The Sentient Cats of Naros
The Sentient Cats of Naros are not strictly speaking a species - the sentience arises from the exposure to the endemic weed Catsage found only in the Naros archipelago. Consequently, whilst it will emerge in the first few months life of a kitten raised with access to catsage, a few month's exposure will give sentience to any cat. If they can no longer access the herb, then the sentience erodes over around 6 months. Although no concerted efforts have been made the active principle does not survive drying of the herb, or other obvious preservative techniques and there are no known cases of the herb having been successfully grown out of the archipelago.
Basic Information
Anatomy
No differences to normal cats, though differences in brain organisation and neuron connectivity are likely.
Genetics and Reproduction
Breed as normal - sentience is not inheritable, though the degree of sentience when exposed to catsage has a genetic component.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Sentient cats can understand human languages that they have been exposed to for more than 3 months and have some rudimentary ability to speak though this is heavily constrained by their anatomy. A human, with practice, can generally understand them. Their intelligence, cunning and selfishness are not significantly altered: it is their ability to communicate that is the significant difference - between themselves they use a cat friendly tongue - Felinian .
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
The naming of cats is a difficult matter; it isn't a thing for holiday games. And strange as it seems, the first time you hear it - I tell you a cat must have three different names.
1: The name by which they are known to people, who know no better. The cat will maintain this name and respond to it as it sees fit.
2: The name by which it is know to other cats. Chosen when the cat reaches adulthood (or sentience, which ever is later) it is the name by which it is known in Feliculture .
3: The cat's true name, known only to the cat and never revealed. Most sentient cats spend several hours a day in contemplative meditation on their true name and how to live up to it.
1: The name by which they are known to people, who know no better. The cat will maintain this name and respond to it as it sees fit.
2: The name by which it is know to other cats. Chosen when the cat reaches adulthood (or sentience, which ever is later) it is the name by which it is known in Feliculture .
3: The cat's true name, known only to the cat and never revealed. Most sentient cats spend several hours a day in contemplative meditation on their true name and how to live up to it.
Major Organizations
Organisations?! None whatsoever.
Conservation Status
Only occur in the Naros archipelago, though specimens may be found elsewhere their sentience will have deteriorated.
This all seems rather familiar.
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