types of nerve damage and pernicious anemia. Necessary for normal processing of carbohydrates, protein, and fat in the body.
Vitamin C: a potent antioxidant and immune booster, Vitamin C helps to protect against bacterial, viral, and degenerative diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, auto immune disease, and cancer; and helps keep teeth and bones strong.
Vitamin D: promotes healthy skin, bone, connective tissue, and heart; necessary for the proper absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus.
Vitamin E: a potent antioxidant that helps to improve circulation and cardiac output.
Vitamin K supplement: menadione sodium bisulfite complex.
Wean: to train 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.
Whole grain: a grain containing all three parts of the kernel: bran, germ, and endosperm. In the feline diet, whole grains are healthier, providing more protein, more fiber, and many important vitamins and minerals than processed grains.
Wild rice: product obtained from zizania palustris. It contains almost twice as much protein and fiber as brown rice, and is also an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, B vitamins, and minerals.
Yellow squash: rich in Vitamin A and C, and calcium.
Yellow zucchini: low in calories, and a good source of Vitamin C and manganese.
Yucca: a natural extract made entirely from the stem of the yucca schidigera schidiger plant. Known to have anti-inflammatory effects on tendons and joint cartilage. Known to be beneficial for anemia, heart, skin, eyes, and to protect against cancer.
Zinc amino acid complex: an essential mineral important in maintaining healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. It has antioxidant properties, and it also helps maintain normal taste and sense of smell, aids in healing and promoting a healthy immune system, as well as to synthesize DNA and RNA, and to promote normal growth and development.


Baby Girl	Cutie	Lydia	Bird	Obadiah