star trek cat species

Caitians (singular, Caitian ) are a fictional felinoid alien species featured in various Star Trek media, most prominently in Star Trek: The Animated Series and Star Trek: Lower Decks .

In-universe, Caitians are a spacefaring feline alien species hailing from the planet Cait, and are long-standing members of the United Federation of Planets and Starfleet.

• 1.1 Introduction
• 1.2 Later appearances
• 1.3 Other appearances
• 2 Caitians and furry
• 3 References

Appearance history [ edit ]

Depictions of Caitians have varied throughout Star Trek' s history. In all prime timeline depictions, Caitians exhibit several feline attributes, including short faces, triangular ears , large yellow or green eyes with vertically slitted pupils, whiskers , fangs, and a tail . Their bodies are covered in fur , which can appear in a range of colours and patterns.

Introduction [ edit ]

Caitians were first seen in the sixth episode of The Animated Series , "The Survivor" (first aired October 13, 1973), in which the Caitian Lieutenant M'Ress is introduced as a communications officer aboard the USS Enterprise , taking the position when Uhura is off-duty. She is depicted as a lion -like humanoid with digitigrade legs and a distinctive "purring" voice, supposedly caused by biological differences making it difficult for her to speak languages like English. M'Ress is the only Caitian depicted in The Animated Series , appearing in six of the series' 22 episodes.

The Animated Series also featured the Kzinti , an antagonistic race similar to Caitians. Materials released alongside the series (which are not necessarily canon), state that the Kzinti and Caitians share a common ancestry. [1] The status of The Animated Series to the wider franchise's canon has fluctuated over time and is nowadays generally considered to be non-canonical, [2] [3] however the Caitians, Kzinti, and M'Ress have all been referenced in canon Star Trek media in the years since.

Later appearances [ edit ]

Two male Caitians appear as a background characters in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home , a brown-furred admiral and a black-furred commodore who resemble a lynx and black panther respectively. Both are both seen attending James T. Kirk's court martial.

The Caitian homeworld, Cait, is briefly referenced in the first episode of season two of Star Trek: Discovery .

Star Trek: Lower Decks , which premiered in 2020, featured the first recurring Caitian character to the franchise: chief medical officer of the USS Cerritos , Doctor T'Ana. Unlike M'Ress, T'Ana resembles a domestic house cat, has plantigrade feet and no difficulty speaking English. T'Ana appears in most episodes of Lower Decks .

Several more Caitians, all resembling various domestic cats, appear in the second season Lower Decks episode "We'll Always Have Tom Paris" and a photograph of M'Ress appears in the background of the same episode. A Kzinti ensign also appears serving aboard the Cerritos , marking their first appearance since The Animated Series , and first as an ally to the Federation.

A Caitian child makes a recurring appearance as one of The Diviner's prisoners in Star Trek: Prodigy . Unlike previous Caitian appearances, this character has white eyes with round pupils.

Other appearances [ edit ]

Caitians were added as a purchasable playable race in Star Trek Online in June 2010. Their appearance was modelled after their appearance in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home .

Star Trek Into Darkness , which is set in an alternate timeline to most Star Trek media, features a radically different Caitian appearance. They are much more human in appearance, lacking the fur and facial features of typical Caitians, whilst maintaining furred tails and gaining ridged ear and neck markings. Although not identified by name in the film, producer Damon Lindelof confirmed this was their interpretation of Caitians in an interview following the film's release. [4]

Caitians and furry [ edit ]

M'Ress remained popular for years after the end of The Animated Series , and was the unofficial inspiration of Freighter Tails and stories by Paul S. Gibbs . M'Ress, with her cat-like voice patterns and her anthropomorphic features, represents one of the first "furry" characters shown on TV, one that was neither a human with cat ears nor a talking cat. [ citation needed ]

An alien feline race called "Caitians," inspired by but not intended to be identical with the Star Trek: The Animated Series version, is featured in the Chakona Space setting.

References [ edit ]

• ↑ "Lieutenant M'Ress Biography" . Curt Danhauser's Guide to the Animated Star Trek. Retrieved on January 31, 2022.
• ↑ "Do you think the Animated series should be considered canon? Or even more so, IS the Animated Series canon?" "We don't consider it canon, but it's kinda cool to throw in the odd reference here and there." - Ronald D. Moore , AOL's "Ask Ron D. Moore" message board, October 1998.
• ↑ " The Animated Series Gets Real" . StarTrek.com. Archived from the original on July 6, 2007.
• ↑ Hoffman, Jordan. "EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Damon Lindelof" . May 16, 2013. StarTrek.com. Retrieved on January 31, 2022.

See also [ edit ]

• Caitians on Memory Alpha , a Star Trek wiki for canon works
• Caitians on Memory Beta , a Star Trek wiki for licensed, non-canon works

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• Feline species
• WikiFur featured articles

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A Caitian is an intelligent felinoid species first appearing in Filmation's Star Trek: The Animated Series , and represented by the character of Lieutenant M'Ress , voiced by Majel Barrett . The character has been included in numerous licensed Star Trek novels and comics over the years. Alan Dean Foster 's Star Trek Logs adaptations of the episodes often included extra scenes and backstory featuring M'Ress and her family. The Logs also suggest that Caitians share distant ancestry with the kzin .

While two live-action Caitians were glimpsed as members of the Federation Council in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home , it wasn't until the 2020 launch of the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks that another Caitian, Chief Medical Officer T'Ana (voice of Gillian Vigman ), made regular appearances. The shortness of Dr. T'Ana's tail is yet to be explained. Other Caitians have been seen in this series.

An unnamed juvenile Caitian slave appeared in the first few episodes of Star Trek: Prodigy .

Canon Information

More information about Caitians can be found at Memory Alpha . For a time (1989-1991), the canonicity of the animated series was put into limbo, while Filmation was being wound down and the rights issues for all of the company's back catalogue of productions were being clarified.

Additional information about Caitians in licensed tie-in media can be found at Memory Beta . Lincoln Enterprises used to sell a short biography of M'Ress (from the 1974 mail order catalog). [1] The licensed book Worlds of the Federation (1989) suggests that Caitians call themselves "Ferasa". Decipher's licensed roleplay gaming materials referred to the Caitians as "Regulans" by request of then-Paramount/Viacom Licensing.

In the absence of consistent official information, fans have been quite imaginative when building backstories for Caitians. For example, a 1976 fan article by Theresa Holmes , in Sehlat's Roar #1, named the race "Mrraneti" [2] and used references from the piece in her "The 'Les Mesdamoiselles Federation' Affair" serial in issues of Sehlat's Roar . The author said, "In presenting these thoughts on the physical, social and cultural aspects of the Mrraneti of Cait, I hope I have succeeded in conveying some of the essence of this mysterious people. If I have, that is enough for me." [3]

Curt Danhauser has been creating and uploading his own animated episodes in the distinctive style of Filmation. Several of these feature Caitians. [4] Go to Curt Danhauser's Guide to Animated Trek: New Episodes .

There is also keen interest in the Caitian species from various Furry fan groups and Star Trek cosplayers .

Kearstin Nicholson played a live-action M'Ress (right), opposite Wayne W. Johnson as Dawson Walking Bear , in a fanfilm by Glen L. Wolfe , Walking Bear, Running Wolf - A Star Trek Fan Production (Uploaded 5 January, 2018.) Both of these characters originated in Star Trek: The Animated Series .

Example Fanworks

• "Some Thoughts on the Mrraneti of Cait" article by Theresa Holmes in Sehlat's Roar #1.
• "Alien Cultures: The Caitians" in Atavachron issue V.2 N.1.
• "Make Way for M'Ress" article by Jordan Hoffman in One Trek Mind #61 (Uploaded 1 February, 2013).
• "Images of Flame: Cave of the Kzin" by Johanna T. Cantor in R & R #23. M'Ress has unique insights into the Kzinti which are crucial to the success of a mission. [5]
• "Lt. M'Ress at the Federation Masquerade" by Mary Gress in Warped Space #5. Written in character as M'Ress, with the Caitian describing the Masquerade at the 1975 Star Trek Lives! convention .
• "... Not Quite a Love Story" by Damon Hill in Future Wings issue #2, Future Wings Flypast . A touching vignette about M'Ress and her views on human crewmates.
• "The 'Les Mesdamoiselles Federation' Affair (Part 1)" by Theresa Holmes in Sehlat's Roar #1 .
• "Star Trek: Ocelot" - stories by Tim Holtorf at Star Trek Fan Fiction blog. [6] Concerning a completely Caitian crew on a starship captained by M’iaa T’Chall.
• "The Wrath of Ricardo Montalban" by Bill Hupe & Anne Hupe in Abode of Strife #3. A Caitian (sister of M'Ress) features in a serious Star Trek / Fantasy Island / The Price of the Phoenix fusion / crossover novel that asks, "What would have happened if the Enterprise returned to the Genesis Planet to find Khan reborn as Mr Rourke, and he has the staying power to raise Spock from the dead?"
• "Hoodwinked" by Ian McLean in Beyond Antares #18/19. In the weeks after Star Trek: The Motion Picture , several old friends return and a new Andorian first officer fills in for Spock on the USS Enterprise .
• "And Other Duties As Assigned: Special Delivery" by Mijan at The Introspective Geek blog. [7] A Caitian Ambassador gives birth on the USS Enterprise .
• "The Sins of the Fathers" by Jim Price in The Clipper Trade Ship #39/40. A M'Ress love story.
• " Beyond the Barrier " by CatalenaMara (aka Kathy Resch ) in California K/S #1 and Side by Side #23. The USS Enterprise and The Heart of Taenor , a Caitian ship, are on a joint mission to the galactic rim.
• " Within the Prism " by Kathy Resch in T'hy'la #1. The USS Enterprise crew explore an archaeological dig on a Caitian colony.
• "Samurai Kitty" by Paula Smith in Obsc'zine . A satirical vignette about M'Ress in heat on the Shore Leave planet.
• " You May Deny ", a novel by Jean L. Stevenson . After the death of Stonn, botanical scientist T'Pring is assigned to a survey/scoutship with a tightly knit Caitian-Human crew.
• "For Enterprise" by Steve Wilson in Vault of Tomorrow #11. Arex and M'Ress do their bit to help Kirk steal the Enterprise. [8]
• "First Contact" by Gerald Roberts (aka Anne Elizabeth Zeek ) in Time Warp #1 and The Compleat Zeek . The story of the Federation's first encounter with the Caitians gives an insight into why James T. Kirk is the way he is. (Revised extensively and reprinted in Rising Star .)

Fanfic Archives

• Caitians - Archive of Our Own
• Caitian Stories - Wattpad
• "The Caitian's Paw" by RaceCloud - Fanfiction.net
• Shiboline M'Ress - Archive of Our Own
• "Surefoot" by Deggsy - adult-fanfiction.org
• "Freighter Tales: The Misadventures of Mzzkiti" by Paul S. Gibbs & Bill Redfern. Starting out as an illustrated "Star Trek" parody in 1998, "Haul Trek: Misadventures of M'Iskiti" featured a Caitian and an Andorian as regulars. After Gibbs' death, Redfern voluntarily deemphasised the "Star Trek" elements and morphed their main character into Lieutenant Mzzkiti to avoid being ordered to Cease & Desist by Paramount. [9]
• Kail Tescar's original TAS comics in the Filmation art style.
• M'Ress fan art - Deviantart
• M'Ress fan art - Tumblr
• Star Trek animated characters by drakefenwick - Deviantart
• T'Ana fan art - Deviantart

M'ress the Caitian at the Masquerade , from Warped Space #5, 1975.

Caitian art from "The 'Les Mesdemoiselles Federation' Affair" by Theresa Holmes, Sehlat's Roar serial, 1976. (Thanks Randy Ash )

Inside page from Fleet #15, the "all art issue". Caitian by Mark Peters , 1977.

Caitian art by Jeff Sutton , from "The Wrath of Ricardo Montalban" in Abode of Strife issue #3, from, 1984.

Caitian featured on the front cover of Atavachron newsletter, issue V.2 N.1, 1986.

M'Ress cosplayer and Astrex members interviewed in Sydney, Australia, about The Firm's song, "Star Trekkin'", 1987.

Ian McLean 's customized M'Ress the Caitian action figure meets Playmates Toys' Sulu, 1996.

M'Ress the Caitian appears in a fan-made Starship Exeter online comic, Home is Not a Place , 2004. (Thanks Kail Tescar )

• Lieutenant M'Ress Character Info page by Curt Danhauser at their Definitive Guide to ST: TAS
• Caitian - Memory Alpha
• Caitian - Memory Beta
• Caitian - Star Trek Online Wiki
• M'Ress - Star Trek Expanded Universe
• The Starfleet Handbook, Issue #11: Kzinti, Caitians, Tholians (1977)
• Toon Trek: References to Filmation's Star Trek: The Animated Series in latter day Star Trek tie-ins
• ^ "Guide to Animated Star Trek - Biography of M'Ress" (Accessed 14 November, 2021) by Curt Danhauser .
• ^ "Some Thoughts on the Mrraneti of Cait" in Sehlat's Roar #1 (Accessed 14 November, 2021).
• ^ Sehlat's Roar #1 (Uploaded in blog format, 17 April, 2007).
• ^ Curt Danhauser's Guide to Animated Trek (Accessed 15 November, 2021.)
• ^ "Cave of the Kzin" (1989) by Johanna T. Cantor on 1001 Trek Tales website (Accessed 15 November, 2021).
• ^ Star Trek Fan Fiction blog (Accessed 14 November, 2021)
• ^ The Introspective Geek blog (Accessed 14 November, 2021)
• ^ "For Enterprise: A Star Trek Short Story" by Steven Howell Wilson on Taken Liberty blog (Uploaded 3 March, 2013).
• ^ A Rogues Gallery of Andorians blog (Accessed 14 November, 2021)
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A friendly reminder regarding spoilers ! At present the expanded Trek universe is in a period of major upheaval with the continuations of Discovery and Prodigy , the advent of new eras in gaming with the Star Trek Adventures RPG , Star Trek: Infinite and Star Trek Online , as well as other post-57th Anniversary publications such as the ongoing IDW Star Trek comic and spin-off Star Trek: Defiant . Therefore, please be courteous to other users who may not be aware of current developments by using the {{ spoiler }}, {{ spoilers }} OR {{ majorspoiler }} tags when adding new information from sources less than six months old (even if it is minor info). Also, please do not include details in the summary bar when editing pages and do not anticipate making additions relating to sources not yet in release. THANK YOU

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• 1.1 Biology
• 1.2 Culture
• 1.3 History
• 2 Known Caitians
• 3.1 Appearances
• 3.2 External link

History and specifics [ ]

Biology [ ].

Caitians were a bipedal species, with height comparable to Humans and taller, and feature a thick orange mane, a tail, and large golden eyes which gave them excellent night vision. Their fur ranged in color from tan to reddish-tan. They also had excellent hearing with a frequency range beyond that of most humanoids which made them ideal candidates for communications officers. Caitian voices often resembled the purring of Terran cats . ( ST reference : The Worlds of the Federation ; FASA RPG module : The Federation )

Culture [ ]

Caitians had a reputation for being one of the most cooperative and intelligent members of the Federation. ( ST reference : The Worlds of the Federation )

Caitian names did not follow a gender pattern, so no name was distinctively male or female. ( Decipher RPG module : Starfleet Operations Manual )

Caitian culture emphasized a love of beauty and a focus on personal loyalty. Loyalty, both within the individual and between individuals, was highly prized by all Caitians. The interlocking individual and clan relationships that existing in their society were the main cause of this focus on loyalty. Most Caitians preferred a vegetarian diet and were not carnivorous. ( FASA RPG module : The Federation )

The Caitians were fierce warriors when so called upon, but pride themselves on their accomplishments in arts and philosophy rather than on the martial arts. Their family units are extremely close. ( ST website  : StarTrek.com )

History [ ]

A male Caitian, Admiral S'rrel .

The Caitians were believed to be the descendants of an ancient Kzinti colony. ( ST reference : The Worlds of the Federation ) They actually shared the same common roots, comparable to Vulcans and Romulans . ( ST website  : StarTrek.com )

They made first contact with the Orions and the Ferengi , and met Federation ships for the first time in 2249 . Within a few years, such good relations existed between the cultures that they entered the United Federation of Planets. ( Decipher RPG module : Starfleet Operations Manual )

Four other planets in the Federation had Caitian populations: Havelind , Hochlor IV , Macadarna , and Narval (Whether they were colonized by the Caitians before joining the Federation or after is unknown. Regardless, all four were either full-status members or associate-status members of the Federation). Also, Caitians composed 35% of Riviera 's population (with the remainder being: Human 30% and Other 35%) and 15% of Commissariate 's population (with the remainder being: Andorian 35%, Vulcan 20%, Human 15%, and Other 15%). ( FASA RPG module : The Federation )

By 2363 , Caitains had also settled on the planet Kirisha , near the Alpha Persei Cluster . This planet was near the outer borders of the Regnancy of the Carnelian Throne . A brief war broke out over the Caitains' reluctance to become "slaves" of the Carnelian Throne. When the unusual Carnelian use of the word "slave" was understood, the Caitain colonists agreed to become Cohorts of the Throne. ( TNG novel : The Buried Age )

In 2370 a party of Caitains visited Deep Space 9 to witness the Illumination of The Prodigal . ( DS9 novel : Devil in the Sky )

In 2385 , two Caitians were serving aboard Deep Space 9 , with one being Grenner P'Tross . ( DS9 novel : Sacraments of Fire )

Known Caitians [ ]

A 25th century Caitian .

• Erovan M'Rill
• Dynkorra M'Relle
• Shiboline M'Ress
• Ghee P'Trell
• Kenioth Thompson

Appendices [ ]

Appearances [ ].

• TAS episode : " The Survivor "
• TAS episode : " Once Upon a Planet "
• TAS episode : " Mudd's Passion "
• TAS episode : " Bem "
• TAS episode : " The Eye of the Beholder "
• TAS episode : " The Practical Joker "
• TOS comic : " Those Who Play With Cats... "
• TOS comic : " Year Four, Issue 1 "
• TOS comic : " Year Four, Issue 3 "
• TOS comic : " The Stars in Secret Influence "
• TOS comic : " Aspiring to be Angels "
• TOS comic : " Marriage of Inconvenience "
• TOS comic : " Haunted Honeymoon "
• TOS comic : " Hell in a Handbasket "
• DS9 novel : Devil in the Sky
• DS9 novel : Trill: Unjoined
• DS9 novel : Warpath
• DS9 novel : Rough Beasts of Empire
• DS9 novel : Sacraments of Fire
• NF novel : Cold Wars
• NF novel : Gods Above
• NF novel : Stone and Anvil
• NF comic : " Turnaround, Part IV "

External link [ ]

• Caitian article at Memory Alpha , the wiki for canon Star Trek .
• 1 Tzenkethi
• 2 The Chase
• 3 Preserver (race)

The Caitians are a felinoid species hailing from the planet Cait , located in the 15 Lyncis system.

The feline appearance of Caitians includes long manes and a tail. Caitians tend to vary in color from brown to black, and speak in a soft purring voice.

As Cait is a Federation member, Caitians are known to serve in Star Fleet and on the Federation Council , and were present as members in 2286 .

The Caitians, Mirak , and Kzinti all share similar DNA, and can be genetically linked to some of the "big cat" species on Earth . This gives legitimacy to the theory that a race known as the Preservers seeded planets throughout the galaxy with the genetic basis of life billions of years ago.

A bipedal species, with average heights comparable to humanoid species, they are distinct with short faces, triangular ears, thick manes, tails, and large golden eyes with slitted pupils. Their hearing is comparable to the levels of a Vulcan , in that it is heightened compared to that of Humans . Their eyes provide them with excellent night vision. Fur can range in variations of solid color, and has been documented in a number of patterns, as well. Some Caitians have four fingers (including a thumb) on each hand, while others have five. Due to sharp claws on hands and feet, some Caitians prefer to wear specialized footwear, or go without any footwear at all.

It has been said that Caitian voices often resemble the sound of purring. Agitated Caitians can also make a variety of cat-like hisses and yowls.

Caitians experience several hormonal cycles. One of these was the need to be intimate once a year, or else their hormones would drive them crazy, similar to an Earth -animal being in "rut." This can be alleviated using something called a "libido post." In addition to this unique hormonal surge, Caitian females have coital hooks as part of their reproductive anatomy.

When needed to move quickly, Caitians have the ability to switch to quadrupedal locomotion, displaying feline agility and reaction times.

Mainly carnivorous, and skilled hunters by nature, it is lore that this species used to hunt Betazoids for food.

• (This is highly unlikely, as Betazed developed warp technology in the 2250s , shortly after the Caitians in the 2240s .)

Note: Caitians and Kzinti share common roots in the deep past, the same way that Vulcans and Romulans do. As with the Vulcans and the Romulans, the two felinoid groups went their separate ways to develop as two entirely different civilizations.

Caitians are known throughout the Alpha Quadrant for their intelligence, curiosity, loyalty and love of beauty.

Names in Caitian culture do not follow a gender pattern, so no names are distinctively male or female. Furthermore, though Caitian society predominantly uses mononyms (a person's name consisting of one word, typically a first name without a surname), Caitians serving in Star Fleet often choose names to act as a first name and surname in order to better integrate with their colleagues.

Caitian culture emphasizes a love of beauty, and a focus on personal loyalty. Loyalty, both within the individual and between individuals, is highly prized by all Caitians. The interlocking individual and clan relationships that exist in their society were the main cause of this focus on loyalty.

Sharing roots with the Kzinti people, Caitians have evolved to be smaller than their genetic cousins, though they continue to share some similar features.

Their first encounters with other races were with the Orions and the Ferengi , not meeting Federation starships until 2249 . Due to good relations, Caitians were allowed to join Starfleet Academy by the mid- 2250s . By the 2270s , the Caitian homeworld was a Federation member, and by 2286 , had chosen members to sit on the official Federation Council.

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Our 8 Favorite Cats from “Star Trek” (and Beyond)

The sci-fi series has had numerous iterations -- and lots of cats in space..

Last Updated on January 29, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Many of my fellow members of Generation X look back on things their families enjoyed and feel a sense of regret — or at least a sense of “Ugh, I can’t believe we were into that.” It’s a common side effect of growing up in the 1970s. Not me, though. I’ve always considered myself fortunate to grow up in a family that was into the good stuff. The first song I consciously remember recognizing, for example, was Bob Dylan’s “Ballad of a Thin Man.” And by the time I was 7 years old, my two favorite TV shows were M*A*S*H and Star Trek .

And, of course, there were cats. We were a big cat family, and we still are, hence me cat-sitting for my brother and sister-in law , or taking my own cat Perdita with me when I visit my mother .

I also still enjoy all those elements of pop culture, particularly Star Trek , partially because of all the various cats in the various Treks over the years.

Indeed, there weren’t a whole lot of cats in science fiction until Star Trek came long; there’d been more of a fascination with monkeys, in movies such as Forbidden Planet and especially Robinson Crusoe on Mars , in which “Mona, the Woolly Monkey” got third billing in the trailer .

But Star Trek brought the focus to cats, where it belonged. Here are my favorites.

• Our 8 Favorite Cats from Star Trek

1. Sylvia, Star Trek , “Catspaw”

In the original series’ 1967 Halloween episode, Capt. Kirk & Co. encounter a haunted planet with all the trimmings, including but not limited to a spooky castle occupied by shape-changing aliens. They spend most of their time looking like human wizards or witches, though the latter also occasionally changes into a black cat just because she can. (Wouldn’t you?) When it’s time for the big action climax, she turns into a really, really big black cat. And speaking of shape-shifting alien women who turn into cats ÔǪ

2. Isis, Star Trek , “Assignment: Earth”

Actually, this one is more of a shape-shifting alien cat who can occasionally turn into a woman, and then mostly does it to mess with people’s heads. (Wouldn’t your cat?)

What’s interesting is that this episode was intended to be the pilot episode for a new television series, about the adventures of Isis and her raised-by-aliens human companion Gary Seven on Earth, but it didn’t sell. More’s the pity.

• 3. Lt. M’Ress, Star Trek: The Animated Series

The animated Star Trek could do things that the not-animated Star Trek couldn’t, like have a crewmember who was a sentient, bipedal cat by the name of Lt. M’Ress. She was from the planet Cait, because ÔǪ well, of course she was, and she had a tendency to purr/ululate between sentences.

The animated series fell out of favor (and out of the Star Trek canon) in the 1980s, particularly by the time Star Trek: The Next Generation hit the airwaves, but M’Ress always been significant for me. When I was very young in the late 1970s, the live-action as well as the animated Star Trek s were in reruns, and I didn’t differentiate between them.

I mean, I grokked that one was a cartoon and one wasn’t, but to me they were both legitimate Star Trek s, and that a cat was a valuable member of the crew made perfect sense at the time. And it still does. M’ress never appeared again after the animated series, but a fellow Caitian did appear in one of the movies, if you look closely .

4. The Kzinti, Star Trek: The Animated Series , “The Slaver Weapon”

Not all felinoid races were as peaceful as the Caitians, such as this more warlike race of sentient, bipedal cats. Though they were originally introduced in Larry Niven’s non- Trek stories in the late 1960s, they’re best known outside of sci-fi book clubs from this single appearance in the animated Star Trek .

The fearsomeness of the Kzinti in that episode is somewhat undone by their pink-and-purple uniforms, a result of director Hal Sutherland’s unfortunate color blindness.

A couple of non- Star Trek cats from the fallow period between The Animated Series and The Next Generation bear mentioning.

• 5. Jake, The Cat From Outer Space

Not until Snakes on a Plane had a movie so baldly stated its thesis in its title. It’s a cat, and it’s from outer space! Produced toward the end of Disney’s decade-long rut of dire live-action films, The Cat From Outer Space was the company’s first attempt to scramble onto the suddenly lucrative space-wagon created by Star Wars , but unfortunately, it’s just another banal Disney kiddie flick. The cat in question, Jake, communicates by telepathy, which solves a lot of budgetary issues but doesn’t make for a very compelling character. M’Ress had more depth than Jake ever would.

I remember getting dragged to see this as a 5-year-old, and even though I was the film’s target audience, it left me cold. (Maybe I was just bitter because I didn’t get to see Star Wars .)

• 6. Jonesy, Alien

Unlike Jake, Jonesy is a regular, nontelepathic domestic cat, which raises an important question: Just what is a regular, nontelepathic domestic cat doing on a mining ship in space? The answers: to provide plenty of opportunities for “Boo!” scenes, and to watch impassively as the humans get killed off.

Jonesy also gets credit for being one of the rare cats to make it to the end of a horror movie, and he even makes a cameo appearance in the sequel. (Warning: The above clip is a bit violent, though Jonesy doesn’t get hurt.)

Which brings us back to Star Trek , and 

• 7 and 8. Spot, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Chester, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Spot was Lt. Cmdr. Data’s pet cat on Star Trek: The Next Generation , and much like Jonesy in Alien , Spot managed to pull of the remarkable feat of surviving — not only making it from the television series to the movie Star Trek Generations , but surviving the destruction of the Enterprise itself. By his own account, actor Brent Spiner did not like working with the cat who played Spot , but you can’t tell from Spiner’s performance.

Not getting nearly as much screen time was the cat Chester , who appeared in only one episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , but he’s worth mentioning because he was a rescue. It’s reassuring to know that even in the 24th century, people are still fighting the good fight.

Because Star Trek wouldn’t have happened without the U.S. space program and all the hard work that led up to it, we can’t forget the real-life cats who paved the way:

• Weightless cats, Bioastronautics Research

They’re not in outer space — they’re on a Convair C-131, and they didn’t go higher than 12,000 feet — but they’re real cats from 1947, and they’re floating in zero gravity! It was part of a cruelty-free experiment in weightlessness by the U.S. Air Force’s Aerospace Medical Research Laboratories in 1947. (Here’s the full video , of which the cats are just a minute and a half.)

With all due respect to M’Ress and the others, these cats are the real heroes.

• 1. Sylvia, Star Trek, “Catspaw”
• 2. Isis, Star Trek, “Assignment: Earth”
• 4. The Kzinti, Star Trek: The Animated Series, “The Slaver Weapon”

About the Author

Catster Editorial Team

Catster is a cat magazine and cat website where cat lovers come together and get expert advice about cat behavior, cat health and cat news.

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The Caitians are evolutionary relatives of the Kzinti , the relationship between the two races being comparable to that of Vulcans and Romulans . As of the 23rd century, Cait is a members of the United Federation of Planets. Like the Zeosians , the Caitians' Starfleet uniform doesn't seem to require footwear.

In the past, Caitians used to hunt Betazoids for food.

Appearances [ ]

• Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-74)
• Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
• Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020-)
• In the Kelvin timeline (depicted in the 2009 film Star Trek and its squeal Star Trek Into Darkness ), two characters referred to as Caitians appeared more Human-like in appearance. There is the possibility that these are examples of Caitian-Human hybrids.

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Published Dec 14, 2016

Star Trek Cats. Need We Say More?

The respected scientific illustrator and "shameless nerd" Jenny Parks specializes in reimagining pop culture characters as... cats, and now the Denver-based artist is turning her attention to Star Trek . Due out in February, Star Trek Cats will fill its 64 pages with amusing new takes on iconic Trek characters and scenes, from Kirk in the Captain's chair to Spock offering his Vulcan wisdom.

Chronicle Books will release Star Trek Cats as a hardcover book on February 28, 2017. It can be pre-ordered now via Amazon.com for $12.74.

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Star Trek Names For Cats

[ad_1] If you’re a fan of Star Trek and a cat owner, why not combine your two passions by giving your feline friend a name inspired by the iconic sci-fi franchise? Star Trek names for cats can be a fun and creative way to show off your love for the series while also giving your pet a unique and memorable moniker. In this article, we’ll explore 7 interesting trends in Star Trek cat names, as well as address 15 common concerns and answers related to the topic.

Trend #1: Classic Characters

One popular trend in Star Trek cat names is to choose names inspired by classic characters from the original series, such as Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Uhura. These names have a timeless appeal and are instantly recognizable to fans of the show.

Trend #2: Alien Species

Another trend is to name your cat after one of the many alien species featured in the Star Trek universe, such as Klingon, Vulcan, or Borg. These names can give your cat an otherworldly and mysterious vibe.

Trend #3: Starship Names

For fans of the various starships featured in the series, naming your cat after one of these iconic vessels, such as Enterprise, Voyager, or Discovery, can be a fun and fitting choice.

Trend #4: Technology and Gadgets

If you’re more interested in the technology and gadgets of Star Trek, consider naming your cat after a piece of futuristic equipment, such as Phaser, Tricorder, or Holodeck. These names can give your cat a high-tech and futuristic feel.

Trend #5: Planets and Locations

Naming your cat after a planet or location from the Star Trek universe, such as Risa, Vulcan, or Qo’noS, can be a unique and interesting choice that showcases your knowledge of the series.

Trend #6: Quotes and Phrases

Fans of the memorable quotes and phrases from Star Trek may choose to name their cat after a famous line from the show, such as “Live long and prosper,” “Resistance is futile,” or “Beam me up, Scotty.” These names can be a fun and playful way to pay homage to the series.

Trend #7: Gender-Neutral Names

For cat owners who prefer gender-neutral names, there are plenty of options in the Star Trek universe, such as Data, Seven, or Tuvok. These names can be a versatile choice that works for cats of any gender.

“It’s always fascinating to see how fans incorporate their love of Star Trek into every aspect of their lives, including naming their pets. The creativity and imagination that goes into choosing a Star Trek-inspired name for a cat is truly impressive,” says a pet psychologist specializing in sci-fi fandoms.

“I’ve noticed a growing trend of cat owners choosing Star Trek names that not only reflect their love of the series but also showcase their knowledge of the intricate lore and mythology of the Star Trek universe. It’s a fun and unique way to bond with fellow fans,” says a cat behaviorist with a passion for science fiction.

“I think Star Trek names for cats are a great conversation starter and can be a fun way to connect with other fans of the series. It’s always exciting to meet someone who shares your love for Star Trek and can appreciate the creativity and thought that goes into naming a pet after the show,” says a veterinarian who is also a die-hard Trekkie.

“Choosing a Star Trek name for your cat can be a way to honor the legacy of the series and pay tribute to the iconic characters, ships, and quotes that have become beloved parts of popular culture. It’s a way to keep the spirit of Star Trek alive in your everyday life,” says a cat behavior consultant who moonlights as a Star Trek convention organizer.

Common Concerns and Answers:

1. Will my cat respond to a Star Trek name?

Cats are known for being independent creatures, so whether they respond to their name or not may depend on their individual personality. However, with consistent use and positive reinforcement, your cat may come to recognize and respond to their Star Trek-inspired name.

2. What if my friends and family don’t understand the reference?

Not everyone may be familiar with Star Trek, but naming your cat after a character or element from the series can be a fun conversation starter and a way to share your love of the show with others.

3. Are Star Trek names too nerdy or geeky for a cat?

Not at all! Embracing your love of Star Trek and incorporating it into your cat’s name can be a fun and creative way to showcase your passion for the series.

4. Will my cat be judged for having a unique name?

Cats couldn’t care less about what their name is, as long as they are loved and cared for. Feel free to choose a unique and fun Star Trek name for your feline friend without worrying about judgment from others.

5. What if I can’t decide on a Star Trek name for my cat?

Take your time and consider all the options before choosing a name that feels right for your cat. You can also involve friends and family in the decision-making process to get their input.

6. Can I change my cat’s name if I don’t like it?

While it’s best to stick with one name to avoid confusion, if you feel strongly that a different name would better suit your cat, you can gradually transition to the new name with patience and consistency.

7. Will my cat understand the significance of their Star Trek name?

Cats may not understand the cultural significance of their name, but they can still respond positively to a name that is used consistently and associated with positive experiences.

8. Are there any rules for naming a cat after a Star Trek character?

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to naming your cat after a Star Trek character. Feel free to choose a name that resonates with you and reflects your love of the series.

9. Can I use a nickname based on a Star Trek name for my cat?

Absolutely! Feel free to shorten or modify your cat’s Star Trek-inspired name to create a unique nickname that suits their personality.

10. What if my cat doesn’t seem to like their Star Trek name?

If your cat doesn’t seem to respond positively to their name, you can try using treats or toys to associate their name with positive experiences and encourage them to respond to it.

11. Are there any Star Trek names that are particularly popular for cats?

Names like Spock, Data, and Enterprise are popular choices for Star Trek-inspired cat names, but feel free to get creative and choose a name that is meaningful to you.

12. Can I use a Star Trek name for a cat of any breed or color?

Star Trek names are versatile and can work for cats of any breed, color, or age. Choose a name that you love and that reflects your cat’s unique qualities.

13. Will my cat’s Star Trek name influence their personality?

While a cat’s name may not directly influence their personality, choosing a name that you love and that reflects your interests can help strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

14. What if I change my mind about my cat’s Star Trek name?

It’s okay to change your mind about your cat’s name if you find that it no longer suits them. Just be patient and consistent when transitioning to a new name.

15. How can I incorporate my cat’s Star Trek name into their daily routine?

You can incorporate your cat’s Star Trek name into their daily routine by using it consistently during feeding, playtime, and cuddle sessions. This will help reinforce their name and strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

In conclusion, Star Trek names for cats can be a fun and creative way to show off your love for the series while also giving your feline friend a unique and memorable moniker. Whether you choose a classic character, an alien species, or a starship name, there are endless possibilities for naming your cat after the iconic sci-fi franchise. So go ahead and boldly name your cat with a Star Trek-inspired name that reflects your love of the series and your appreciation for its rich mythology. Live long and prosper, little feline friend! [ad_2]

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Grudge was a large cat owned by Cleveland Booker in the 3180s and 3190s . According to Booker, her size was due to a thyroid condition.

Booker told Michael Burnham that Grudge was so named "because she's heavy, and all mine."

Booker was defensive of Grudge and her name. When Cosmo Traitt threatened to "roast Grudge and feed her to the starving" (adding that she would feed a planet), Book told Traitt to keep Grudge's name out of his mouth and called Grudge "a queen." ( DIS : " That Hope Is You, Part 1 ") Book apparently called Grudge a queen frequently enough that Burnham teased him about it. ( DIS : " People of Earth ")

Grudge, along with Book and his vessel, traveled to Earth with Discovery and remained in the region afterward. ( DIS : " People of Earth ") About a month later, after Discovery reunited with Starfleet command, Booker's ship arrived unexpectedly with only Grudge aboard. The crew discovered he was exploring a lead on a black box and had set his ship to deliver Grudge to Discovery if he was detained. Burnham left Grudge in her shared quarters with Ensign Sylvia Tilly , who was wary of the animal's size and also claimed to dislike cats in general, yet she still picked Grudge up, before departing on Booker's ship on a rescue mission. Grudge was fitted with a collar with an embedded tracking device . Philippa Georgiou was of the opinion, however, that the cat could never get lost, that she had her own gravitational pull . ( DIS : " Scavengers ")

When Lieutenant Detmer and Ryn took Booker's ship into battle against the Emerald Chain flagship Viridian , Grudge leapt onto Ryn's lap, much to the Andorian 's alarm as he had never seen a cat before. ( DIS : " The Sanctuary ")

Grudge accompanied Booker on his initial exploration of the Verubin Nebula , where they were exposed to significant radiation . After emerging, both were successfully treated with DNA recombination . However, Booker noted that Grudge had been favoring her left front paw, and Dr. Tracy Pollard agreed to examine her further. ( DIS : " Su'Kal ")

Grudge was aboard Booker's ship when he crash landed it into Discovery 's shuttlebay as Osyraa piloted it into the Federation's distortion field. Before he and Burnham left to retake Discovery , Booker noted Grudge was "safe and secure" aboard his ship. ( DIS : " There Is A Tide... ") Later, as Booker and Zareh fought aboard an open turbolift car, Zareh mockingly asked Booker whether he or "that fat cat of yours" would leave a larger stain from a fall. Booker overcame Zareh and threw him to his death instead, shouting after him, "She's… a queen!" ( DIS : " That Hope Is You, Part 2 ")

Grudge had an aversion towards holograms as she could not smell them. ( DIS : " Anomaly (DIS) ")

Appendices [ ]

Background information [ ].

Grudge was created by writer/producer Jenny Lumet . Lumet based Grudge on a Pekingese dog, Nelly, that belonged to her grandmother, Lena Horne . Horne used to keep Nelly in the sleeve of her kimono. According to Lumet, Nelly " never did anything. " [1]

Grudge was portrayed by Maine Coon brothers Leeu and Durban . [2] The Maine Coon is a naturally large breed of cat, whose weight ranges from 13-18 lbs in their adulthood. Leeu weighed about 18lb when filming of season 3 began. [3]

External link [ ]

• Grudge at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• Grudge at X (formerly Twitter)
• 1 Abdullah bin al-Hussein
• 3 John Paul Lona

Star Trek: TNG's Identity Crisis Started As A Fan-Submitted Mess Of A Script

I n the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode "Identity Crisis" (March 25, 1991),  Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) discovers from an old friend named Lieutenant Commander Susanna Leijten (Maryann Plunkett) that they are the only two people still alive and accounted for from a mysterious away mission on the planet Tarchannen III, conducted years before. The other members of the team have all mysteriously fled to Tarchannen III -- sometimes stealing shuttlecrafts to do so -- and vanished without a trace. It won't be long before Leijten begins exhibiting strange, nervous symptoms of an unknown disease, causing her to become fearful and twitchy. She, too, it seems, is being irresistibly drawn back to Tarchannan III. Is Geordi next? Not to spoil anything, but yes he is.

It's eventually revealed that an undetectable spore on Tarchannen III infected the members of Geordi's old away mission, causing them to mutate. It seems the spores are a reproductive element of the local species that merely transforms other life forms into itself. Geordi mutates into a semi-invisible creature with yellow cat eyes, unusual hands and feet, a strange alien nose, and glowing blue veins all over his body.

"Identity Crisis" began its life as a spec script submitted to Paramount by a fan named Tim de Haas. In the 1990s, "Star Trek" had an open-door policy when it came to scripts and would accept submissions from anyone. If used, the fan scripts were often heavily reworked to match the proper "Next Generation" parameters, but the original authors always got a "story by" credit. In the oral history book "Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages," edited by Mark A. Altman and Edward Gross, producer Michael Piller recalled the original script for "Identity Crisis" was a total mess that required extensive tinkering.

Read more: Celebrities You Didn't Know Were In Star Trek

Tim De Haas' Original Script

It seems that de Haas' original script contained the base idea for "Identity Crisis" -- Enterprise crew members slowly mutating into another species -- but that the structure was wildly different. Brannon Braga was credited as the episode's writer, and he excised a subplot about Geordi and Leijten having a stalled romance. Braga removed the romantic subplot when he realized how many stalled romances Geordi had already gone through.

According to Piller, Geordi wasn't even the original protagonist. De Haas' had envisioned the mutations happening to several entirely new characters. Piller clearly liked de Haas' ideas but needed to re-shape the teleplay into something more in-keeping with the traditional style of the show. Piller explained:

"It was a very tough script to solve. [...] The script was originally bought as a spec script submitted by a fan, It was very heavy on point of view and [contained] stylistic devices we didn't want to do. The original script had two non-'Star Trek' characters going through what Geordi and [Leijten] eventually went through. It was a very complicated, complex production that the director did a terrific job on. It had scenes within scenes and I was very happy with the show."

The "scenes within scenes" refers to a sequence wherein Geordi recreates an old video log on the holodeck, allowing him to interact with a holographic version of his slightly younger self.

When Braga re-wrote de Haas' script, he also made the story way darker, implying that the mutating aliens had taken over more human bodies than previously assumed. Braga rethought that idea and turned in a final draft with only a few mutating aliens. He also finally made Geordi the protagonist of the story. "Those guys in production can really turn out a helluva product," Piller added.

Read the original article on SlashFilm