| Typology Feline-themed |
| Total Entries 52 |
| Representative Tiger Lady |
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When it comes to animal symbolism, a major association of felines is with sex. Any feline-themed character is likely to be very sexually attractive and probably the most sexualized character in the work. This can range from actual “Funny Animal” cats, to characters who are to some degree feline-human hybrids or shifters, to alien or fantasy “Cat Folk”, to entirely human characters who have a cat theme. Because “Most Writers Are Male”, this usually applies to female characters, although there are male examples. It’s easy to see why: cat ownership and feline traits have been historically associated with women (although in “Real Life”, an equal number of men and women own cats). Many things men found attractive in women were projected onto cats. They are viewed as graceful, gymnastic, and flexible; they have a mercurial temperament; if they aren’t neutered, they make it obvious to everyone around when they’re in heat, and even when not in heat, they have no shame in their love of being petted and stroked. It can’t be a coincidence that “sex kitten” rapidly became a term for female sex symbols. Big cats such as tigers and lions, however, are seen as masculine felines instead due to their stocky builds and powerful muscles. They are thus associated more often with “Hunks” or “Amazonian Beauties”… There is a very strong overlap with “Classy Cat-Burglar”. See also “Cat Girl”, although they vary in their degree of sexualisation, with some being platonically “cute”… ~ Sexy Cat Person – TV Tropes
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