Caitians, Vedala, Kzinti, and Ferasans
The Caitians, Vedala, Kzinti, and Ferasans collectively make up the oldest group of spacefaring species known to Federation science. Four separate species all capable of natural interbreeding, despite the millions of years separating each distinct bloodline. According to statistical models, the myriad members of these four species most recent common ancestor lived over seventeen million years ago. A fact rendered especially striking when the most recent common ancestor of all living humans lived sometime after sixteen thousand years ago.
All four species share a striking resemblance to the felids of Earth, with a four limbed body plan, a post-anal tail connected to the spinal chord, retractable claws, and rows of vibrissae along their face. Unlike earth fauna, they have six digits on each forelimb and four digits on both hindlimbs. Each hand has two opposable thumbs, four thumbs in total. They sport two mobile fins on each side of their face, these fins are derived from gills and help direct sound into the ear canal. Bony rays give these fins complex mobility, and they are often used in nonverbal communication.
The Vedala are believed to be genetically closest to the ancestors of all four species, with the highest genetic diversity amidst their ranks and longest running civilization. Their fur tends to be pale and banded, often with purplish or bluish iridescence in their fur. Their tails vary in length, but they always contain at least nine vertebrae.
Caitians have massive variety in pelt coloration, and some individuals indigenous to northern hemisphere of Cait can sport manes. Their tails vary in length, and some individuals lack external tails entirely. Bluish iridescence is uncommon but not unheard of. Some populations have teeth that slightly protrude from their mouths when closed. Caitians were among the first species to join the fledgling Federation in the 2100’s.
The Kzinti are a genetically engineered offshoot of the Caitians, always orange or black in color with long prehensile tails and teeth that protrude from their mouths when closed. Their facial fins have more rays than average, but it varies. Self-selection and tampering has given the Kzinti great size and muscle mass, they are as a rule the largest of the four species, an adult male kzin can weigh as much as 240 kg. Their females are significantly smaller, and more often than not, incapable of verbal communication or complex problem solving. This is an aspect of the alterations the species has made to themselves over the millennia they have been separated from their kin.
-As all of these species are capable of producing natural offspring with little medical intervention, plenty of hybrids exist.
-They regularly rear up on two legs for extended periods of time, but walking on two legs is learned behavior.
-Using the strict proper definition of ‘purring’, they do not purr. However, they often produce a low rumbling sound when pleased, and proper terminology be damned, English speakers often use the word ‘purr’ to describe it.
-They do prusten. Members of any social sophont species that spends enough time around caitians will eventually pick up on this behavior, it’s as common a nonverbal greeting as raising a limb to wave.
