Lost or Stray Cats in Disaster Areas: A Tool for Recording the Description of Unclaimed Cats Housed by EMA-Designated Animal Rescue Groups.

FELINE FEATURES CHECKLIST (FFC) OVERVIEW ©1995 ALABAMA PET REGISTRY, INC.

The Feline Features Checklist (FFC) is designed to standardize the identification process of mixed breed and purebred cats who are presumed to be lost and whose owners are unknown.

The Alabama Pet Registry (APR) lost and found pet bulletin board service relies on accurate and objective descriptions of cats to help match pets with their owners. Therefore, APR will only distribute FFC information to professional animal caregivers.

17 identification categories represent the most comprehensive description that can be obtained of an animal by simple observation and limited examination. Words, phrases and illustrations are provided for the convenience of the user, however, "Other" and "Describe" spaces appear in some categories when more information is required and/or for the user to provide his/her own expression. Although the FFC category labels are fairly forthright, an expanded definition for each label is provided to ensure consistency in the use of this form.

The FFC is primarily designed to help identify mixed breed cats, about which no physical characteristic standards exist. Therefore, we recommend that all FFC category labels for mixed breed cats be filled in as completely as possible.

The words "Purebred Optional" signify categories that do not require completion: These cats are assumed to meet the general classification standards for their breed; however, all exceptions and variations should be noted.

1. 1. What breed of cat is he/she? Is he/she a purebred or mixed breed? Breed name or breed number from the accompanying Breed List may be used. Mixed or number 36 is recommended for cats whose breed is uncertain or who exhibit multiple breed physical characteristics.
   2. If the cat is mixed (36), what breed of cat does he/she look most like? List no more than two breeds, in primary and then secondary order.
2. SEX: Cat is either a male or a female.
3. ALTERED: Yes, No, or Not Sure.
4. AGE: Age and whether it is the actual age or an estimate.
5. WEIGHT: Weight and whether it is the actual weight or an estimate.
6. SIZE: Opinion as to cat's relative size, in other words, small, medium or large when  compared to his/her age and breed.
7. IDENTIFICATION: Microchip Implants, Tattoos, Collars and/or tags are the most common  types of collateral identification. Microchip scanners aren't all universal, that is, they may not be able to detect and read every manufacturer's microchip, however, report what you know, don't know or suspect about the absence or presence of a microchip.

   Tattoos are found in the ears or upper inside, rear legs but may be on stomachs too, and can be anything from number and letter combinations, names or words or a design or unusual shape. Describe what's observed.

   Other: Collars are the most common and can be one of several types such as a breakaway collar, harness, choker or flea, and have adjustable plastic, Velcro or metal buckle fasteners. There are many different functional collars such as no-bark, invisible fence and remote-control training units. Describe the collar by type, color and material. Tags can be described as owner, rabies, license or pet registry type: Describe each tag's color, material, and the information engraved. Bandannas, metal plates and embroidered collars are other forms of identification to note and describe.

8. COAT: (Purebred Optional) a cat's coat is generally described in terms of length, texture and distribution. If there is doubt about whether a mixed breed's coat is longhair or shorthair, measure some hair at the chest area and put the result in A3. Select/circle the appropriate descriptors and/or provide a personal description.
9. NUMBER OF COLORS IN COAT: How many different colors appear in the cat's coat? Colors must be distinctive. A cat with light and dark gray has one color, not two.
10. COLORS: This area is the most subjective. Many people use the words blond, gold and yellow interchangeably, and dark brown is often called chocolate. Choose the color names carefully and ask another person's opinion before making your choice. Checking the shade columns, when necessary, will enhance the overall description.

    Note: The number of colors chosen here should agree with the number of colors in 9 above.

11. COLORPOINTS: Primarily refers to purebreds. If applicable, select one or provide your own description.
12. COLOR PATTERNS: (Purebred Optional) Cat fanciers use these terms to describe patterns of color. Select one or provide your own description.
13. EYES: The color of a cat's eyes is an important identifier. Select one of the eye colors listed and indicate whether the color is a light, medium or dark shade.

    (Purebred Optional) Shape and size of the eyes is less important than color as an identifier, however, choose appropriate shape and size descriptors.

    Abnormalities such as odd, crossed, missing or prosthetic eyes should be noted if encountered.

14. NOSE COLOR: The part of the nose just above the open nostrils where no hair grows is the color to describe. Since this area is bare, often the skin color is different from the rest of the nose.
15. EARS: (Purebred Optional) Select a descriptor or provide your own description.
16. PAWS: Select a descriptor or provide your own description.
17. TAIL (Purebred Optional) Select a descriptor or provide your own description.