A person who adopts an animal from a shelter or rescue organization.

The process of taking an animal into your home and providing care for them as a pet.

A term used to describe a feral or stray cat that lives outdoors, often in urban or rural areas.

An organization focused on improving the well-being of animals through education, laws, and humane treatment.

A person who works to protect animals and promote their rights, often through education, legislation, or advocacy efforts.

A facility that houses animals, particularly those that are lost, abandoned, or stray, until they are adopted or rehomed.

A cat that is kept in or around a barn, typically for pest control. They may live outside but often have a relationship with humans.

Routine medical care for pets, including vaccinations, parasite control, and health assessments.

A coat featuring two colors, often white paired with another color.

Two animals who are emotionally attached to each other and must be adopted together.

A collar designed to release when it gets caught to prevent injury.

A traditional collar with a buckle for securing it.

A tricolor coat featuring white, orange, and black, typically seen in female cats.

A person who manages and cares for a group of feral or community cats.

A domestic cat, generally over 1 year of age.

A portable container used to safely transport a cat to appointments or other locations.

The length of time a female cat is pregnant, typically around 63-65 days.

A term used to describe cats aged between 3 months and 1 year, blending the characteristics of kittens and adult cats.

Cat litter that forms solid clumps when wet, making it easier to scoop out waste.

Refers to the length of a cat’s fur, which can be short, medium, long, or hairless.

A band around a cat's neck for identification or control.

A cat that is part of a local population of feral or stray cats, often managed through TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs.

The surgical removal of a cat's claws, often considered inhumane and illegal in many areas.

The process of removing parasitic worms from an animal's intestines through medication.

A lighter version of a solid or pattern (e.g., dilute calico features soft gray and peach tones instead of black and orange).

A large, flat trap that is used to drop over a cat when triggered, typically used for trapping a single cat from a group of feral or stray cats. Drop traps are often used for more difficult-to-capture cats.

A type of pet rat known for its large ears that are positioned lower on the head, giving them a "dumbo" look.

The universally recognized marker that a cat lives outdoors and has been spayed/neutered, achieved by surgically removing 1/8" of the left ear.

A rare condition in cats where one or more toes are missing or malformed, resulting in a claw-like paw appearance.

The humane act of ending an animal’s suffering when their quality of life is no longer sustainable.

An animal typically of pure breed or bloodline.

A domesticated rat bred for various coat colors, patterns, and traits.

A general term for any member of the cat family (Felidae), which includes both domestic cats and wild species.

A slow-acting virus that affects a cat’s immune system, often compared to HIV in humans, but it is not transmissible to people.

A contagious viral disease in cats that weakens their immune system and increases their risk for other illnesses.

A condition in cats where the esophagus doesn’t function properly, making it hard for them to swallow food or water.

A cat that has been born and raised in the wild and avoids human interaction.

The permanent home an animal goes to after adoption.

Temporary care provided by individuals or families for animals awaiting adoption.

A person who temporarily cares for an animal until they are adopted or returned to their original home.

A rescue organization that relies on a network of foster homes to care for animals until they are adopted.

An event or activity that generates money to support animal welfare programs or shelters.

A shelter operated by a local, state, or federal government entity, typically funded by taxpayer money.

A genetically hairless coat, found in breeds like the Sphynx.

A pet rat with little to no fur, a result of specific breeding.

A piece of equipment designed to fit around a cat's body for walking or added control.

Medications or treatments used to prevent the infestation of heartworms and fleas in pets.

Parasitic worms that are transmitted through mosquito bites and affect an animal's heart and lungs.

A clinic designed to perform a large number of spay/neuter surgeries efficiently and affordably.

A domestic cat that lives indoors with humans.

Female cats can become pregnant as early as 4 months old.

Female cats can return to heat as early as 1-3 weeks after giving birth.

A non-profit organization that works to protect animals through advocacy, rescue, and adoption.

A young cat, typically under 1 year of age, still in the developmental and playful stage.

A topical treatment for fungal infections like ringworm and mites, often used in veterinary medicine. It has a strong odor but is highly effective.

A long, fluffy coat that requires frequent grooming to prevent tangles and mats.

Veterinary services provided at reduced fees to make essential care more accessible.

A collar that tightens when pressure is applied, used for control.

An intermediate-length coat requiring regular grooming to prevent matting.

A permanent form of identification for pets, implanted under the skin and linked to owner contact information.

A colloquial term often used to refer to a domestic cat of mixed or unknown breed.

A surgical procedure to remove a male animal’s testes, rendering him incapable of reproduction.

Cat litter that does not form clumps when wet, requiring more frequent full changes.

A shelter operated by a non-profit organization, often relying on donations and volunteers to function.

The excessive number of animals compared to available homes, often leading to abandonment or euthanasia.

A coat pattern with a lighter body and darker extremities (face, ears, paws, tail), as seen in Siamese cats.

A cat born with extra toes on one or more paws, a genetic trait often referred to as “mitten paws.”

Care given to an animal after surgery, including pain management and activity restrictions.

A cat that is from a recognized breed with a pedigree confirming its lineage.

A female cat, particularly one that is not spayed and is capable of breeding.

A small, typically nocturnal rodent species often kept as pets.

A small transport container used to safely move pet rats to various locations.

A group of rats living together, often requiring careful management for harmony.

The length of time a female rat is pregnant, typically around 21-23 days.

A facility or breeder specializing in raising domesticated rats.

The act of saving animals from harmful situations, such as neglect or overcrowded shelters.

An organization that rescues and rehomes animals in need, typically those from high-kill shelters or difficult situations.

A fungal infection that affects the skin, hair, and nails of animals and humans.

An organization that works to prevent animal cruelty and promote the welfare of animals through rescue, education, and advocacy.

The act of gently holding a cat by the loose skin at the back of the neck (the scruff). Scruffing is often used as a method to calm a cat or safely manage them, especially during handling or medical procedures.

A sleek, close-fitting coat that requires minimal grooming.

Behavioral and developmental issues arising from raising a kitten alone without the company of other kittens.

A coat color where the undercoat is lighter than the outer fur, creating a smoky appearance.

Helping rats become comfortable with handling and human interaction.

A single coat color without patterns or markings (e.g., black, white, gray).

A surgical procedure to remove a female animal’s ovaries and uterus, rendering her incapable of reproduction.

Surgical procedures to prevent animals from reproducing. "Spay" refers to female animals, and "neuter" refers to male animals.

An animal requiring extra care due to medical, physical, or behavioral conditions.

An animal with characteristics of certain breeds or other traits highly sought out by adopters.

A typical pet rat with ears positioned on top of its head and a more traditional appearance.

Another term for spaying or neutering, ensuring animals can no longer reproduce.

A cat that has been lost or abandoned and is living outdoors, often dependent on human food sources or shelters. Unlike feral cats, stray cats may have been socialized to humans at some point in their lives.

A humane method for managing feral cat populations by trapping, neutering/spaying, and returning them to their original location.

A group that focuses on the Trap-Neuter-Return method to manage and reduce feral cat populations.

A coat pattern featuring stripes, swirls, or spots, often with an “M” marking on the forehead.

A combination of tabby markings on the pointed areas of a cat, often found in breeds like Siamese mixes.

A male cat, particularly one that is not neutered and is capable of breeding.

A mix of orange and black fur (or dilute versions), often in a patchy or blended pattern.

A service provided to move animals from one location to another, typically for spay/neuter procedures, medical care, or adoption.

A humane device used to catch feral or stray cats, typically for TNR programs or to provide necessary care. Traps are usually made of metal or wire and are designed to safely contain the cat without harm.