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Flehmen
/FLAY-muhn/ · noun
That curious open-mouth expression cats make after an interesting smell. It helps them gather extra scent information through a specialised sensory organ.
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Zoomies
/ZOO-meez/ · plural noun
A sudden burst of racing, bouncing energy. Also known as a frenetic random activity period, or a very enthusiastic lap of the living room.
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Loaf
/lohf/ · noun · informal
A cat resting with its paws tucked underneath its body. A remarkably convincing impression of a small, perfectly baked loaf.
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Sploot
/sploot/ · noun · informal
A relaxed, belly-down pose with the back legs stretched out behind. Dogs and cats both have their own version of this magnificent sprawl.
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Kneading
/NEE-ding/ · noun
The rhythmic push of alternating paws against a soft surface. A familiar kitten behaviour that many cats carry into their cosy adult routines.
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Bunting
/BUN-ting/ · noun
A cat rubbing its forehead against a person or object. Part greeting, part scent-sharing, and a wonderfully direct way to make an introduction.
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Slow blink
/sloh blink/ · noun
A cat slowly closing and reopening its eyes around familiar company. A quiet little gesture often associated with feeling relaxed.
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Whiskers
/WIS-kerz/ · plural noun
Specialised sensory hairs that help a pet notice contact and changes nearby. Small facial details with a surprisingly big job.
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Vibrissae
/vih-BRIS-ee/ · plural noun
The scientific name for whiskers. These sensitive hairs help an animal collect information about the space around it.
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Toe beans
/toh beenz/ · plural noun · informal
An affectionate name for the little pads under a pet’s paws. Tiny, bean-shaped details with an outsized fan club.
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Blep
/blep/ · noun · informal
A little tongue tip left peeking out of a pet’s mouth. A very small performance with excellent comic timing.
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Boop
/boop/ · verb · informal
The playful word for a gentle nose tap. Also the sound pet lovers tend to imagine when a particularly good snout enters the room.
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Snoot
/snoot/ · noun · informal
An affectionate name for an animal’s nose or muzzle. Usually spoken with admiration for the face attached to it.
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Scritch
/skritch/ · noun · informal
A light, affectionate scratch, often behind the ears or under the chin. The unofficial currency of many cosy households.
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Floof
/floof/ · noun · informal
A gloriously fluffy animal, or its impressive cloud of fur. The word is unofficial; the softness is serious.
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Wigglebutt
/WIG-uhl-but/ · noun · informal
A fond nickname for a dog whose excitement seems to involve its entire rear end. Some greetings simply require more movement.
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Sniffari
/snif-AHR-ee/ · noun · informal
A walk enjoyed one scent at a time. Your dog investigates the neighbourhood’s news while you take in the scenery.
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Scent work
/sent werk/ · noun
A game or activity built around finding particular smells. It gives a dog’s impressive nose a purposeful little adventure.
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Play bow
/play bow/ · noun
A dog lowering its front end while keeping its rear end up. Often a lively invitation to join the fun.
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Pounce
/powns/ · verb
To spring forward suddenly, often during play or a hunt. Tiny house cats can turn an ordinary toy into a dramatic event.
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Perch
/perch/ · noun
An elevated place to settle and watch the world. Window-side perches are especially well suited to neighbourhood supervision.
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Catnap
/KAT-nap/ · noun
A short, light nap. A useful word for the kind of rest that leaves plenty of time for the next nap.
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Catnip
/KAT-nip/ · noun
An herb that some cats find especially interesting. Reactions vary, so one cat’s favourite curiosity can be another cat’s ordinary plant.
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Purr
/per/ · noun
A cat’s low, rhythmic rumble. It often accompanies relaxed moments, though cats can purr in other situations too.
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Double coat
/DUB-uhl koht/ · noun
A coat with two layers: a softer undercoat and an outer layer of guard hairs. A built-in wardrobe with no hanger required.
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Undercoat
/UN-der-koht/ · noun
The softer, denser layer beneath a double-coated animal’s outer fur. One ingredient in a wonderfully plush silhouette.
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Guard hairs
/gahrd hairz/ · plural noun
The longer outer hairs forming the top layer of an animal’s coat. They help protect the softer fur underneath.
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Dewclaw
/DOO-klaw/ · noun
A small claw set apart on the inside of a pet’s paw or leg. An easily overlooked detail in a familiar silhouette.
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Doggo
/DOG-oh/ · noun · informal
An affectionate internet nickname for a dog. Short, cheerful, and especially easy to say while looking at a very good face.
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Pupper
/PUP-er/ · noun · informal
A fond nickname for a puppy, or for a dog that seems permanently young at heart. Enthusiasm has no age limit.
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Catitude
/KAT-i-tood/ · noun · informal
That recognisable blend of curiosity, confidence, and firm personal boundaries. A small word for a very distinctive personality.
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Pet parent
/pet PAIR-uhnt/ · noun · informal
Someone who treats the animals in their life like family. A household role with plenty of love, and usually some fur on the uniform.
Follow the soft launch.