Glossary of Breeding and Genetics

A facility dedicated to the breeding and raising of cats, often operated by a breeder or a group of breeders.

A person or entity responsible for selectively mating cats to produce specific traits, characteristics, or breeds.

A female cat that is used for breeding purposes, particularly when she becomes pregnant or has given birth.

A male cat that is used for breeding purposes.

A group of kittens born to a queen during a single birth.

A documented record of a cat's ancestry, showing its lineage and genetic history.

A unique and registered name given to a breeding cattery, often used as a prefix in the names of their bred cats.

The study of the inheritance of traits and characteristics in cats. See below for more on genetics.

Breeding closely related cats within the same breed to fix certain desirable traits, but it can also lead to genetic issues.

Breeding cats with some degree of relatedness to maintain and enhance specific traits in a breed without excessive inbreeding.

Introducing unrelated individuals into a breeding program to increase genetic diversity.

The offspring produced by mating two cats of different breeds or species.

A cat whose lineage and ancestry are only of a single recognised breed.

Cats that meet the breed standard and have potential for showing in cat shows.

The reproductive cycle in female cats when they are fertile and can become pregnant.

The arrangement in which a male cat is loaned out for breeding purposes to a female from a different cattery. Belle Ayr does not offer, or use, stud services.

The process of transitioning kittens from their mother's milk to solid food.

The process of exposing kittens to various stimuli and experiences to make them well-adjusted, friendly cats.

The administration of vaccines to protect cats from various infectious diseases.

Treating cats for internal parasites, such as worms.

Screening cats for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infections.

The surgical procedure to prevent cats from reproducing.

Different versions of a gene that can produce different traits or characteristics.

An allele that masks the effect of a recessive allele when present in a heterozygous (having two different alleles) condition.

An allele that is masked by a dominant allele and is only expressed when in a homozygous (having two identical alleles) condition.

The genetic makeup of an individual, represented by the combination of alleles at specific gene loci.

The observable physical or behavioural characteristics of an individual, resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.

Having two identical alleles at a particular gene locus (e.g., AA or aa).

Having two different alleles at a particular gene locus (e.g., Aa).

An individual that carries a recessive allele for a particular trait but does not express the trait itself.

Traits influenced by multiple genes rather than a single gene.

The phenomenon where the expression of one gene is influenced by the presence of another gene.

A cat with more than the usual number of toes due to a genetic mutation.

A gene that lightens the base colour of a cat's fur, such as in "blue" or "cream" cats.

A coat pattern in which the extremities (ears, face, paws, and tail) are darker than the body, as seen in Siamese cats.

A type of fur coloration where each hair has bands of different colours, typical of tabby cats.

A coat colour pattern characterised by patches of black and orange or cream colours, often seen in female cats.

A common coat pattern featuring stripes, spots, or swirls on a lighter background.

A coat colour pattern combining white, black, and orange or cream patches, often seen in female cats.

A variation of calico with grey (diluted black) and cream patches.

A specific pattern where the body is paler than the extremities, as seen in colourpoint breeds like the Siamese.

A pattern in which a cat has white paws or mittens.

A coat pattern characterised by two distinct colours, usually white and another colour.

Genes that determine the length of a cat's fur, such as short hair (Sh), long hair (Lh), and semi-long hair (Mh).

A gene that restricts the colour to specific areas, resulting in colour point patterns.

A genetic condition that results in the absence or reduction of pigment in the eyes, fur, and skin.