Gryff

Small domesticated gryphons, gryffs are common pets in the magical world, especially among magical humans. They are often compared to domestic cats, especially behavior-wise, but are mostly unrelated, as gryffs are magical felines and thus branched from the greater feline family tree in the distant past.
Despite being bred for companionship, gryffs retain many traits from their full-grown ancestors, and can thus be somewhat of a hand-full. They tend to be curious and investigative, and require much stimulation and entertainment to occupy themselves. If no entertainment (or insufficient entertainment) is provided, they will go and find it themselves. And, as flying cats, they will get into whatever you didn't want them to get into. Between talons, beaks, and teeth, gryffs can do quite a bit of damage to an unprepared house, even unintentionally.
When sufficiently taken care of, however, gryffs are excellent companions. They bond strongly to their owners, and will fight threats many times their size to keep their owners safe. Although this can be a downside as well, for poorly socialized gryffs may attack strangers, mistaking them for threats.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Anatomically, gryffs strongly resemble gryphons, just in miniature. Their proportions are more like those of a domestic cat than normal for gryphons (or griffins), but they retain the same avian traits as their ancestors.
Gryffs are a highly diverse domesticated species, and show much variation in appearance and coloration. Some breeds exist, but many gryffs are essentially mutts, with no distinct breeds or lineage. Some traits which may vary among individuals include beak shape, feather vs fur delineation, length of fur and/or feathers, amount of fur/feathers on front legs, shape of wings, and of course, coloration and patterning.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Gryffs are obligate carnivores, and thus require a diet of meat and fish only. However, similar to domestic cats, kibble exists which replaces much of their dietary needs. In combination with wet food designed for gryffs, they can be fed properly without feeding them raw meat or fish.
Despite their long domesticated history, gryffs retain a strong hunting instinct, and many will pursue small (prey) animals if they see one. As such, they are best kept inside, for both their own safety and that of potential prey animals.

Behaviour

Most gryffs are highly curious beings, which love to investigate. They maintain strong hunting instincts, which drive them to hunt and play. However, they're also highly social and highly protective, and bond strongly with other members of their group, such as owners or other pets.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Griffin

Scientific Name

Ornithofelis domesticus familiaris