Galleries : Undying Tales 2023 : UT 2023 - Tsushima Leopard Cat
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Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus Status: Endangered. Population in decline due to habitat degradation and road kills. In Japanese folklore there is a supernatural feline entity called bakeneko, meaning "changed cat". These spirit cats possess shape-shifting abilities that allow them to disguise themselves as smaller harmless housecats, or as humans. They can be fond of wild dancing and carousing, but they are equally drawn to malicious tricks, impersonating humans for dark ends, and bringing about curses and misfortune. Cats can become bakeneko after they have sufficiently aged, twelve or thirteen years, and their tails become extra long as an indication of their supernatural identity. They are attracted to lamps and can be found licking lamp oil (fish oil was often used in lamps, in rural areas).
Size: 6 x 6 inches 
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