Cat-Human

Cat-Humans or catpeople are a species of demihumans biologically classified as bipedal felines belonging to the genus felis, under the family felidae. Their latin name is felis sapiens catus. While not native to the Yuriban island as a race, the Maonyanniichuan spring of local origin can create individuals with the appearance of a catgirl. Catgirls are also a significant immigrant population in Yuriba.

Terminology

Cat-Humans are commonly referred to as catboys or catgirls, depending on their gender. Catgirl denotes a singular female cat-human while catgirls denotes a plural number of cat-humans. Unlike with human boys and girls, catboys and catgirls are used with all ages, not just juveniles.

Biology

Breeds

There are two main classifications of catgirls found on Yuriba. The fullbreed and the halfbreed. Halfbreed catgirls possess mostly human features, but with feline ears and a tail. The majority of their body is not covered with fur. In contrast, fullbreed catgirls are furred all over, and sometimes possess paws in place of hands or feet. Excepting this disparate appearance, there are no significant difference between fullbreeds and halfbreeds. Neither possesses more agility or balance than the other, and both breeds have been known to exhibit rather felinoid behavior.

Not all catgirls in Yuriba were born that way. Many were affected by spring water from the Maonyanniichuan or, more rarely, other magical means that produced a change in species appearance. Such affected individuals many appear as either fullbreed or halfbreed catgirls; the terms do not actually indicate "breeding".

Ears

All catgirls possess feline ears. Unlike the limited humans ears, catgirl ears have great mobility that allow them to move each ear independent of each other. In general, most catgirls are able to consciously control the movements of their ears. Catgirl ears are nearly always located on the top of their heads, rather than on the sides. These ears are often sensitive to the touch.

Tails

Catgirls almost universally possess one tail, extending in continuation of their spine. Like their non-sapient cousins, house cats, catgirls often move their tails to match their moods. They will twitch the tips of their tails when hunting or angry, while larger twitching indicates displeasure. A tail held high is a sign of happiness, while half-raised shows less pleasure, and unhappiness is indicated with a drooping tail. The use of the tail to telegraph emotion is an instinctual, subconscious reaction similar to humanoid facial expressions; catgirls intent on hiding their thoughts can easily hold their tails in place in an equivalent poker face. Many catgirls have control over their tails, unlike non-sentient felines; the degree of prehensile motility is equivalent to that displayed by dexterous monkeys or lemurs.

Sounds

All catgirls are capable of meowing and purring. However, they are fully capable of human speech, and can learn any languages human can speak. Very few catgirls communicate entirely through meows, but having "nyaa" or "nyan" when speaking is a common speech affectation for catgirls. Catgirls are also known to hiss or growl when angered or distressed.

Demographics

At the time of the 2005 census, catgirls were the second largest species demographics in Yuriba, second only to humans. This includes both natural catgirls and those transformed by Maonyanniichuan spring water.