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Currently Pylura are a CLOSED SPECIES! The Pylura are one of the primary species in TeaFeathers; a race of sapient felines with strong cultural roots in science, metallurgy, and fire! I made this guide as an introduction to the species.

Newborn

Kittens are live born one at a time in a sac-like membrane which makes the birthing process smoother. Once the membrane is removed, the kittens are cleaned up one at a time and brought to the mother for their first milk meal. They very similar to newborn domestic kittens, but if you look closely you will see their little front paws have the characteristic opposable thumbs. Developmentally, they are like human infants in that they can’t take care of themselves at all. A special set of toys are made for the new kittens while the mother is pregnant, with visually stimulating feathers and leather for them to chew on at they age and teethe.

Ages 1 to 3

During the toddler stage, baby Pylura still can’t move around on their hind legs very well. But they grow very comfortable on all fours, and begin testing their agility and strength by play fighting with siblings.

Age 3 to 9

Around age 3 Pylura start to walk upright. They are more comfortable on their hind legs than Alecani overall, and it begins to show while they’re children. Pylura kittens are very active, and often play in large groups.

Age 9 to 14

When kittens become older, they are introduced to forge tools and the ways of fire and exploration. Interactive learning is a must for these energy filled children, as they begin to learn the basics of science and using fire.

Age 14 to 20

Puberty is not anywhere nearly as extreme for Pylura as it is for Alecani. Pylura certainly have a rush of hormones, but are even tempered and can stay with their village (unlike the Alecani, who become so erratic they are sent off to live in special colonies until they are done with puberty). It is this time that they are sent to work in the village hearth/forge, learning the fundamentals of metallurgy and fire keeping. One year working the forge is mandatory for all Pylura of this age. There are many other skills to be learned, and not all Pylura can be blacksmiths, so the remaining several years of their puberty is spent learning their chosen craft or skill (or a set of skills). Another key difference between the Pylura and their Alecani friends is that they can bear kittens during puberty. Again, the Pylura rely on their intimate knowledge of herbology to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

Age 20 to 50

At this age Pylura have settled into their adult size, and it is acceptable for them to start having kittens if they so choose. Most of them have completed their various training in their chosen skill, and are ready for a certain amount of independence. Being a communal species, they do not leave home as adults, and instead live in large extended family units.

Age 50 to 75

Around the age of 50, Pylura start to loose their ability to have kittens. Usually this is the time for Pylura to focus strongly on their own craft, and free themselves a bit more from the responsibilities of raising young with the rest of the village. Pylura age very well, and stay spry well past their breeding years. They might get a little grey or white in their fur.

Elderly

Like the Alecani, Pylura are very long lived. Pylura, however age extremely gracefully compared to Alecani. Sometimes more of that grey fur will appear, and they might slow down a bit physically and sleep more, but they can jump to it at a moments notice if they need to. Very old Pylura like to sleep a lot, and there are special sleeping/napping places in the public hearth for the elderly to spend time near it’s warmth. Their presence in the communal hearth means they’re always present to give advice to younger Pylura, especially the young teens who come to learn the ways of the forge.