Kerubi



(ker-OO-bee)

Kerubi are fuzzy, soft, playful little creatures native to the Saherimos desert. Once, they were only owned by the very wealthy, and were considered the most honorable of all pets. A rise in breeding and popularity eventually turned them into commonplace animals. Now, they are one of the few species in Subeta now known to be completely domesticated; with the exception of a very small feral population in the Saherimos, kerubi are found exclusively in the homes of Subetans all over the world.

Relatively sturdy creatures, kerubi stand slightly below the knee and weigh around 15-20 lbs (6.8-9kg). They have thick fur that is very dense without being overly hairy or heavy, believed to have evolved to protect them from the harsh conditions of the Saherimos. Despite this dense coat, they require very little grooming outside of loving a regular dust bath. Those that live in natural sandy areas can simply let their kerubi out, and they will gladly roll in sand or dirt to remove excess grease and oil from their fur! Owners that live in more urban or grassy areas must supply a sandy bath for their kerubi a few times a week, though most owners agree that watching their companions roll in the dirt is one of the best perks of owning one. They are obligate carnivores and do need a rich, meaty diet, and commercial kerubi diets are readily available at stores throughout Subeta – though they will gladly take a treat of the occasional momobo berry or snap pea.

Kerubi breeding is very popular, and there are large numbers of breeders concentrating on bringing out new colors and varieties of kerubi – and they are often among the first to jump on any new color in Subeta. In fact, the feathers on the kerubi's head came about as a breeding program hundreds of years ago. Originally seen as a fashionable marker for the most prim and proper of kerubi, it has now become a breed standard. Kerubi come into season only about once a year, generally around spring, and can have anywhere from two to eight kits a litter. They are born with a layer of fuzz, with eyes and ears open at birth, and they can run and jump within a day or two of birth! They are ready to be separated from their mother at only six weeks. Like some other domestic animals, the father rarely has anything to do with the litter, other than taking part in its creation.

Kerubi can be taught basic commands, and food-motivated kerubi can even be taught tricks and how to leash walk. They are not overall the brightest of creatures, however, which may contribute to the fact that they are no longer found in true wild populations. Even semi-feral kerubi will take up residence near a human's dwelling, and they will not turn down hand-outs of scraps or bowls of food. Many people who have fed a stray kerubi, in fact, will come home one day to find that stray curled up on their stoop, ready to come in and be a pampered house pet!


Kerubi has been viewed 5,717 times.

[Search]