Author Rachel Vincent unveils the third novel in her werecat series Shifters in February with Pride from MIRA Books. Find out more about these paranormal books as Rachel tells you “Everything you ever wanted to know about werecats. (And a few things you probably didn’t.)”
by Rachel Vincent, author of Pride, Stray and Rogue
Pride, the third book in my Shifters series, came out on Feb. 1, and I am sooo excited about this book. I learned a ton writing the first two installments, Stray and Rogue, but I think Pride is where the series really hits its stride. There’s lots of action and tension, and some serious emotional upheaval, as well as a new Shifter species everyone seems to love.
So, in honor of my latest release, I give you:
Everything you ever wanted to know about werecats. (And a few things you probably didn’t.)
Some of these are things I’ve actually been asked, and some are things I’ve asked myself. But they’ve all entertained me greatly, and several have actually helped enrich the characters’ backstories.
Q. Do werecats shed?
A. Yes, they would if they spent significant time in cat form during the spring and summer. Fortunately, my cats spend just as much time in human form, so this isn’t really an issue.
Q. Do werecats get furballs? (Someone actually asked me this!)
A. Well, since they do shed and they do groom themselves, I’m gonna have to say it’s possible. But only if one spends an extraordinary amount of time licking his own fur. In cat form. So it’s not likely, thank goodness, because there is a limit to how far I’m willing to push the non-gore ick factor.
However, that very idea gives me the image of some poor tom out on a first date, coughing up a hairball in the restaurant. 
Q. Can you be allergic to a werecat?
A. Yes! In fact, Owen (Faythe’s unlucky-in-love brother—the one in the cowboy hat) once had a serious crush on a girl in high school. But their short-lived relationship was disastrous because she was allergic to cats, and she sneezed every time he got too close, with no idea what was setting off her allergy.
Q. If a werecat has piercings (Faythe has a navel ring), wouldn’t the holes heal up when s/he Shifts?
A. Yes, if the ring (or bar, or whatever) is removed. Which means piercing placement must be carefully considered, because it might rip through and fall out during a Shift if it’s in an area of the body that changes dramatically. But so far, Faythe’s bellybutton ring is doing just fine.
Q. Do werecats like catnip?
A. In large quantities, I’d have to say yes. But I also have to say it’s much easier to tame a werecat with a bottle of whiskey and a good scratch behind the ears than with a bag of catnip. And whiskey is less likely to embarrass him in retrospect, which means you’re more likely to keep your limbs intact.
Want to know more about werecats? Check out my Shifters series, including Pride, which just came out, and Prey, which will be out on July 1, 2009.
I’ve been wanting to read these books for a while. I think I’ll add them to my list.
Great post!
Rachel has written a great series. I urge you all to check it out if you haven’t already.
Thanks for answering my question about piercings. ^_^ Ya know I don’t think the idea of them getting furballs ever poped into my mind… The idea of it is funny though!
Thanks Rachel, this was great, I laughed so hard! Yes Furballs is kinda a disturbing thing, but I could see it happening, mostly to a newly developed Tom! Does Faythe’s belly ring seen inher cat form?
Hey Strohs! I would think her fur would hide it in cat form.
Great post Rachel!
I couldn’t help but laugh a few times at some of the questions and their answers!!
Great post! Love paranormal romance, looking for Pride at our local bookstore.
Rachel I love the furball answer.
)
That made me chuckle… No I am wondering
When the female were’s shif if there nails are
painted, Do the cats have painted claws??
Ooooh, Linda, good question!
Right now, I’m thinking that the process of rapidly growing claws out of nails would make the polish chip right off. Most of it, anyway.
You guys have such clever questions!