Introduction
Welcome back to another lesson in learning famous cat slang terms. So if you don’t know your toe beans from your primordial pouches, read on to learn more…
Stinky Face
This phrase has many names among cat owners, such as ‘Stinky Face’, ‘Stank Face’, ‘Shocked face’ and ‘Grimacing’, and is used to describe the face a cat can make after sniffing a strong smell, which can be more commonly known as the ‘Flemen Response’.
This behaviour is common in many animals in the world including many big cats such as lions, tigers, snakes, and even horses to allow them to better process smells and stimuli within their environment.
Mammals, reptiles and amphibians have a Jacobson’s Organ in their olfactory system, which is behind processing smells. The Jacobson’s Organ is typically located near the roof of the mouth and the septum, and is full of chemoreceptors to enhance the smell processing of animals which can help animals to identify scent markings left by other individuals.
Cats will curl their upper lip, to expose any pheromones left by scents to their mouth, with their tongues flicking them onto the Jacobson’s Organ to be processed, which produces a ‘Grimacing’ face.
Toe Beans
One of the most common cat slang terms refers to your cat (or dog)’s paw pads, most commonly known as ‘Toe beans’. The origin of this phrase is currently unknown, but it has been used across several years on the internet, due to the smaller toe pads looking like small beans.
Cat toe beans are mainly composed of thick, pigmented skin, along with collagen and fat tissue. These elements make the pads more resistant to harsh surfaces and offer shock absorption when jumping from a height.
Most cats have between 4-5 toe beans on each paw, however, some cats can have a genetic mutation, which results in extra phalanges (toes), called polydactylism.
Solar Powered
During the spring and summer months, it is very common to find your furry friend basking in a sunny spot either in the garden or in a window. This has led many cat owners to believe that cats are solar powered, and bask in the sun to ‘recharge’ their energy
One of the key reasons that cats like to lie in the sun is to maintain their body temperature. Cats require a slightly higher internal body temperature (~39 degrees Celsius) in comparison to humans (~37-38 degrees Celsius), which is why they grow a ‘winter coat’ to keep their body temperature higher during cold months when there are less sunny days. This is also why you can usually find a cat sleeping in a warm and cozy space for a cat nap or sunbathing.
Primordial Pouch
A ‘Primordial Pouch’ is a saggy area on a cat’s stomach which has many benefits such as:
- Acting as extra protection for vital organs such as the liver.
- Providing added skin to allow for more flexibility when running / jumping etc.
- Allowing cats added space to store food if required (although this will apply to wild cats with scarce accessibility to food)
Whilst it can be commonly confused as your cat being overweight, rest assured that all cats will have a primordial pouch, however the intensity of them will differ based on your cat’s genetics, so it is important to know the difference between a large primordial pouch and an overweight tummy.
Cat Quivers
Sometimes when a cat is excited, you may see their tail shake and quiver, accompanied by meows of delight. This is most noticeable in cats that have been spayed, as the quivering tail is actually an attempt at scent marking the surrounding environment. Spayed and neutered cats typically have their scenting glands removed, and so whilst the pheromones will not be released, their tail will still quiver as if they are scenting.
Whilst these quivers can be a sign of excitement and happiness, cats may also show this behaviour when placed in a new environment if they are anxious and territorial. If you have any concerns, it is always wise to consult your vet for any change in your cat’s behaviour.
Loaf
Finishing off with another baking term, is a very common phrase to describe a cat lying with all their feet tucked in. In the world of cat slang, this is referred to as a ‘Loaf’ or ‘Loafing’ as the shape a cat lies in resembles a loaf of bread. This is also rarely referred to as a “Roast chicken” pose, as again the back half of the cat looks like a roast chicken, which is especially more noticeable in skinny cats.
It has become a trend on social media to rate a cat’s loaf based on a video of the owner’s cat, and members of the public commenting a score out of 10 to find the best cat loaf. Points can be deducted for many factors, for example, if the cat’s tail is not tucked into the side, or they have a leg that is stretched out.
We hope this guide has helped you decode the fascinating world of cat slang, enriching your feline vocabulary and deepening your bond with your whiskered companions. Whether you're a seasoned cat lover or new to the joys of kitty communication, understanding these phrases can make your cat interactions even more delightful.
Keep cherishing every purr and whisker twitch from your furry friends. Happy cat chatting!