Neko-mata

Neko-mata can be quite civilized, often wearing clothing and speaking in human language. This one is also apparently hiding its second tail under the kimono. Don’t let down your guard, however!

I’m hard at work these days on the sequel to Deadly Flowers, and so I’m encountering a delightfully creepy new crop of legendary creatures from Japan.

Such as the neko-mata.

Now, I’m a cat person. It doesn’t feel right to fall asleep at night without something furry and warm and purring cuddled up close by. But if you ever meet a cat with two tails, or a single tail that forks at the end–watch out. This is no ordinary cat.

Neko-mata walk on their hind legs, they can awaken and control the dead, and they have a taste for human flesh. If a stray cat comes to your door and begs to be let in, be careful to count the tails first.