feeling cute might break the forums coding later idk
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Post by Chigger on Apr 16, 2019 21:01:56 GMT -8
the wild woods
cats 101 As a Warrior based role-play community, The Wild Woods utilizes one species of animal as its centerpiece: cats. While many may be familiar with the various methods of nonverbal communication and characteristics that cats have, this guide serves as a reminder for those who might need a bit of a refresher.
SizeThe domestic cat - Felis catus - is the most populous feline species on the planet. Weighing an average of 9 to 10 pounds (4 to 5 kg) and growing up to 9 to 10 inches in height (23 to 25 cm), they are classified as small, carnivorous mammals. Males are classically larger than females. Both sexes are renown for their strong and flexible bodies, quick reflexes, sharp claws, teeth adapted to kill prey, and keen senses.
There are approximately 70 different kinds of pedigree breeds of cats; however, pure variants cannot be found in the wild. In an attempt to apply a generic term to the over 8 million feral cats that populate urban and rural settings, the American Cat Fanciers Association came up with two terms: domestic shorthair and domestic longhair. These "breeds" are not breeds in the traditional sense: there are no standards that feral cats must abide to.
Feral cats, therefore, come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Simply put, to be big, a cat simply has to have the right genetics for it, and not the pedigree; after all, long before Maine Coons were bred for specific coat colors, they were simply large, feral cats found in New England. Likewise, feral cats have the capacity to be small as well depending on the methylation of their DNA (epigenetics) and their DNA.
In order to maintain and abide by the principle of realism, cats that are of Clan descent will not be able to be purebreds - that is to say, the only "breed" that they can be is domestic shorthair or domestic longhair depending on their coat length. While kittypets or kittypets turned loner or rogue may bring new genes into a Clan cat, it should be noted that these matings are frowned upon and considered taboo. The children of such a union may face a great deal of stigma. Please keep this in mind as you role-play your characters.
As some breeds may have specific coat patterns or accents (ear tufts, bobbed tail, etc.) that are considered desirable for role-players, a compromise has been reached wherein these traits are up for grabs. Please enjoy making your character unique in these ways!
Behavior
Cat behavior is the general term used to encompass everything cats do. From communication to body language, cat behavior is interesting in that it can differ from colony to colony (or in this case, Clan to Clan). Included here are universal forms of body language, body postures, and vocalizations that exist throughout the territories.
Body Language
Click on the spoiler tags below to read more!
» Tails- "Tail up with flattened tail fur" -- When a cat's tail is up, the cat in question is happy, cheerful, and/or approachable.
- "Tail up with bristling tail fur" -- The cat is angry or frightened.
- "Tail held low or tucked between the legs" -- When a cat's tail is held in these ways, the cat in question is scared or threatened.
- "Tail up and slightly quivering" -- This cat is excited or really happy. If the cat is not fixed, it can also mean that it is about to spray something.
- "Tail moving rapidly back and forth (i.e., lashing)" -- The cat is aggressive or agitated. The faster the movement, the stronger the emotion.
- "Tail moving slowly back and forth" -- The cat is attempting to make up its mind on something.
- "Tail forming an 'S' shape (i.e., traditional Halloween black cat stance)" -- This cat is attempting to appear larger or scarier than it might actually be. This is a threatening stance.
» Tail Signals These often used by the Clans in order to communicate orders quickly and quietly. They were originally created by ShadowClan; however, the other Clans have since adopted them. - "Tail held erect" -- "Stop."
- "Tail rippling" -- "Move forward slowly and with care."
- "Tail held erect and sweeping slowly from side to side" -- "Retreat silently."
- "Pointing low, parallel to the ground and sweeping" -- "Spread out."
- "Tail flattened" -- "Get down."
- "Tail bobbing" -- "Enemy sighted."
- "Tail hooked" -- "Danger."
- "Tail pointed sharply" -- "Go that way."
- "Tail held erect and waving from side to side" -- "Stay behind me."
- "Tail kinked over back" -- "Follow me."
- "Tail flicking over back" -- "Leave, but be careful."
- "Tail tip facing the other way" -- "Attack!"
- "Kink tail" -- "Attack!"
These are another method through which cats communicate that can have a variety of meanings depending on the situation and context: - A sharp flick of the tail and an agitated expression usually means the cat is annoyed, irritated or impatient.
- A bristle and a sharp flick of the tail usually means "Get over here now! I'm angry with you!"
- A flick of the tail and a jerk of the head in a certain direction means "Come with me."
- If a cat calls out to your character, your character can acknowledge them by giving a flick of the tail.
- If the tail is straight up in the air, flicking your tail sharply means "Sit!"
- An eye-roll and a flick of the tail means "Whatever."
- A "mrrow" of laughter and a flick of the tail means "That was a good joke."
- Saying "Oh, fox dung, I have to go!" followed by a flick of the tail means "Sorry! Talk to you later?" or "Yikes! I have to use the dirtplace!"
- A sharp flick of the tail during battle can mean "Attack!" or "Help me!"
- A shrug followed by a flick of the tail means "Oh well."
- Placing a tail over another cat's mouth means "Shut up, mouse-brain!" when accompanied by a sharp gesture or tail flick. Without these additions, it means "Quiet."
- A flick of the tail in a certain direction can emphasize that an individual must go or look in that direction.
- A normal flick of the tail can be caused by amusement.
- A flick of the tail can be a method to vent anger or rage.
- Sometimes, a cat might flick their tail when they are about to say something funny or sarcastic.
- A tail flick may also be executed in an arrogant, conceited or contemptuous manner.
- Anxiety may also trigger a series of tail flicks.
- Happiness and rash, raw emotions can cause a quick, successive tail flicks.
- A flick of the tail may indicate boredom.
- A tail flicked onto another cat's muzzle might be done playfully.
- A flick of the tail executed in the air can change the direction the cat will land; however, this change takes a long time and will not cause a change right away.
- A flick of the tail may indicate a desire to protect or a need to be protected.
- A cat might flick their tail to prompt something.
- The flick of a tail may be done in a proud manner.
- A cat may also flick their tail when they are giving a lecture or being lectured at.
- Eagerness may cause tail flicks.
- A tail flicking one way and then the other way is used to surround a cat with others.
» Ears- When a cat's ears are forward, they are alert, interested, or happy.
- When a cat's ears are backwards, sideways, or flat, they are irritated, angry, or frightened.
- When a cat's ears are swiveling, they are attentive and listening.
» Eyes- When a cat's pupils are constricted, that means a cat might be aggressive or content.
- When a cat's pupils are dilated, that means a cat might be nervous, submissive, defensive, or playful.
» Body- When a cat's back is arched and the cat's fur is standing on end, that means that they are frightened or angry.
- When a cat's back is arched but their fur is flat, they are welcoming or content.
- When a cat is lying on its back and purring, then they are relaxed and content.
- When a cat is lying on its back and growling, they are upset or ready to strike. This is generally a defensive maneuver as a cat rolling on its back is a sign of submission.
» Other- Rubbing can be indicative of affection. It is generally performed as a way to mark territory through the scent on their pelts or through the salivary glands.
- Kneading is a holdover from when a cat was a kit. The massaging motion performed by the kit encourages milk to flow from its mother's teat.
- The Flehmen Response is frequently seen in cats. Cats have an extra olfactory organ called a Jacobson's organ that is located upon the roof of their mouth. This organ helps to intensify the odor and provide more information.
Vocalizations
When combined with nonverbal communication, vocalizations offer cats more variety through which to express thoughts, feelings, and information. Vocalization lacks the subtlety of body language, which makes it the easiest way to determine how a cat is feeling.
» meow
An all purpose vocalization that can be used to communicate a variety of emotions, such as greeting or objection.
» chirps and trills
Generally used by mother cats to beckon their kits to follow them; can be used to instruct another cat to follow or to catch someone's attention.
» purring
A sign of contentment, happiness, and pleasure. Sometimes a cat may purr when they are anxious or sick; in such circumstances, it is akin to a child sucking their thumbs as they try to comfort themselves.
» growling, hissing, or spitting
This is indicative of an annoyed, frightened, angry, or aggressive cat.
» yowl
Cats attempting to get another cat's attention may yowl. It can also indicate stress or be part of mating behavior.
Beyond these guides are rules that have additional information that are of vital importance for having a successful and fun time in The Wild Woods. Please be sure to read up on them as you get ready to leave your mark upon the world of The Wild Woods.
Welcome home, newcomer!
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