Porqi Cat

Native to the Aridian desert, this species of wild cat was somewhat preadapted toward a desert lifestyle. In myth it’s believed that they even foresaw the coming doom and may have even attempted to warn the late Pyrosi of the disaster. Unfortunately, they lack the ability to speak. Today they’re both a denizen of the desert ecosystem and a partially domesticated pet. They’re sought after by nobles for their exotic form and easy-to-tame demeanor. Widespread poaching of Porqi Cat for the pet trade has led to a sharp decline in their wild numbers. Given their isolated and hostile environment, small enclaves of wild specimens still exist in the far reaches of the dunes.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

The Aridian desert has some of the most adverse weather conditions on the continent. From frigid cold nights to scorching days: how does this cat make it? Well, an insulating but surprisingly breathable fur coat acts to expel and retain heat. The mane and fur can be exercised into different positions to trap or unfurl air beneath, allowing it to regulate how cool the air touching its skin is. Through this a Porqi Cat need not worry about either of the intense temperatures of its sandy home. This ability to regulate temperature through the air also assists in retaining water as it can trap the vapor that forms off its skin. Once it condenses again, the Porqi Cat needs only to lap it up with its tongue. For these adaptations a Porqi Cat can last half a month without any additional water.

Unlike other cats, Porqis are omnivorous. They possess a set of additional molars to grind down plant material. They largely prey on small insects but supplement their diet with the fruits of cactus. Their paws have excess fur so that they can avoid getting pricked by a cactus’s many prickles, allowing them to eat in peace. They are by no means the largest predator in the desert and often fall victim to other survivors. In response they’ve opted to turn their tails to weapons. Their tails are armed with a series of spikes which can sink through leathery hide and armor with relative ease. When aggressed, Porqi Cats will ‘rattle’ these spikes together as a warning.

Porqi Cats only have kittens within a very specific time period. They only have litters every five years when the surge from the Emerald Sea brings plenty to eat. Porqi Cats only have one or two kittens but they’re much larger than a housecat’s. From the beginning they’re more active and aware, able to partially hunt for themselves with supplements from their mother. While exceptionally rare, it is possible for a Porqi Kitten to survive immediately after birth without their mother- though they may struggle to grow the spikes their kind is known for.

#### Psychology

Porqi Cats are largely solitary throughout the year, only coming together every five years to pair up. Males do not partake in childcare. Instead, they will attempt to control choice patches of territory during these stints of abundance. Males will often fight for these areas, clawing and one another until they flee. Females care for their kittens throughout their first year before weaning them off. She can’t afford to expend more of her energy rearing young that isn’t prepared to go out on their own. If a Porqi believes their offspring is too weak they will almost certainly abandon it.

Porqi Cats are widely kept as an exotic pet and prove to be largely indifferent to sapient races. Due to their territorial nature they can make for exceptional guard animals though.