- Body condition score
- A hands-on and visual assessment of body fat, usually recorded on a five- or nine-point scale.
- Complete food
- Food formulated to provide all required nutrients when fed as directed for the stated life stage.
- Complementary food
- Food or treats that are not nutritionally complete and should not make up the whole diet.
- Enrichment
- Changes or activities that support natural behaviours such as climbing, hiding, scratching, hunting and exploring.
- Microchip
- A small identification device implanted under the skin and linked to keeper details on a database.
- Muscle condition score
- An assessment of muscle mass that is separate from body-fat scoring.
- Neutering
- Surgery that prevents reproduction: typically spaying for females and castration for males.
- Pedigree
- A recorded ancestry. It does not guarantee health, behaviour or suitability for a particular home.
- Resource
- Something a cat needs or values, including food, water, litter trays, resting places, hiding spots and social space.
- Socialisation
- Early and ongoing learning that shapes how safely and confidently a cat responds to people, animals and environments.
- Taurine
- An essential amino acid cats must obtain in appropriate amounts through their diet.
- Zoonosis
- An infection that can pass between animals and humans.
Cat care, in plain English.
Useful definitions without assuming you already know the language.