Felid
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Cat redirects here. For the machine, see Cyber-Altered Task. |
Felids[3] are creatures of the felidae family,[8a] also known as cats,[1] are feline animals sometimes kept as pets by humans.[4b] They have sharp teeth, and claws that can be flexed. Some would describe them as looking both voluptuous and savage.[1]
Overview
Felids are a creature descended from the animals of ancient Terra. They have various larger breeds, such as the lion or tiger, but the term "felid" is typically used to refer to the more obscure and much smaller domesticated variety. They are able to comfortably fit in a standard human's lap and can comfortably live in a hab. There are a few xenos analogous to felids, as well as mutants analogues in various hive cities.[4b]
Most citizens of the Imperium don't know what a household felid is, typically only knowing of the larger breeds from Imperial heraldry, such as lions and tigers. Typically only Imperial Nobles can afford to have a household companion creature such as these. If one attempted to described a household felid to the average hive-dweller, they would find the idea of a pet dwarf-lion absurd.[4b]
When felids are friendly towards humans they are known to vocalize with meows and purring while rubbing against their target of affection. Felids can sometimes be found living within various hive cities, as indoor pets or as feral felids.[3] They purr when stroked and will jump into their owner's laps as they please. They tend to give any source annoyance a sharp look of disinterest.[4b] They are known to often wear uniquely smug expressions.[4c] Small pet felids are known to fall asleep on their owner's face, on occasion.[4a] These small creatures will often attempt to escape the confines of their owner's quarters, when given the opportunity.[4]
The Astropath Moma Parsheen had kept a score of cats during her time on the planet of Stalinvast. When the old woman astropath doomed the planet to Exterminatus, the orange cat she had at the time died along with the entire population.[1]
Known Felid Types
- Gyrinx[8b]
- Lion - Larger breed of felid from ancient Terra.[4b]
- Phyrr Cat - A big cat originating from Phyrr that is toxic to humans and possesses ingrained psychic abilities.[7][8a]
- Phelynx - Highly toxic, gene-spliced creature combining Phyrr Cat and reptilian genetics.
- Sicklefang - A type of great felid.[5]
- Tiger - Larger breed of felid from ancient Terra.[4b]
Named Felids
- Shebeena - Small, house-hold pet of Probator Symeon Noctis[4b]
- Benyan - Childhood pet of trooper Larno Semic[6]
Images
Phyrr Cat[7]
Trivia
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- In the real world, the term Felid refers to a member of the Felidae family, colloquially referred to as Cats.
- It is unclear whether some creatures are simply classified as felids in-universe due to morphological characteristics analogous to Terran cats (ex. being cat-like xenos) or the creature actually having genetic ancestry of Terran cats. Only the household-felid (domestic cat), tiger, and lion have been specified as having Terran lineages.[4b] It is possible the others listed as felids by the Rogue Trader Janus Draik are,[8a][8b] in fact, xenos that lumped into the felid family due to characteristics, rather than genetics.
See also
Sources
- 1: Draco (Novel), Chapter 8
- 2: Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader (Video Game), Imperial Nobility (Book Event)
- 3: Wrath & Glory: Darktide Extraction, pg. 15
- 4: Flesh and Steel (Novel):
- 5: A Forbidden Meal (Short Story)
- 6: Exterminator (Short Story)
- 7: Dark Heresy: Creatures Anathema, pgs. 42-43
- 8: Liber Xenologis:
