Kelkat

Kelkat is a fictional creature name used in speculative fiction and tabletop role-playing games to describe a small, nocturnal mammal-like animal. The concept has appeared in works from several authors and game designers since the late 20th century. It is not a real taxon, and details vary between settings.

In many imaginative taxonomies, Kelkat is placed in the genus Kelkat within the family Kelkatidae, order Carnivora, class Mammalia. Descriptions commonly note two widely cited forms: Kelkat felina (the forest kelkat) and Kelkat noctis (the dusk kelkat). They are depicted as medium-sized, roughly cat-sized, with a stocky build, rounded ears, and a dense, shimmering fur that can show blue-green iridescence under light.

Ecology and behavior describe kelkat as versatile foragers capable of climbing, swimming, and moving quietly through their habitats. Their diet typically includes small invertebrates, berries, seeds, and occasionally tiny vertebrates. They are often portrayed as solitary or living in small pairs, with territories they defend and scent-mark to communicate.

Reproduction and development in fictional settings usually feature short gestation and small litters, frequently 1–3 offspring. Parental care ranges from modest to extended, depending on the author, with offspring leaving the den within a few weeks of birth.

Cultural depictions portray kelkat as intelligent, curious woodland dwellers that form a respectful bond with forest environments. In some games and stories, they serve as companions, guides, or symbols of ecological stewardship. Because kelkat are fictional, their biology and lore are defined by the specific work in which they appear.