Words that leave room for uncertainty
A small glossary.
Mounting
The visible action often called humping. The word names a behavior, not its cause.
Arousal
A general state of activation used in behavior discussions, not automatically a sexual explanation or a diagnosis.
Observation
What was seen or heard. Keep it separate from an explanation such as "wanted attention."
Inference
An interpretation drawn from observations. A plausible interpretation is not proof of motive.
Altered status
A known spay or neuter history, if available. It does not by itself explain a mounting episode.
Recorded entry
One account you chose to write. It is not proof that every event was observed.
Frequency
A count over a defined period with known observation coverage. This ledger does not calculate it.
Unknown
Information that was not recorded or cannot be established. It is not a negative finding or an all-clear.
Source for the factual context: UC Davis: Inappropriate Mounting. Source checking is not independent veterinary review of this page.