A short glossary of terms used on campus, from the technical to the traditional.
- Blep
- A blep is when a cat leaves the tip of its tongue visible, often after grooming or while very relaxed.
- Bunting
- Rubbing the head or cheeks against a person, object or another cat. It leaves scent from glands on the face and is usually a friendly gesture.
- Business nap
- A nap taken between two other naps. Attendance is recorded by a cat.
- Catnip
- A plant containing a compound called nepetalactone. Many, but not all, cats respond to it with rolling, rubbing and play. Sensitivity is largely inherited, and kittens are usually unresponsive.
- Chattering
- A rapid clicking or chirping of the jaw, often seen when a cat watches birds or squirrels through a window.
- Convocation
- The University's principal ceremony, held at 03:00. See Events.
- Crepuscular
- Most active around dawn and dusk. Cats are usually described as crepuscular rather than strictly nocturnal.
- Doorway hesitation
- The act of pausing in a doorway before deciding whether to go in or out. See standing in the doorway.
- Flehmen response
- A grimace in which a cat holds its mouth slightly open to draw scents toward a special scent organ in the roof of the mouth.
- FRAP
- Frenetic random activity period, better known as the zoomies. See the 03:00 problem.
- Kneading
- Rhythmic pushing of the paws into a soft surface, also called making biscuits. See why cats knead.
- Lap services
- A lap made available by human staff on request. Laps may be reclaimed without notice.
- Loaf
- A resting posture in which a cat tucks its paws and tail beneath its body. See the science of the loaf.
- Slow blink
- A slow closing and opening of the eyes, understood as a friendly signal. See the slow blink.
- Table edge
- The boundary of any elevated surface, and the primary site of research in the School of Applied Gravity.
- The Incident
- Not discussed.
- Trill
- A short, rising, rolling sound that cats often make as a greeting.