What Am I Missing?

This meta has been bouncing around in my mind for well over a year. I first got the idea researching another meta and thought, "could I do that" and back then I felt "Nope!" However, I have gotten bolder (no better perhaps but bolder) and while doing a back and forth with Al Sisti on another meta this topic came up and I thought "what the heck I can give it a try", so I did. Thanks soooo much to Al and to KayW, my testers/mentors, who helped me hammer this into shape.

I think it turned out well, but of course I ALWAYS think these turn out well. However, it only matters what YOU think, I hope you all like it.

My bias is that it will play as a S.A.D. because it is soooo simple that you may not see it. However, given how inventive all of you are and your toolchests of solving techniques I am sure a lot will hop on board (or out of the bag as it were).

Difficulty rating:

Kitten

֎Calico

֎Persian

Puma

Lion

Reveal Sunday

NUDGES:

Nudge 1] One tester said it should have been named "Vowel Movement".

Nudge 2] Whether people like it or not, they certainly will not be able to utter the hated phrase - "That was Z"

Nudge 3] Something very common is not present in the grid

Nudge 4] Something very common is also not present in the clues

Nudge 5, well actually a mechanical solve] If you evaluate the puz file using the Mechapuzzle utility the answer should be immediate.

THE REVEAL!

For a more complete discussion please go to: