Nekomata (猫又, the "forked cat")

More about Nekomata (猫又, the "forked cat")

It represents an old house cat that grows a second tail, gains immense power, and often becomes a malicious shapeshifter.

The long-kept shadow, dark against the screen,
Now stands up straight where no cat should have been.

The spine uncurls, two tails rise in the air,
To fan the lantern flame with silky hair.

A wicked, rhythmic twitch of paw and hip,
A smile too wide upon a human lip.

The firelight flickers, but the dance is not for play—
It calls the bones of those she stole away.