catpeople

Catpeople is a broad term used to describe humanoid beings with feline characteristics, including fur, ears, tails, and eyes, as well as traits such as heightened agility or night vision. The term spans folklore, mythology, and contemporary fiction and can refer to shapeshifters, anthropomorphic species, or human characters with cat-like features.

In folklore and religion, cat-like beings appear in diverse traditions. Ancient Egypt revered feline deities such as Bastet and Sekhmet. In Japanese folklore, bakeneko and nekomata are cats believed to possess supernatural powers and sometimes transform into humans. Werecat legends—humans who can become cats—are found in various cultures, with varying moral associations and powers. Similar shapeshifter traditions occur in other regions, reflecting a cross-cultural interest in cat-human hybridity.

In modern fantasy, science fiction, and popular culture, catpeople are commonly depicted as a distinct humanoid race with feline traits. In role-playing games and literature, catfolk or tabaxi may be playable or central characters, often characterized by sharp senses, retractable claws, and agile movement. Cat-people appear in comics, animation, and video games as allies, rivals, or protagonists, frequently exploring themes of belonging, identity, and independence through a feline lens.

Scholars and fans alike examine catpeople as a way to explore hybridity, aesthetics, and anthropomorphism. The concept encompasses a range of representations—from mythic shapeshifters to fully realized fictional species—without implying real-world biology.