Post by Lyrikitty on Nov 12, 2008 12:22:18 GMT -5
Wildcat - wildcats are a genetically engineered predatory feline which were created with the intentions of developing an intelligent, Impressionable guard/hunt companion. Unfortunately, the scientist doing the experimentation wasn't a qualified geneticist, and his prototypes killed him before escaping into the wilds of the Southern Continent. Wildcats, as they have been named by the most recent settlers of Southern, are about 3.5 feet tall at the shoulder and about 5 feet long, with the conformation of a jaguar/cheetah hybrid. Its coat is a rich, tawny yellow, spotted with black rosettes. The body is massive and powerfully muscled, with a relatively small head and long legs built for explosive sprinting power. Over short distances, the wildcat can attain speeds of up to 45 mph; it is also an adept climber and excellent swimmer, making it capable of taking a range of aquatic, arboreal, and terrestrial prey. Wildcats are aggressive, territorial, and highly intelligent. Pairs will mate for life; unmated individuals will remain solitary. In the tropical areas of Southern Continent, they appear to mate in any season, although elsewhere they mate during the spring. After a gestation period of eight months, the female of a mated pair will bear one to two cubs, who take an estimated three years to gain full maturity. The lifespan of a wildcat is estimated to be approximately 30 years; territorial disputes between wildcats often result in death. Wildcats can be tamed if captured as kittens. If taken into human care early enough, wildcats will imprint upon humans, making them reliable and highly intelligent hunting companions/guardians. However, if taken after the kittens
have imprinted on their natural kin, wildcats will be very difficult to train and highly likely to turn on their trainers -- which is nearly always fatal for the trainer. In the wild, wildcats usually avoid humans and human habitations, but they will hunt and kill lone humans who stray into their territory or prey upon domestic livestock. Therefore, humans often hunt or drive away wildcats whenever the two species encounter one another.
have imprinted on their natural kin, wildcats will be very difficult to train and highly likely to turn on their trainers -- which is nearly always fatal for the trainer. In the wild, wildcats usually avoid humans and human habitations, but they will hunt and kill lone humans who stray into their territory or prey upon domestic livestock. Therefore, humans often hunt or drive away wildcats whenever the two species encounter one another.