Nyxian Musecats

[Sheari]

Nyxian Musecats

Description
Nyxian Musecats are roughly the size of the Terran housecat. They are long bodied with stout legs, a small head, long ears, and a slightly convex profile. Their coats are dense and soft, with a mane running from the center of their forehead, down between their ears, along their spine, ending in a tuft that wraps around to under the tip of the tail. The skin beneath the mane is bioluminescent, causing the mane itself to appear to glow. This extends to their eyes and noses to a lesser extent.

The coloration of the musecat is generally various shades of grey on the body, with either lighter or darker contrasting markings, or no markings at all. The mane, belly, eyes, and skin of the relevant areas has been seen in a variety of chromatic colors that can tint the base coat.

Temperament and Behaviour
The general personality displayed by Nyxian Musecats can best be described as playful and curious. Wild populations have been observed living in tight-knit groups often composed of members of the same family, or similar-aged unrelated groups. Domestic populations have displayed anxiety and stress behaviours when left alone indicating this is a social species that does best when paired with a companion of some sort.

Nyxian Musecats have been found to be eager to please and highly trainable, from housebreaking/litter training to complicated tricks. Many seem naturally inclined to ride on the shoulders of their chosen keeper, and never stray very far from the keeper(s) side. However it is highly recommended that they be harness trained and learn to be clipped to a leash in the event of an emergency.

As omnivores their diets consist of proteins acquired from small prey such as mice, birds, and occasionally eggs as well as fruits and roots for roughage. Domestic musecats seem to do well on some commercial feeds formulated for similar species, however variety as well as the inclusion of fresh ingredients are encouraged.

Reproduction
Little sexual dimorphism has been found in Nyxian Musecats. What has been observed is males often possessing larger, thicker manes than females, and in general being larger overall.

Musecats enter a period of estrus every 91-100 days. During this time wild females will begin to nest within the deepest chamber of the group’s den. Eligible males (those not currently caring for a mate or kits) will begin to compete for the attention of their preferred female. This often includes posturing, vocalizations, and wrestling. While strict monogamy has not been observed it is not unheard of. Females have been observed displaying a preference for previous mates as opposed to unknown males new to the group.

Gestation lasts 47-50 days, on average, with litter sizes ranging from 1-4 kits, though larger litter sizes up to 7 or 8 kits have been occasionally observed. The age and health of the dam does seem to influence the litter size, with the largest litter sizes occurring during a female’s prime. Roughly 44-50 days from birth kits are weaned and begin to integrate more fully into the group. The entire family group cooperates in caring for the kits. Very little kit mortality or morbidity has been noted.

Similar cycles have been seen in domestically kept musecats, with females building their nests in what they deem the most secure area of their home “territory”. If adequate nesting materials are not provided, substitutions will be found, often in the form of soft textiles. If no male musecats are available, females have been known to entertain males of other species with the same preferences for familiar males displayed.

Hybrid offspring have been observed in musecats that have bred with similarly sized species, suggesting significant genetic flexibility.