Forums » RP Discussion » What is a Neko.

Hey everyone. I have made one of my characters a Neko/Tiefling/Vampire/Human shifter, but other than the facts on Nekos that I know (Such as that they are half cat and are usually servants to humans), I have no knowledge on how I should use his Neko form in roleplays. If anyone knows more about Nekos and how they can be used as characters, please let me know so I can update that part of his profile. Thnx, Arcol.

There's no rules when it comes to playing a Neko (or any race but I digress)

Nekos aren't ancient mythological species with deep lore and strictly defined powers or relationship with humans. They've only been around for a few decades and there's no consistent portrayal of them. Generally they're just humans with catlike personalities (aloofness, fickleness, independence) but even that doesn't have any great consistency. I know 'servant to humans' is a common trope but it is by far not the only one.

So quite frankly play your character as you please. If you don't like the master/servant trope - then don't do it. You could even have it so it may be commonplace in your world but your character is rebelling against it or subverting it.

Thank you for the insight. I think my character(s) will benefit from this conversation, as I really had no idea about Nekos at first.

Proper term would be "Nekomata" or "Nekomimi". Since Neko is just a domestic cat in Japanese. Which as been adopted to "Cat person" by RPers. I see no issue with that.

So, there is no limit. Hope you have fun!

Sorry for being nitpicky here Asroc, but I think the correct term is "nekonomimi"? I might be wrong though. There's also two types of demon cat called "nekomata" and "bakeneko", from Japanese traditional folklore. That could be fun to play around with as well!

To further specify from what I understand of Japanese folklore, Nekomata in specific are a type of yokai that typically appear as a cat with two tails. Usually they're evil or mischievous, again if I'm understanding things right.

I don't know anything about Nekomimi's, but I think, from my brief googles searches, that those are the typical Human with cat ears and tail Neko.

Nekonomimi? Have I been reading it wrong all this time?
Because I always see/read Kemonomimi
Might just be a more specified version or something

call them a catperson

I thought Kemonomimi to be like for example human version of Pokémon or something... But I just don't really know.

Yeah. Some media has them appear human like with ears and tails. Much like any person with animal ears and tails. I.E Fire Emblem with the fox and wolf humanoids.

It is fun to play around, though! Be more funny if the said character would try to hide their ears and tails to the public.

Just thought I should clarify since there seems to be some confusion.

Kemonomimi literally means “animal ears” and is a more generic term. This can be use for people who have dog ears, wolf, bunny, etc, not just cat.

Nekonomimi literally means “cat ears” and specifically refers to cat people.

Thanks for clearing that up.

I feel stupid for being wrong when correcting someone lmao


But I suppose I learned something new today so it's all good!

Gijinka are the 'human version of pokemon' for what I'm experienced with x2


Yeah thought that that might have been a 'less specific' term for it~~

Ripped from Wikiapedia and all
"kemonomimi (which are human-like characters that have animal features), "
So yea.

Nekonomimi - Literally "Ears(mimi) of a(no) Cat(neko)"

Kemonomimi - Literally "Beast/Animal(kemono) Ears(mimi)"