Caitian

K'Ren, a hybrid Human/Caitian

Physiology

Caitians are upright, bipedal beings with manipulative hands descended from a felinoid life form. Fur covers their bodies, most times a solid color or shades of a similar tone. While most range between sandy and golden, black fur is not uncommon, and white is quite rare but not unheard of. Caitians sport a mane of fur, usually several shades darker than that of their body fur. The manes on females are noticeably larger. In almost all Caitians, the eyes are a golden color and provide excellent night vision. However, in those with black fur, green eyes have been observed, and white furred Caitians tend toward light, almost clear-blue eyes. Banding and stripes are common on female Caitians, though nearly unheard of on males, these markings are far more pronounced on younger females, fading out as the Caitian reaches maturity. Caitians shed in small amounts throughout the year, since their world's orbit is less elliptical than most and so maintains a near constant season, lacking the winter that would require thicker fur and subsequent shedding. As a result of this temperate to hot climate, Caitians have a lower tolerance for colder climates. Their feline ancestry shows in their facial structure, the fur covering their bodies, long and agile tails, and their voices, which resemble the purring of Terran felines. When agitated Caitian fur 'bristles' in a manner akin to that of a Terran cat. There is very little that a Caitian can do to control this bristling response, and it takes place with nearly all the fur on the body, excepting the mane.

The Caitian sense of hearing is incredibly acute, able to hear in a higher pitch range far in excess of Humans, more comparable to that of Vulcans. Caitian eyes are more geared toward low light levels; as a result have slightly less color acuity than non-nocturnal. they are however able to operate in near darkness. The Caitian sense of smell is quite well-developed, nearly a match for an Antican or Terran canine. The Caitian sense of taste is also highly developed, though often not used, a result of the rapid eating process. Thus, Caitian mouths are ill equipped to savor food. Caitians possess an unusual method of resting as a byproduct of their 'hot' burning metabolism. Caitian metabolism is designed to break down protein quickly and effectively, but can handle some carbohydrates and other more slow-burning energy sources. It should be noted that the 'hot' metabolism makes it difficult for a Caitian to develop much in the way of body fat, especially given that most of the foods they are able to digest are metabolized quickly rather than stored. This results in a higher-than-average body temperature and ability to take quick action; in very rare cases, the metabolism is slow, as slow or slower than a human metabolism. This often leads to mild to chronic obesity in those with the genetic disorder. After eating, most Caitians become mildly lethargic for approximately a half hour, after which their body has broken down the bulk of the meal.

Caitians require a minimum of 4 hours of rest per day; however whenever possible they try and get 10 hours. Unlike most species, Caitians prefer a rather short work day of only 6 hours, though they are capable of working longer hours such as the 'traditional' 8 hour work day that many species adopt. During the remaining hours, Caitians tend to remain somewhat dormant, taking few actions that are not leisure-related. The exception to these workdays tends to be in local stores, where the shopkeepers will remain in and work for as many as 10 hours at a time. Most stores remain open for business for as many as 20 of the 27 hour day, needing only two shifts from the shopkeepers. The vast majority of stores produce handmade items rather than provide replicated or mass-produced items. Most cities concentrate the bulk of the stores in the center of the city, though homes that boast a small sales area are not unheard of.

Caitians stand one to two meters tall, similar to, but often more lithe, than the average humanoid. However, they are more agile and dexterous than their size would suggest. Digitigrade legs remain a part of the Caitian physiology. Though this form of leg is most common in species that run on four legs, Caitians are able to do so only for short periods of time, the structure of the spine, hips, and arms have evolved away from moving on all fours. These legs can store quite a bit of potential energy in the 'crouch' that is the resting state. This gives the Caitians the ability to spring quickly into action, granting them a significant ability to accelerate from a rest state. The power of those legs also grants Caitians an impressive leaping ability of up to 7 meters. Due to the way in which steps are taken, a gradual absorbing of the weight as opposed to the sudden impact of a plantigrade leg, Caitians have incredibly silent footsteps. Bipedal movement on digitigrade legs does require more energy than on plantigrade legs, making Caitians excellent sprinters (many able to reach 40 kilometers per hour for short bursts), but leaving them little endurance for long distance running. Caitian limbs are well designed to deliver quick and powerful motions, and offer quite a bit more flexibility and range of motion than most other species. They tend to lack the endurance for extended exertion, though this shortcoming can be overcome with extensive regimen of exercise and specialized diet. As a byproduct of the Caitian reliance on a tail to aid in balance, most Caitians can cope with damage to one inner-ear, though loss of the tail or micro-gravity conditions lead to extreme disorientation and nausea in most Caitians.

Having evolved on a hospitable world with little in the way of natural predators, their immune systems are not as hardy as many other life forms and thus susceptible to many diseases on other planets. As a result of this, most Caitians carry at least some very basic medical supplies with them any time they travel off-planet. Unfortunately, Caitian hearts are somewhat weak compared to most species and almost invariably require replacement or at the very least surgery around the age of 63. The wide variety of flora and fauna on Cait has led to a rather adaptable digestive system: Caitians can consume nearly any meat and even handle some grains and plants. Many ingested poisons have an even more potent effect on the Caitian body due to their higher speed metabolism. It should be noted that Caitians avoid alcohol, as they have an incredibly weak tolerance for it in all forms. A single shot of most 'hard' liquor can cause vomiting, possible brain damage, or even death in the case of high proof rating. Beer and 'lighter' spirits can cause a drunken state from a few sips. While the ill effects of alcohol on a Caitian are often observed quite rapidly, in a matter of minutes, prompt use of neutralizing drugs before, during, or immediately after ingestion can mitigate or negate the harmful side effects. Fortunately, Caitian medicine is advanced enough to cope with many of the virological problems resulting from interplanetary travel.

While they evolved from strict carnivores, the Caitian digestive system has developed over time as well, allowing them to handle some grains and fruits. Most fruits are still avoided by Caitians in general, except when they are only just ripe. This is an instinctual response as overly ripe fruits have been known to ferment. Alcohol is highly toxic to the Caitian system, and has been linked to many deaths3. While it is possible for a Caitian to get drunk, this requires only very low blood-alcohol level, and so can be achieved only though minute quantities of hard liquor such as Romulan Ale, or low quantities of light alcohol such as beer.

Cait have long tails, generally accepted as one of the key features allowing them to achieve a bipedal form. The tail functions as a minor aid to balance, but Cait who lose them are capable of physically compensating for the loss. Scientists assume that the tail was once a key component of communication, but once actual speech developed, it was no longer as needed (though Caitian tails certainly do still provide a gauge of emotion, as do the positions of the ears). A Cait can manipulate the tail to caress a loved one or swat at insects, but the muscles of the tail provide little fine motor control.

A good deal of attention is paid to the claws. Cait have three fingers on each hand and an opposable thumb, as well as four toes on each foot, and each digit has a short, curved retractable claw. While dueling has never been terribly common on Cait, claws are considered a point of racial pride, and are used often for their utility. While Caitians may on rare occasions dull their claws to keep from damaging things during casual contact, they will never of their own free will deliberately trim their claws to the point of uselessness or have them permanently removed. It is considered embarrassing (and in some circles, humiliating) for a Caitian to have useless claws, and forcibly removing a Caitian's claws is viewed by many as a violation not unlike rape.

Caitian eyes are large and golden, capable of dilating widely to grant the race expanded vision in lower light. A Cait can see functionally in 20 percent of the light required by a Human. The irises contract in a ‘V’ shape, decreasing ocular response time and allowing them to adapt from low-light to bright light conditions quickly. Additionally, where Humans have visual receptors placed evenly in the inner eye, Caitian receptors are concentrated on a more defined horizontal axis. This allows a high degree of visual acuity, enabling the Cait to catch movement and details on their horizontal plane at greater range, and with greater clarity and accuracy than Humans.

Caitian ear structures enable them to hear in ranges far beyond Human baseline. While they are no better than Humans at hearing in low range bands, their high-end aural sensitivity extends to four times that of Humanity—they can hear tones up to two full octaves higher. In addition, Cait can rotate their cup-shaped ears for better auditory focus, and in fact can directionally locate sounds to within 20 centimeters in any direction without physically looking.

There are two sexes, male and female. The most notable external difference is the slightly increased size of the male, though specimens of both genders tend to be lithe for their size due to a higher volume of muscle than most mammals. When manes exist in a given subrace, both sexes are maned, though the thickness and placement of the mane varies widely from one individual to the next. No widespread cultural significance is attached to a mane, and Caitians possessing the feature wear their hair in innumerable ways.

Regional Adaptations

Like other species, Caitians have evolved to suit the environment, with those who have occupied an area for many generations tending to have adaptations that make them better suited to that environment (at least in the case of groups that have lived in an area since per-industrial times when natural selection was more a factor). Even though Cait's negligible axial tilt and mostly uniform orbit around Prooka (15 Lyncis) results in mostly uniform conditions without seasons, there are still several distinct environmental zones, ranging from the arid desert region of Shgroothanha to the colder climate in the Ghrethdrak mountain range. There are three distinct phenotypes of the Caitian species, loosely classified as: plains, mountain, and jungle according to the region they are predominantly found it. The Plains phenotype is most often seen as the standard, and is the one described throughout this document.

• Plains (or Desert): Most often featuring a short pelt of tan, gold, or similar color, this phenotype evolved in a manner similar to lions on Terra, operating in groups to take down prey and making use of fur the color of the local grasses or sand to hide. Ears are larger and the muzzle longer than other phenotypes, in order not only to help dissipate heat from the body, but in the case of the muzzle to help trap any grit that might be stirred up. For all the size of the muzzle and nasal cavities, the nostrils are somewhat smaller than in other phenotypes.

• Mountain: Tending to be found in higher altitude regions, or in those groups that have been living in the southern continent, this phenotype features either dark to very pale gray pelts (white is not unheard of but still uncommon) to better blend into the stones that make up the bulk of these regions. Ears are smaller, and the muzzle is shorter, both adaptations to help control the dissipation of heat. The chest of this phenotype tends to be somewhat enlarged, with both the heart and lungs enlarged to compensate for the thinner air. In comparison to the other phenotypes, Mountain Caitians have shorter claws, though comparatively larger hands and feet, that show a higher level of dexterity. The pads on both hands and feet are markedly tougher and at the same time more sensitive to heat, an adaptation that can help judge the stability of rocks.

• Jungle: The last phenotype, this was originally the most common, as the Caitians are believed to have evolved predominantly in the jungles of the planet. Most often these Caitians feature a black pelt, often with streaks of lighter colors (similar but darker than those of the Mountain phenotype). The ears are of slightly smaller size than that of the Plains phenotype, as hearing is one of the most important of senses in the jungle. These Caitians tend to feature larger claws on both hands and feet, and still have a more hunched over posture suggesting that they are more slowly adapting to bipedal locomotion. The phenotype tends to have the best vision of them at low light levels, but has trouble when exposed to bright lights or rapid changes in lighting levels.

Male Reproductive Physiology

The Caitian male's primary reproductive system is similar in most respects to other humanoid species. The basic anatomy is the same and fluids produced are not known to cause reactions in any species. The Caitian penis is larger in girth(averaging 2" wide/6.3" around) and length (averaging around 6.8") then a typical human. While the vagina of most humanoid females can accept the Caitian's girth without any discomfort (the larger girth described as 'filling' or 'stretching') the longer length can cause discomfort if complete penetration is attempted on the part of the male.

The Caitian penis, while similar in basic shape, has two noticeable differences. The head of the penis is pointier in shape, an evolutionary adaptation for reproduction in the species. The shaft is also covered with numerous rear facing fleshy barbs. These barbs, unlike those of the Terran Feline, are soft and supple. The barbs, when mating with a Caitian female, are used to stimulate ovulation. In non-Caitians, the barbs have been described as providing an extremely pleasurable sensation during copulation.

Female Reproductive Physiology

As with the male, the female reproductive system is similar in many respect to other humanoid species. The basic anatomy is the same and fluids produced are not known to cause reactions in any species. The female vagina differs from most humanoids in that it is covered in small fleshy nubs inside. These nubs are designed to interact with the male's barbs, triggering ovulation during the final stages of mating. As with the males barbs, humanoids of the opposite sex have often described these nubs as heightening pleasure during intercourse.

Female Caitians possess two pair of mammalian breasts, an upper and a lower pair. The upper pair tend to follow to human norms, exhibiting some variation in size. The second (lower pair) while these tend to be comparatively quite small, swell to noticeable (and to a Cait, unwieldy) size only in mothers, and slowly returning to their original size after the young are weaned. As their primary function is to nourish offspring during their infancy, the breasts are normally not very sensitive.

Caitian females go through an semi-annual heat cycle from the onset of puberty into their early 50's. The cycle tends to last a period of a week. During the heat cycle, the female tends to be more amorous towards her partner, wanting more physical intimacy then normal. Females without a partner typically will seek out a partner during this time, the desire to mate being extremely strong.

Copulation/Mating

Mating in the Caitian species occurs much like other humanoid species. Both partner's stimulate each other during foreplay, eventually resulting in the male inserting his penis into the female's vagina. Continued stimulation brings both partners to the peak of their sexual pleasure, triggering orgasm in both partners, the release of seed into the female, and the afterglow.

Caitian mating differs somewhat from traditional humanoid mating. During the pair's climb to orgasm, the female's cervix loosens somewhat, permitting the male's erect penis to penetrate deeper inside her body, the head slowly stretching her cervix in preparation for the climax of their mating. Meanwhile, the combined stimulation of the male's barbs against the female's vaginal walls, triggers an ovulation response, releasing 3-4 eggs to be fertilized. In inter-species mating, the female response to the males penis scraping along her vaginal walls is lessened somewhat, triggering a release of 1 or 2 eggs at most, and in approx 30% of cases, no eggs are released.

At the moment of climax, the male penis has sufficiently stretched the female's cervix that the head of the penis penetrates past the cervix, directly entering the female's womb. This final penetration triggers the female's cervix to clamp down on the male's penis, locking him inside her body for the remainder of their coupling. This triggers the male's penis to ejaculate into the female's body, typical volume during release being several tablespoons or more.

As the pair come down from their orgasm, the female's cervix eventually releases it's grip on the male penis. Pulling out, the barbs in the male serve one final purpose, that of triggering the female's cervix to clamp shut, sealing the male's seed inside her womb giving the sperm a chance to fertilize the eggs released earlier during mating.

After mating, both partners typically enter a lethargic stage during which further copulation is impossible.

Sexual Development

Caitian development in many ways resembles Terrans in their development. Caitian cubs begin puberty in their early teens, becoming fully sexually developed by around age 18. While the onset of puberty does include the onset of the heat cycle, in younger Caitians, the drive to mate is lessened and tends to manifest as an increased interest in her spending time with male freinds. As she grows older the female's desire to mate increases though does not reach it's full intensity until she has bonded with a male and copulated with him at least once.

Females outnumber males by a ratio of nearly two to one. Fertility cycles vary by individual, but generally occur every six months. A female will only typically carry young to term 3-4 times in her lifetime. Most conceptions miscarry with a regularity Caitian medical science has been unable to halt. Mammalian, Cait give birth live, usually a litter of four kits per pregnancy, though sextuplet litters account for 30% of all birthings, and deliveries of up to eight healthy young have been recorded. In rare instances Cait have produced identical kits, and there have been two recorded instances of identical triplets in the last 150 years. Quad births have never produced identical siblings in recorded Caitian history.

Home System

The Caitian home star system is located in orbit of the single Type G0V Main-Sequence star known as 15 Lyncis (Prooka in the Cait language). It consists of 12 planets, one of which Caitia Prime (Prooka II) is the only class M world (having two moons Rea & Sura), the rest being unsuitable for life, though terraforming is ongoing on several planets, and mining colonies have been established on all but the two gas giants.

Slightly smaller than the average Class M planet, Cait is a warm, tropical world of thick lush jungle, sunny grassy plains, and wide sandy beaches. The bulk of the land is in a single landmass. However, small strings of isolated island chains appear over the surface, each boasting its own unique flora and fauna, and a large landmass forms the southern pole of the planet. Since the planet is largely geologically stable, despite being rather young, there are next to no mountains except buried deep in the center of the main landmass, called Cait, and the lesser landmass buried under the southern polar ice cap, Pirrrem.

Cait's lush jungles teem with several varieties of hardwood and untold numbers of plants with medicinal qualities. As yet, despite the generations of botanical study, it's estimated that only 93% of the species of plants within the jungles have been identified. Insect and animal species are thought to have been only 76% identified due in large part to the concentration on flora for medicinal uses. Many of the plants have proven incapable of growing off planet, and contain substances which have proved impossible to replicate. Measures have been taken to cultivate these useful plants, though no true outright farms exist.

The fertile plains of Cait are covered in tall grass-like plants, though they are capable of supporting nearly any species of plant, which has lead the Caitians to be very cautious about the introduction of any plants to the area that might damage the somewhat fragile ecosystem. The few fruits that the Caitians enjoy making juice-drinks from grow on these plains.

The thick atmosphere is perfumed heavily with the scents of thousands of species of flowers and blooming plants. Due to a relatively high concentration of iodine in the upper atmosphere, the sky is a light purple color and helps to shield the planet from the higher-than-normal ultraviolet output of the star. The iodine is also found in heavy concentrations in most of the flora on planet, leading to most foliage having a mild purple tint. Though hot and sunny, frequent breezes sweep its shores and plains due to a high concentration of underwater heat vents that create frequent currents in the ocean. These currents lack a seasonal ebb and flow, evident on most planets with a more distinct season cycle. During the hottest time of the year, the currents encourage more severe weather, similar to tropical storms, though never to the point of a hurricane. The planet's climate is inviting to most life forms, and Cait has become a popular tourist stop (except during its short rainy season). The abundance and variety of plant and animal life have kept Caitian zoologists and botanists busy for centuries, and off planet scientists find Caitian ecology a complex and fascinating thing.

The bulk of the cities lie upon the shores and rivers and are designed to have minimal impact on the local environment, utilizing incredibly efficient water purification systems and sewage treatment. In some cases the cities are built downward, but not without dissatisfaction: though Caitians are not ill at ease underground, they prefer to see the sky above them. When possible, valleys are used, so that a tiered structure to the city can be used, maximizing the area available for vistas. Ground transport is still in wide use to move from one city to another, usually preferred to use of a transporter as it allows Caitians to travel along mag-lev lines that have been laid in a manner to best display the surrounding natural features. In most cases, this is done for no other reason than to enjoy the ride and scenery.

Every city of reasonable size sports a massive park, similar in size or larger, depending on available land, to Central Park in New York City, Earth. The parks offer several fields designed for sports such as Sh'thres, a game that most closely resembles Flag Football on Earth. Most Caitian sports revolve around either working as a group toward a goal, such as Vra'shan, a Capture the Flag game. Other games test the abilities of both sides. These games often stress stalking, hiding, or patience, H'rassh, an analog of Hide and Seek is one such game. Nearly all parks contain a track, even if it is nothing more than the perimeter of the park itself.

Though not up to the size of Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, Cait boasts an extensive orbital shipyard facilities and Starbase 48, home base to the Caitian Militia and the 23rd Fleet.

Language

The Caitian language consists of multiple soft tones, spoken with a deep purring resonance. It is difficult for Caitians to learn to speak phonetic languages with any proficiency, and few gain true fluency, choosing instead to rely on universal translator technology. Even fluent, Caitians tend to punctuate phonetic languages with purring ‘R’s and hissing ‘S’s.

Clothing

Typical Caitians wear a dayrobe: a long, loose one-piece outfit designed to help keep the wearer cool. Children can wear dayrobes, but it is not uncommon for them to not wear clothing at all until adolescence. Shoes or boots are not typically worn, even in Starfleet.

Family

Like most humanoid species, the typical basic family unit consists of a male and female of reproductive age along with one or more offspring. In Caitian society the clan, typically an extended family unit, forms a larger but almost as important unit for families. A typical clan is run by an older female (Den-mother) and her mate who manage the affairs of the clan and see to the well being of family units and individuals within the clan. All members of the clan are expected to participate when not off world, duties varying depending on the age and marital status of the individual.

Because of the clan structure and tight knits bonds between members, much of the raising of of offspring is shared between members. While the biological parent's take primary responsibility, other members of the clan may discipline and/or train children as required. In the event a child is left orphaned, the clan will raise the child, typically assigning the primary responsibility to a older couple whose offspring are grown.

An old custom, is the taking of multiple wives. Given the Caitian birth rate is skewed towards female offspring, and prior to the advent of modern medicine death in childbirth was far more common, it was not uncommon for Caitian males to have two mate's. Unlike other humanoid species where competition between the females was common, leading to strife in the household, Caitian families never exhibited such problems. No longer as common, a few still practice the old ways though it has fallen from favor in modern times.

Mating & Bonding

Caitians practice monogamous, lifelong marriages. At the onset of sexual maturity, which occurs around age 21, the Caitian pheromones alter. At this point, the pheromones declare the Caitian to be 'available'; however, this is picked up subconsciously. Should the Caitian remain unbonded by their 32nd year, the pheromones return to normal. This period is also the prime childbearing years for a Caitian female. In rare cases, two Caitians 'bond', and their pheromones revert to the 'unavailable' status; however they also become linked. The link is still not fully understood; some suggest that it is an addiction to the pheromones of the partner, or a psionic link. What is clear is that the two are drawn to each other, and become mildly dependent on each other. These links are lifelong, and break only upon the death of one of the pair. The breaking of the bond is a traumatic experience that had been suggested as the reason for sudden psychosis in some otherwise normal Caitians. The psychosis of a broken link tends to follow either a path of depression and wasting away, or rage and vengeance. In most cases, the end result of a broken link is the death of the other partner within a year5. Credence has been placed in the link being a low level psionic one, since linked pairs seem aware of the general state of their partner, such as general mood or physical condition. Distance seems not to matter to this sense; however the linked pair tend to remain 'close' in relative terms. There is a higher than "normal" occurrence of homosexuality among Caitians compared to other sentient races; still, it is readily accepted, and not viewed as unusual. In the case of the pair being females however, there remains some social pressure for one or both to bear at least one brre'l ("litters") for the good of the clan.

Caitian females do possess a 'season' (referred to in other species as being 'in heat'), though both male and female Caitians can (and usually do) take herbal remedies to alleviate the hormonal results to the presence of a female in season. Gestation typically lasts around 168 days, during the first 40, there is little physical evidence to suggest pregnancy, though the Caitian will often begin to develop more territorial and aggressive urges as a result of changing hormone levels. As the pregnancy progresses, nesting instincts begin to show themselves, leading to a general impulse to rearrange furniture, decorations, and other items within the living space, often including the creation of a pit or nest of softer materials to curl up in. Toward the end of the pregnancy, it is ill advised for males to approach the female, save for her mate and close family members, as instincts to protect the unborn brre'l spike. Caitian females in the last 20 days of pregnancy can be almost feral in their savagery toward those that instincts suggest are threats, though at this point, the Caitian is also hobbled by the pregnancy to the point that she is more or less confined to all fours and limited periods on two legs.

A couple usually has two or three brre'l of two cubs, but it is not unheard of for brre'l of one or three to occur. Most often a brre'l of one results in the Caitian being born with black fur, while in a three cub brre'l the third and smallest cub is usually an albino. Children of the same brre'l, known as brrel'mar, are exceptionally close, and the clan usually separates them in schooling and activities to prevent them from developing a disproportionate dependence on each other as opposed to the clan as a whole. Each clan member shares the responsibility of child rearing, and most employ a creche system, with older cubs helping to watch the younger cubs. Mating outside of either a linked pair or a mated pair is frowned upon, but bearing a cub outside of such pairings is considered a dishonor. Unpaired adults and infertile pairings are not exempted from aiding in child-rearing, and such Caitians often take on slightly more of these duties. Often this assumption of additional time with the cubs is instinctively motivated.

Society

Their society is centered around large clans, and clan members are related by a set of connections that are basic knowledge for a Caitian and a hopeless, incomprehensible tangle for almost anyone else. To a Caitian, clans are an extension of self, and they depend on other clan members as much as the members depend on their own right arms. Clan members treat members of other clans as important beings with equal claim to their world and its resources, but do not rely on them as much as they do on their clan. Members of other races are considered equals, but usually offered slightly less in the way of consideration on claims to the world and resources.

Unlike many other clan-oriented cultures, Caitian clans do not specialize in separate areas. They encourage wide diversity within the clan so that whenever a clan member need a service or item, someone in the clan can help him. Different fields and businesses contain members of as many different clans as possible so that no one clan has control of that field, though there is invariably some level of specialization due to proximity to resources.

Because Caitians inhabit a planet where living is relatively easy, they can set aside concerns about survival and concentrate on the finer things in life. Their culture has a developed a deep appreciation for beauty, which is expressed in many ways: study and contemplation of nature, producing works of art that mirror nature, and, most commonly, surrounding themselves with beauty and comfort. It should be noted that Caitians have been known to find beauty in nearly any aspect of nature, including such destructive ones as lightning storms. While the tropical nature of the planet keeps there from being more than a token need for clothing, many Caitians dress in light and loose robes, often of colorful prints, but disdain footwear beyond the occasional instance of wrapping feet for support. It is not unheard of for Caitians to move about wearing nothing more than a belt and belt pouch, since they lack the nudity taboos of species like Humans. Jewelry is also seen as a form of beauty through which the Caitians can express themselves well. Given the coloration of their fur, gold is rarely used, though bronze, steel, iron, titanium, and similar metals are in wide use. Mated pairs traditionally wear matching anklets similar in function to the Human wedding ring tradition. Most Caitian jewelry contains gemstones, with red and blue being preferred colors. Due to their lower color acuity than most species, the colors chosen by Caitians for clothing and jewelry tend to be quite vibrant, in some cases almost achingly so to other species.

Some clans practice monastic, contemplative approaches to life, preferring the detailed appreciation of one flower to the overwhelming profusion of an entire jungle. However, most Caitians express their love of life and beauty by surrounding themselves with abundance. A comfortable, beautiful home is the desire of every Caitian. Home is the center of Caitian life, and the most significant sign of acceptance by a Caitian is being invited into his house. Despite the large numbers of tourists who visit Cait, very few have seen the inside of a Caitian house. Caitians are very territorial, and they react aggressively against any threats to their homes, which in the past led to the development of truly impressive firefighting and repair technologies. Their cities are notably clean and well kept, as the fastidious Caitians cannot abide a damaged environment. All Caitians consider it part of their duty to clan and species to keep the cities clean, and tradition dictates that at least one hour of each day should be set aside to help make the common areas of the city more beautiful.

History

Cait's origins are steeped in mystery. The Kzinti, the Regulans, and the Lyrans all claim that Cait is essentially a lost colony of theirs. Considering the similar genetic makeup of the four species, those theories are possible. However, it is also possible that all four species were 'seeded' in that section of space by an alien race akin to the Preservers. Regardless of origin, however, Caitian culture evolved separately from the other races.

Early Caitians were, as mentioned, solitary arboreal hunters. Archaeological remains indicate that these progenitors learned to cache their killed prey in trees and high caves to protect them from theft by larger predators or other scavengers. This cunning eventually led to an evolutionary leap, and over several millennia Caitians came to keep herds of their chosen prey animals. This herding led quickly to community living, and eventually to true civilization.

Perhaps because of the solitary nature of the original stock, when Caitian society began to evolve there was little distinction drawn between male and female roles. In fact, the most difficult obstacle their civilization had to overcome was the idea of divided labor, and even now most Cait try to be as self-sufficient as possible. Caitian names have no “male” or “female” leanings, and children are equally likely to be named for either parent, regardless of gender.

While the civilization's early history was marked by the usual savage wars, the independent, self-sufficient nature of the race saved it from several of the pitfalls many societies must overcome. No one subgroup has ever been repressed in Caitian society, at no time was a servant class ever widespread, and the civilization never included any sort of slave economy. However, that same individualism made whole-world government difficult to achieve, and they acquired warp drive based largely on a crashed Lyran survey vessel that was recovered and studied. Their own interstellar explorations quickly led them to Federation contact, and Federation ambassadors were largely responsible for helping the Caitians to finally establish the world government required for Federation entry in 2234. Cait has occupied a position on the Federation Council for over 100 years now.

Even now, the ‘government’ of Cait is nearly a figurehead, existing largely to support Cait’s Federation membership. Caitian government activities are funded entirely through state-owned mining. Cait has a number of rich dilithium deposits, and the asteroid belt that lies between the fifth and sixth planets of the system has an abundance of other ores and valuable minerals. The Caitians maintain orbital refining platforms as well as successful planetside mines, and export much of the mineral to willing buyers both in and out of the Federation.

Philosophy

While the practice has dwindled in the last few centuries, several sects of Caitians still follow a monotheistic patron deity, called Rrikalla or the Goddess. Traditions hold that the Goddess created the universe for the benefit of Caitians (though this doctrine has been expanded in some circles to include all the sentient races), and seeks happiness for all. Opposing her is her identical twin sister, the Dark One, who tries to trick Caitians and make their lives miserable. There is little organized clerical support for this religion, and the Goddess is usually worshiped privately, with detailed statues kept in a personal shrine in the home.

Philosophically, Cait tend to seek peaceful balance with their surroundings. Experiencing their environments through sensory perception, and through that experience learning to co-exist with it, is considered very important. This finds its most common application in a widespread drive for physical fitness—Cait believe that a well-honed body can better sense its surroundings. Caitians have created a number of martial arts and fitness systems to this end, and several pieces of Caitian fighting styles have found their way into broad application in Starfleet Academy’s fitness program.

A less common, but certainly not rare, expression of this co-existence dogma finds expression in Caitian vegetarianism. Some Cait eschew the eating of meat on the basis of co-existence, theorizing that one cannot share space equally with creatures one intends to consume. This philosophical niche is growing, especially among younger Caitians.

Marriage is more of a physiological function than an emotional one for Caitians. At maturity, the body begins to releases a pheromone tag that signals the body’s ability to procreate—an evolutionary holdover used to determine which mates were suitable. The process of what Cait call “bonding” has never been thoroughly studied, and there is no scientifically proven method of predicting which two Cait will find each other compatible. Regardless of the exact manner, however, eventually the “bond-ready” Caitian will come across a certain other, and their pheromones bond, creating a chemical imprint in certain sections of the brain. The two Caitians feel a distinct pull to each other, and will feel it for the rest of their natural lives, and it is statistically impossible for a Cait to ever bond with another. The intensity of the bond varies, but in every case it serves to increase both the mating drive and mating sensation in and toward both partners. The bond is a respected part of Caitian culture, and valued as a contributor to the strength of the race, especially in view of Caitian females’ general problems with conception. Ignoring the bond or somehow working counter to it is considered aberrant. It is vogue in some Caitian societies for bondmates to wear identical anklets, to show their devotion to one another.

There is, of course, no guarantee that bond-ready Cait will ever meet a bondmate. Statistics show, in fact, that only a third of Caitian couples are actually bonded. Cait can mate with others to whom they are not bonded, and while this coupling is not considered as fulfilling as that between bonded mates, most Cait are content with their unbonded loves. In cases where Cait bond late in life, they generally have a reception of some type where their current relationships are agreeably terminated to allow them to pursue the bond. In rare cases, a Caitian has bonded with a non-Cait. The first recorded instance of this occurred in 2278, though it remains extremely improbable.