Cattawampus

Names: Flying Cats

Habitat: Appalachian Mountains

Size: 10 - 16 inches tall; 19 - 32 inches long

Diet: carnivorous; squirrels, lizards, birds, mice, insects, fish, frogs, and small fish

Reproduction: promiscuous; no courtship ritual

Society: solitary or up to groups of 20

There once were strange, whimsical creatures that dashed through the skies of Appalachia, often chasing a bird or drifting feather; they were winged felines with twitching tails called Cattawampi. However, these cats were bred to disfigurement by settlers who adored their long, fluffy fur, wide-eyed faces, soft, pastel wings, and mischievous personalities. Lured by traps housing rodents or a teasing ribbon, the felines were captured in small, wooden boxes and transported into towns. Most others were exterminated, so workers could go about their day with fewer distractions and nuisances. Caretakers hoped to selectively breed the cats to have increasing wing sizes; but, in doing so, the appendages became useless within the next several generations. The offspring of Cattawampi no longer have functional wings, but flaps of flesh and tangled fur that hangs limply at their side. Some, however, believe there may be remnants of the species in the remote wilderness. Cattawampi once lived in the high elevations of the Appalachian Mountains, swooping at small prey, chasing falling leaves, and skirting away from attacks by large predators, like wolves. The creatures were a nuisance to travelers, pouncing from trees or high, rocky perches with claws ready, ripping at any exposed flesh; other times, the felines would take off with a hat, food, or light goods, soundlessly, agilely capturing it in its mouth with a skillfully flown arc. Those traversing the region quickly learned how to fend off the creatures: they feared loud noises, long staves or walking sticks swung in the air, dogs, and they especially despised water. Genetic Diversity Cattawampi display a wide range of differences in their physical appearances. The cats’ hair varies in length and texture (short, medium, long; straight, curly, fuzzy, and hairless), mirroring the diversity found in average domesticated cats. Their wings are dependant upon their hair type: curly haired cats have pointed feathers; long or fuzzy furred cats have fluffier feathers; medium, straight-haired cats have medium, rounded feathers; and hairless groups have leathery, bat-like wings. Tail length also coincides with cat size－bigger individuals having larger, thicker tails and vice versa. Hair color is expressed in solid, bi-colour, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, and color point patterns; expressed colors included red, cream, gray, black, white, and different hues of brown and blonde. 1 Wings are colored similarly as the body, but in softer, pastel hues. Eyes do not display as much diversity, however; the majority of Cattawampi have dark brown eyes, with very few having dark green.

Life in the Trees Living inside of hollowed out trees, abandoned bird nests, and atop thick branches, Cattawampi live and play in the treetops. When resting, the felines can be seen stretching their long bodies and extending their wings, or sharpening their nails on bark. If agitated or frisky, the cat’s hair will fluff, its tail swinging back and forth quickly, ears flattened against its skull. After a rainy day, Cattawampi bathe extensively, sometimes gingerly dipping a paw into a puddle, carefully washing their face, ears, and whiskers. The felines spend most of their day and night sleeping, their wings and tail curled snugly around their body－and their kittens, if present. Cattawampi are carnivorous, eating small prey such as: squirrels, lizards, birds, mice, insects, fish, frogs, and small fish. When the felines hunt, their eyes enlarge, wings still, and their forms slink low to the ground or their perch. With a quick leap or lurch, the cat grasps the prey in its mouth or claws, delivers a killing bite, and brings it to its resting place for feeding. With the assistance of their wings, Catawampi can jump 10 - 12 ft high. If the cats are being hunted, they will flee to high locations, using their claws to skirt up trees. If a predator follows upward, the feline will fly from tree to tree or perch to perch, until the creature tires and gives up. In dire circumstances, the Cattawampus will use their teeth and claws to defend themselves. Those tracking Cattawampi find them easily by following their small prints, scratches on trees, and loose feathers left behind. With lives similar to wild, domesticated cats, healthy Cattawampi can lead lives that last 13 - 17 years.