Nal-Myo

Nal-Myo
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Family:	Felidae
Binomial name
Felis catus praepes
Trinomial name
飛猫 Korea Ecosystem Promotion Agency, 1967

Nal-Myo (Felis catus praepes), commonly referred to as the flying cat, is a small domesticated carnivorous mammal. Nal-Myo is believed to have existed in the Haeseo region and other surrounding areas since about 8500 years ago, and is a species whose appearance and genetic information are very similar to cats. Nal-Myo has been domesticated by Indigenous peoples since a long time ago, when it was not presumed, and since the Haeseo pioneering, it has spread as a pet throughout Haeseo and the mainland of Joseon.

Description

Nal-Myo's genetic information and behavior are very similar to those of ordinary cats. Like ordinary cats, Nal-Myo mainly hunts for small animals, acts around its domain, and prefers high places. Nal-Myo's unique feature is its wings. It can use its wings to ascend high places, where ordinary cats or ground animals cannot climb. Using these features, Nal-Myo can turn high places into hiding places, or hunt animals that live high up there.

Behaviour

Nal-Myo, like birds of prey, can dive from the sky and hunt animals on the ground. However, the Nal-Myo is considered less capable of hunting flying animals, such as birds. This is because the Nal-Myo, which makes no difference in physical characteristics from ordinary cats except for its wings, has to spend a lot of energy maintaining stability in its posture during flight.

Like many cats, Nal-Myo does not live in groups, as they are also territorial animals. In environments where food is abundant but fierce hunting competition, Nal-Myo sometimes appears to collaborate in groups, but this is far from a permanent group.

Lifespan and health

Growing up in the wild, the average lifespan of a Nal-Myo is about 10 years. However, the average lifespan of a Nal-Myo under human periodic care is about 20-25 years.

Interaction with humans

Nal-Myo can interact with humans like other cats. Nal-Myo was domesticated by humans for at least 1,000 years and is now preferred as a pet in many places, including Joseon. Since cats, including Nal-Myo, are more independent than dogs, they are considered to be less friendly to humans and less expressive through behavior. However, this is a common perception, and most cats, including Nal-Myo, tend to follow their owners, recognizing them as high individuals. Raised by humans, Nal-Myo often provides humans with the outcome of their successful hunting or expresses familiarity by acting cutely to humans.