Baset

Basets are a fairly rare and highly valued house pet, although the term is not entirely accurate. Companion animal would be more appropriate term. They are very feline in appearance, with very long tails and large ears and typically look like a standard house cat except for a few difference.

For one, basets can grow much larger than a house cat, although they are so varied many do not. Another difference in appearance is the presence of two smaller eyes set behind and somewhat higher up on the head than the main eyes. This second pair of eyes is “slaved” to the main set of eyes in that the left secondary eye moved in tandem with the left primary eye, etc. These smaller secondary eyes see in the infrared spectrum instead of the normal spectrum.

In terms of more physiological differences, on major thing that sets them apart from all other felines is the presence of an extra thumb-like dewclaw on their front paws, superficially similar to those found on polydactyl cats. The difference, however, is that this claw grows especially long, especially sharp, can be independently retracted or protracted, and can inject a potent neurotoxin.

Even less visible, though much more important to taxonomy, is the fact that basets are monotremes. Thus, among other differences, they lay eggs and have a lower metabolic rate than most mammals. Typically they are fairly long lived, averaging between thirty and forty years.

The most interesting thing about basets, however, is the fact that they are the only known animal besides humans to possess any empathic or telepathic ability, although theirs is comparatively minor.

In terms of behavior, basets tend to imprint on a single individual and become incredibly protective, loyal, and dependent upon that individual for the rest of their lives.