Cat Wizards

There's a reason so many wizards have cat familiars.
Domestic cats are the result of binding spells placed on unspeakable beings and great old ones. As part of those spells, the ancient and unfathomable consciousness of those entities were divided into millions of parts, given form in miniature versions of the greatest super predators on Centras. Their tastes and inevitable thirst for conquering have been placated (for the moment), though they will occasionally attempt to murder humans or spontaneously generate eldritch cults.
Wizards realize the danger in keeping so many together as pets, but don't much care.
For wizards, the secrets trapped in the mind of a cat can be useful for their arcane research, and some cats still hold alien spells.

Career

Qualifications

A cat wizard cannot bring harm to a cat, nor can they deny a cat shelter. The definition of shelter varies. If one scratches at the door to your home, you must let it in. Cats can usually feed themselves and leave when there is no food left or if they feel like it. If a Cat Wizard breaks these rules, a cat will eat one of your spells permanently before running away.

Career Progression

Like all wizards, cat wizards must first learn the secrets of the arcane language so that their brain may reshape to hold spells within.
After a wizard has a basic understanding of magic, they can begin to study under the tutelage of a Cat Wizard. Alternatively, they can perform an ancient ritual to commune directly with the mind of a single cat. Such rituals are unpleasant, potentially fatal, and always involve an astral projection sent through at least one of the three layers of hell.

Payment & Reimbursement

Cat Wizards are typically paid for their services with a small dwelling for them and their cats at the edge of town.

Other Benefits

You'll never feel lonely again, and you'll grow surprisingly resistant to strong smells.
In addition, you will master the ability to move silently, and your saliva will have very minor healing properties.

Perception

Purpose

Cat wizards help to prevent the spontaneous formation of Cat-Kings, writhing masses of cats tied at the tail that begin to revert to their aberrant origin and intelligence.
Many also become adventurers or niche, expert scholars.

Social Status

Respected for the works they perform but kept at a distance due to their spell.

Operations

Tools

Spells and Cats. Lots and lots of cats.

Materials

Cat-nip comes in handy.

Workplace

Dusty towers and rickety shacks filled to the brim with stray cats.

Provided Services

They can easily quell a growing cat population. They provide usual or specialized spell-casting services. Their primary service is to prevent the generation of Cat-Kings.

Dangers & Hazards

Cat Wizards have a high risk of becoming insane, though many still perform their duties after the insanity takes hold.
Other afflictions unique to Cat Wizards include spontaneous carnivorism, "bad luck", and dangers usually associated with long periods of isolation.

Alternative Names

Panther Shamans, Cat Lords, Caracal Doctors, Crazy-Cat People

Demand

Cat Wizards are rarely demanded, but have an uncanny ability to show up when and where they are needed.

Legality

The few towns that have tried banning Cat Wizards no longer exist.