Kzin

The Kzin are a fictional sapient, feline-oid species in Larry Niven's Known Space universe. In-universe, the species is primarily referred to as Kzin, though the term Kzinti is frequently used in English discussions and in many Man-Kzin Wars anthologies to denote the plural. They are tall, muscular bipeds with fur, catlike facial features, retractile claws, and sharp canines. They have keen senses and long lifespans, and are renowned for physical prowess.

Culture and society: Kzin society centers on honor, martial prowess, and hierarchical clan structures. They value courage and personal combat, and social status is largely earned through battlefield achievements. They are often depicted as aggressive and expansionist in early history, with a warrior ethos that shapes politics, religion, and education. Their social order emphasizes loyalty to the clan and a tradition of ritual displays of prowess.

Technology and spacefaring: The Kzin are technologically capable and have developed interstellar travel, sophisticated weapons, and disciplined military tactics. Their vessels tend to prioritize speed, durability, and battlefield effectiveness, reflecting their emphasis on force and precision in combat. They engage in colonization and space warfare as a core aspect of their imperial activities.

In Known Space, humans encounter the Kzin and participate in a long-running cycle of conflicts known as the Man-Kzin Wars, which explore intercultural misunderstanding, colonial rivalry, and the consequences of predator-prey dynamics between sapient species. The Kzin are a central element of the Known Space canon and have influenced broader depictions of feline-inspired alien cultures in science fiction.