Sandcats: The Suanlar

Sandcats: The Suanlar

THE SUANLAR

SIZE: 6 feet at the shoulder when standing. Short-tailed.

COLOURATION:
They are very light tan to powdery white, with light, almost electric, blue markings on their backs, legs and (on the males) in their manes, and have rich blue eyes. These markings are rather pattern-like, making their pelts immensely sought after and highly expensive. Yet very few of these animals have ever fallen to hunters – they seem to outwit them at every turn.
Males are of a darker colouration than the females, although still pale.

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES:
To the average person, this cat might seem to be a desert-dwelling variation of the banlor, in size and strength, at least. There is a significant difference, though, when these cats are studied. They are more slender and efficiently built, having both most of the strength of the banlor, and agility to match (and exceed). Their large ears help them locate prey, as well as helping them with long distance communication.

CALL:
A howl-type call, pitch ranging from low and rough to medium-high.

DIET:
Desert herbivores and sometimes vegetation.

REPRODUCTION AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE:
The suanlar mates once in its lifetime to a single partner, and will not take another once that one dies. Their gestation period and litters are similar to those of the banlor. Offspring are not forced to leave once they reach breeding age (three years), but usually do so. The suanlar is a very solitary creature, roaming the desert with only its mate and offspring. They are not territorial and prefer to avoid contact with other creatures. Their home is the entire desert. These cats have great respect for one another and are immensely intelligent. They will gather sometimes in a type of mass-meeting. The purpose of these meetings is still a mystery.

HUNTING METHOD:
The suanlar often makes use of ‘distraction tactics’ – working in pairs to bring down their prey. Suanlar are very efficient hunters, possessing both incredible strength and agility. Prey is run down or ambushed.

TEMPERAMENT:
Few have encountered this cat, but it is said to be eerily aware of one, in a way no animal should be able to be. They are difficult to fathom, as they never allow one close enough to study their reactions to social situations and/or confrontations. They are suspected to be more passive than the banlor, but, like all animals, have a built-in ‘fight-or-flight’ instinct.

HABITAT:
Arid wastelands to desert areas.

General notes on the SUANLAR

Probably the most worshipped cat of all, this animal remains a mystery even to modern scientists and zoologists. It is near impossible to track down or confront, even spot. Its grace and beauty, but mostly its intelligent, unearthly air, cannot be overlooked and makes it clear as to why it was deemed a god by ancient cultures.