Ältefett

The Ältefett, also known as the Milk Cat, is a small belonging to the  family native to southwestern Andemyr and the island of Halvmåne. It is of a generally dark colour, mostly black or red, with a pale mouth and nose. Occasionally, skin mutations such as may occur. Compared to other species of or polecats, the Ältefett has a more compact build and is less timid to humans - likely the main contributor to its  status.

The Milk Cat is much less territorial to other members of the same family. Like other mustelids, the Ältefett is polygamous, with pregnancy occurring after mating, with no. The animal usually has its kits in the summer, bearing as many as 20 kits, which become independent after five to ten months. The animal is, eating small birds, rabbits, moles, mice, amphibians, reptiles, as well as many edible plants. The Milk Cat kills its prey by piercing its skull with one of its sharp teeth, storing the animal - sometimes still living - in its den to eat later or feed to its kits.

The Ältefett originated in western Azora, mostly located in the Kavian region. The species has been hunted to near extinction for its fur and meat, now only existing in few protected areas in southern Andemyr and several zoos. The species has otherwise been viewed positively by humans, the animal being prominent in Myrish Paganism and other Myrish lore. In the Bronze and Iron age of Andemyr, the creature was sometimes followed to be lead to fresh water or food, and evidence shows that humans may have kept the polecat as pets or hunting partners.

Etymology
Älte, the Myrish word for Milk, was given to the species because the pale colour around its nose and mouth, creating the appearance that it had been drinking milk. Fett, or Fette, is a common Myrish word given to any small - particularly cute - mammal.

The name Ältefett dates back to roughly 910 BC, first found documented in Myrish stories and folklore.

Description
The milkcat is a typical representative of the genus Mustela, having a greatly elongated body with short limbs. However, compared to its close relative, the Tarsis weasel, the milkcat is more compact and less thinly built, thus approaching ferrets and Azoran polecats in build. The milkcat has a large, broad head with short ears. The limbs are short, with relatively well-developed membranes between the digits, particularly on the hind feet. The mustelid's tail is short, and does not exceed half the animal's body length (constituting about 40% of its length). The it's skull is less elongated than the kolonok's, with more widely spaced zygomatic arches and has a less massive facial region. In general characteristics, the skull is intermediate in shape between that of the Tarsis weasel and the Azoran polecat. Overall, the skull is less specialized for carnivory than that of polecats and the American mink. Males measure 373–430 mm (14.7–16.9 in) in body length, while females measure 352–400 mm (13.9–15.7 in). Tail length is 153–190 mm (6.0–7.5 in) in males and 150–180 mm (5.9–7.1 in). Overall weight is 550–800 grams (1.21–1.76 lb). It is a fast and agile animal, which swims and dives skilfully. It is able to run along stream beds, and stay underwater for one to two minutes. When swimming, it paddles with both its front and back limbs simultaneously.

Size
small.

Distribution and habitat
southwestern andemyr in protected forests

Diet
rodents, birds, amphibians, rodents, plants

Reproduction and lifespan
they live around 10 years

Relationship with humans
The animal was once believed to store a deity of food and fertility. If killed, the killer would receive good luck in their future hunting sessions.

Pre-modern interaction
hunted

Conservation
protected areas and zoos

Cultural significance
The animal was once believed to store a deity of food and fertility. If killed, the killer would receive good luck in their future hunting sessions.