April 17, 2025
Tabaxi

Tabaxi: I Mimicked Them & Got Covered in Fur

Alright, let me paint a picture for you. Tabaxi—those feline humanoids from Dungeons & Dragons. Think cats, but taller, smarter, and way more agile. I’d been hearing stories about them for ages. These creatures are fast, stealthy, and wild. They jump from trees, run through jungles, and seem to know every secret of the universe. Naturally, curiosity got the best of me, and I decided: why not become one? Yeah, that’s where things got… complicated. I didn’t just adopt their movements or their mindset. Nope. I ended up covered in fur. Here’s the kicker—I loved it.

But let me backtrack. You’re probably wondering, “What’s the deal with these Tabaxi?” Well, I’m getting to that.

Who Are the Tabaxi?

So, here’s the 411 on the Tabaxi: These are cat people. Not the ones you see walking around in those cringy costume stores—nope. These are sleek, powerful, and mysterious. Their sharp claws and eyes that could spot a mouse from a mile away make them perfect for hunting and sneaking around like, well, cats. They have a natural agility that most could only dream of, and they’re always seeking adventure. And, truth be told, they’re wicked cool. But, let me tell you, mimicking them didn’t go exactly as planned.

I wasn’t just interested in the whole “feline strength and agility” part. No, I wanted the full package. The fur. The claws. The primal energy. And, spoiler alert: I got way more than I bargained for.

What Makes Tabaxi Different? Let’s Break It Down:

  • Appearance: Picture a humanoid with fur, sharp claws, and cat-like agility. There’s no “ugly Tabaxi” here, y’all. These folks are sleek and smooth like the coolest big cat you’ve ever seen.
  • Abilities: They’re fast. I mean, faster than your cousin’s car that was once a “project.” Tabaxi can jump higher than most athletes, run like the wind, and blend into their environment like they’re born in the shadows.
  • Personality: One word: curious. They wander the world, learning, adventuring, and collecting stories. Kinda like your friend who’s always traveling—never stationary, constantly discovering.
  • Combat: Oh, and let’s not forget the claws. Let’s just say if a Tabaxi were in your yard and you were a squirrel? You’d be in trouble. Real fast.

Where Do Tabaxi Live?

Tabaxi are adventurers by nature. They don’t want to sit around in one place—nope, that’s boring to them. They prefer dense jungles, ancient ruins, or even vast cities where they can collect stories and treasures. Their homes are as varied as their interests. Some love exploring jungles, while others can be found hanging out in urban sprawl, finding treasure, or solving mysteries.

Honestly, I didn’t get all the way into their nomadic lifestyle. I had one too many bad experiences with Wi-Fi on the road. But I did try to adapt a bit to their lifestyle and mindset.

My Attempt to Become a Tabaxi

Okay, so here’s where I dove headfirst into the Tabaxi lifestyle. I wasn’t about to just “become agile” or “adopt their curiosity.” No, I wanted it all.

First things first—fur. I mean, come on, if you’re gonna mimic a Tabaxi, you need the fur. After hours of internet research (which ended in a few very questionable YouTube recommendations), I ordered a custom faux fur suit. It wasn’t cheap, but let me tell you, when that package arrived, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning.

Fast forward past a few awkward attempts at wearing it in public (I didn’t quite nail the “casual Tabaxi stroll”), and I had my first taste of what it meant to look like one of these cat-like creatures.

But there’s more. Because you see, fur isn’t just a look—it’s a way of life.

The Agility Thing (Oh, Boy…)

Let me tell you, Tabaxi are fast. Fast like the time I tried to run from a raccoon after dropping a whole pizza crust in the yard (spoiler: the raccoon won). Anyway, back to my agility journey.

I tried to do what any self-respecting wannabe Tabaxi would: work on my agility. Yoga, calisthenics, and plenty of awkward sprints in my backyard. It didn’t take long before I realized this wasn’t going to be a “weekend project.” My body, at first, felt like a bowling ball trying to roll uphill. But like any good adventure, I kept pushing through, even though I could barely touch my toes (looking at you, hamstrings).

Then came the climbing. Oh, I thought I was good at climbing… until I tried scaling my first tree. Let me just say, my arms have never been more sore. It took two days for my legs to forgive me. But once I got the hang of it? I felt like a Tabaxi. It was pure magic, y’all. Leaping from branch to branch, feeling that rush of wind in my face—it felt like my very own adventure.

But… then there was the fur.

Getting Covered in Fur

Right about now, I should probably explain how the fur part played out. At first, it was all fun and games. The fur was soft and felt like I was wrapped in a cozy blanket. But… the more I wore it, the more I felt like I was the fur. My arms, legs, face—covered. It started to feel like a part of me.

But then came the issues. The maintenance of the fur. It wasn’t like buying a new pair of jeans and tossing them in the wash. Nah. This fur needed care. I had to brush it, clean it, and—honestly, just between us—I didn’t even know what I was doing half the time.

Let me tell you: I spent hours trying to groom my Tabaxi-like self. At one point, I thought I’d lost the fight to a pile of tangled faux fur. I spent a solid hour just trying to untangle it… which led to me calling my mom to vent. “Why is this so hard?” I asked her. “Is this how real cats feel when they try to untangle their whiskers?”

Anyway. The fur didn’t just stay on me—no, it started to grow on me. Literally. As time went on, I felt a strange connection to this new form. The fur became a symbol of the Tabaxi inside me.

My “Tabaxi Mindset” (I’m Not Always Sure It’s a Good Thing)

The thing that surprised me the most about mimicking the Tabaxi? The mindset. These cat-like creatures are curious. So curious that they can’t help but chase new experiences.

I found myself wanting to travel more. Like, way more. I started scouting out new places, researching obscure cafes in far-off cities, and planning wild road trips. The “wanderlust” I experienced wasn’t just a small itch—it was a full-on craving. Who knew that a little bit of faux fur could ignite that kind of fire?

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. I definitely found myself in situations I’d rather not talk about (like when I tried climbing a tree in public, and it ended with me stuck halfway up—don’t ask). But it was fun. Terrifying, but fun.

Lessons I Learned from My Tabaxi Transformation

  • Curiosity is Key: The Tabaxi’s never-ending thirst for adventure? It’s contagious. I’m never going back to my couch potato ways. It’s all about the thrill now.
  • Strength Comes in Odd Packages: Physical strength isn’t just about lifting weights—sometimes, it’s about embracing your body’s natural abilities. Like climbing a tree, for instance. Or, you know, just running faster than you thought you could.
  • Live with Freedom: The Tabaxi live freely and without regret. Me? I still get a little nervous about spontaneity, but after this transformation, I’m learning to loosen up. Not every decision needs to be meticulously planned (except when it comes to fur grooming, obviously).

Conclusion (I Guess I’m a Tabaxi Now)

Mimicking the Tabaxi wasn’t a walk in the park. It was more like running a marathon in full cat costume. But as I stand here now, covered in fur (and still learning how to manage it), I realize something: I’ve discovered a new way to approach life. A more adventurous, curious, and free way. Maybe I’m not a full-on Tabaxi just yet—but I sure feel like one sometimes. And hey, if you ever catch me leaping across a fence in a faux fur suit, just know this: I’m probably living my best life.

 

Written by
Susan Jessica
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Written by Susan Jessica