If there is one thing that really doesn’t fit into the grim world of Warhammer 40,000, it would be cute cat girls. But they exist, and they have been around for ages. Although “cute” is probably relative here…
In the world of Warhammer 40,000, there are dozens of species that inhabit the galaxy, ranging from seemingly peaceful space hippies to robo-mummies to voracious bug aliens. The universe is known for its diversity (and the hatred that all have for each other).
Among all these species, humans initially sound like the most boring, but appearances can be deceiving. Because the Imperium of Man consists of much more than just dull humans.
Although mutations in the Imperium are considered a blemish to be eradicated, in the worst case even seen as a sign of chaos corruption, there are some mutants that are tolerated: so-called abhumans.
Among the most well-known are certainly the hulking Ogryn or the Navigators, without whom nothing would work. Many of these abhumans are stable mutations that have arisen due to the circumstances of their worlds and have been sanctioned. However, some have a… different history.
Cat girls are real, but hardly anyone knows about them
One of the lesser-known abhuman species are the Felinids, or: cat people, at least presumably. Because what kind of mutation it really is, is not 100% clear.
Felinids only occur on one world, Carlos McConnell (don’t ask why the planet is named after some guy). And yes, they are officially confirmed, even though their existence has only been mentioned in two rulebooks or books:
- First mentioned by name in the 6th Edition rulebook from 2012, there with the scientific name “homo sapiens hirsutus” (literally: thinking, hairy human).
- Second time in “Liber Xenologis: Observations from a Black Fortress” from 2021, a limited special edition that provides information on numerous non-human species and today costs up to hundreds of euros.
Moreover, Felinids are mentioned in the cRPG Rogue Trader by Owlcat, and the psyker from Darktide mentions them in one of his sentences. Allegedly, his “Beloved”, referring to the Emperor of Mankind, finds Felinids quite attractive. But what are these beings exactly?
The best killers of the Imperium… maybe
Apart from the fact that Felinids are quite furry, not much is known about them. Allegedly, they arose from a crossbreed between humans and cats, which at least explains the name – felidae is the technical term for cat-like.
In the Liber Xenologis, a Kroot hunter reports that Felinids are the best killers of the Astra Militarum and have arm-length claws, although the source is considered to be of questionable credibility. The Kroot also states that he can hardly tell humans apart and that they all look the same to him (via Snipe and Wib on YouTube, which found this part in the book).
In an old Reddit thread, some fans discuss the origin of the Felinids and especially why Games Workshop even introduces such beings that seem to contradict the “grimdark” world.
The most plausible reason: Felinids come from a time when Warhammer did not take itself too seriously. For comparison: back then, there was also the Inquisitor Obiwan Sherlock Clusseau, and yes, he is canon and still exists.
Either way, Felinids are more of a myth even in the world of Warhammer 40,000, of which most people probably have never heard. Even without such crazy mutants, humans are far from being a boring faction: The Imperium in Warhammer 40,000 is not just “dull humans” – here are its 6 most dangerous organizations
