Pittin
A group of pittins is called a clowder.
Basic Information
Anatomy
In general, pittins are quadrupeds with thick furry coats. They have two eyes, positioned at the front of their heads.
Katlings have a cat-like appearance to their bodies with long, droopy ears and rabbit-like back feet. They have small wings that are of no real use to them. The long fur on their front legs hides their paws. They have a long, fluffy tail. They're about twice the size of a large housecat.
Kits have wings that are a bit more well formed and they can be used for short flights. Their front paws develop proper toes and the hair on their forelegs is shorter. Their tails are longer and their ears aren't quite as droopy.
The adults, both male and female, are significantly taller than the juveniles with fully functional wings. Their ears don't droop at all.
Genetics and Reproduction
A female can produce 3-7 offspring in a single litter. Offspring are born living, but blind. In the wild, the mother cares for her young for the better part of their first year. Domesticated pittins are often separated from their mothers around 5-6 months.
Growth Rate & Stages
Katlings transition to the kit stage towards the end of their second year.
When a kit is about seven years old, they form a chrysallis in order to transition into adulthood. It's at this stage where they reach their full size and are able to reproduce.
Ecology and Habitats
While they prefer warmer climates, they do well in colder areas. They were successfully introduced to Tula’tevenn Province in the 4th century and have thrived there ever since.
Pittins are far more common in the southern provinces.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Pittins are entirely carnivorous and require a large amount of meat in their diets in order to function properly. That said, some have acquired a taste for non-meat foods, such as bread. It's not healthy for them to eat a lot of it, but it won't harm them in small amounts.
Biological Cycle
While pittins go through estrus like most mammals, they don't always produce offspring each time. In some cases, there isn't a partner available to them. In others, illness, poor nutrition, and age play a part in whether or not they reproduce.
Females are fertile through most of their life. They are in their reproductive prime from ages 10-22. Breeders prefer these ages in their stock as they produce the largest and healthiest litters. These are more profitable.
Behaviour
Young pittins are highly social. Adults more often than not prefer some measure of solitude.
Like most animals, they learn to hunt and care for themselves through a combination of play and observation.
Additional Information
Domestication
Pittins have been domesticated for over two thousand years. They make excellent housepets and companion animals.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The silk from their chrysallis is highly sought after for the making of high end fabrics.
It is illegal in every province to purchase pittin kits for the sole purpose of harvesting their chrysalis. Silk producers have to proove that they've legally obtained it from reputable sources. Even so, such a practice continues.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
While found in most parts of Keverynn, they have a noted preference for grasslands and forests.
Lifespan
20-30 years
Average Height
46-50 cm tall (18-19 inches)
Average Weight
Adult females: 15 lb
Adult males: 20 lb
Average Length
Including their tail, they can grow up to 88 cm (roughly 35 inches).
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Wild katlings have dull coats with spots or stripes that fade with age. This is to help them hide. While he adults don't have any natural predators, the young are vulnerable.
Breeders have successfully bred katlings with more vibrant colouration which, due to their rarity, fetch high sums.
Kits lack any body markings and their colouration lightens up. Once they emerge from their chrysallis, an adult's coat is vibrant.
Geographic Distribution
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