K
KCS: A condition of the cornea and surrounding tissues, Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, also called dry eye, results from inadequate tear production, which may occur with feline herpesvirus
Keratin (ker-uh-tin): The hard protein making up hair and claws, which can cause feline acne when too much is produced and plugs hair follicles, usually on the chin
Keratitis (ker-uh-tahy-tis): The inflammation of the cornea (the surface layer of the eye) that causes cloudiness and affects vision, which may occur with feline herpesvirus
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (ker-uh-toh-kuhn-juhngk-tuh-vahy-tis si-kuh): A condition of the cornea and surrounding tissues, also called dry eye, results from inadequate tear production, which may occur with feline herpesvirus
Ketoacidosis (kee-toh-as-i-doh-sis): A life-threatening condition of excess buildup in the blood of ketones (acids produced from the breakdown of fat for energy), which may occur with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
Kitten: The American Association of Feline Practitioners’ definition of the life stage from birth up to one year, which equals 15 human years
Klinefelter Syndrome: A rare genetic condition that gives male cats an extra X chromosome (XXY) needed to be calico or tortoiseshell
Kyphosis (kahy-foh-sis): An abnormal curvature of the spine that causes bulging at the upper back, which may occur with flat chested kitten syndrome
L
Lactation (lak-tey-shun): The secretion of milk through the mammary glands to feed kittens is the most energy-demanding stage of a queen’s life, usually peaking at 3-4 weeks after birth, and requires increased calories for her
Latent (leyt-nt): The dormant (inactive) stage that occurs between exposure to a disease-causing agent and the onset of the disease
Leukopenia (loo-kuh-pee-nee-uh): A decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood, which may be caused by feline panleukopenia
Lice: External parasites that live on and feed on skin and cause rubbing, scratching and biting; infestations are most common among kittens or debilitated cats living in unsanitary environments
Linea alba (lee-ne-ah ahl-buh): The band of tissue that marks the midline of the abdominal muscles along which the skin is incised for a cat spay
Lordosis (lawr-doh-sis): An abnormal forward curvature of the spine at the lower back; the posture female cats assume when they are in heat and ready to mate
Louse (louz): Singular of lice
Luxation (luhk-sey-shun): The dislocation or complete separation, which may occur, for example, between the bones that normally form a joint or the lens of the eye