How to Skin a Cat (or a Neko)
Jungle Voodoo’s Leopard skins, “Neko style” (click any of these photos to enlarge)
One of the questions I hear most often is where to find good skins for Nekos in Second Life. While it would be easy to provide the names of the most popular Neko stores that sell skins, I prefer a challenge. And so my fellow Neko friends, I have compiled an extensively researched list of Neko skin stores, categorized and complete with SLURLS for your shopping convenience.
However, before you click the link at the bottom of this page to see the full list, you might want to take a moment to read a few notes about what information I included, and why:
Atomic Kitty’s “Hope” skin… one of my choices for a Neko-appropriate “human” skin
Hey! What about…..
Yes, it’s highly possible that you’re going to know of a skin store I’ve missed, which is why I rely on comments from my loyal readers to help me fill in our collective Neko knowledge.
Simply drop me an email (contact information can be found on my “About This Kitteh” page) along with an SLURL to the store if possible, and I’ll be happy to check out their skin options personally.
Please note: This is not a post about all the great “human” skin stores in Second Life with goth skin tones. I did however select a few human skins that I felt had some unique characteristic(s) that might appeal to Nekos.
Frick Skins… adorable and affordable!
Just bear in mind that the definition of “unique human skin” is based entirely on my very own (usually subjective but not necessarily humble) opinion. ^_^
A sampling of Neko skins at Hybrid (click photo to enlarge)
It’s All About Genetics
Because we Nekos come in a variety of genetic variables, my skin reviews required some form of categorization:
Several of Nikita Fride’s “human style” skins would make a sexeh grrl kitteh…
Human Skins: Some of us are very nearly human, the only difference being our lovely ears and tails. Sometimes however, the scrappy alley cat genes come through, as evidenced by the occasional scar, black eye, or bloody lip on what is technically a “human” skin.
Neko Skins: Still others of us are further along in our transformation, and prefer skins that come complete with tiger stripes, calico spots, furry bellies, or other more “Neko”-like markings.
In this category, options abounded… from the range of skin tones (whites, browns, blacks, and even blueberry), to the detailing in leopard spots, to the amount of textural “fur” apparent on the skin itself.
Just a few from Curious Kitties (click photo to enlarge)
Often, as in the above example from Curious Kitties, you’ll find the option of buying a whole avatar (shape, skin, ears, tail, and eyes). Some stores even offer “spotted tattoos” if you like the skin you’re in, but want to “cat it up” a bit.
PixelPaws’ unique ‘Sylvana” skin — think tribal spots
Time to Shop…
Hopefully these two categories — Human and Neko — will help you select a skin that best reflects your true genetic heritage. Oh… I’ve even indicated whether the store sells male skins (M), female skins (F), or both (yes guys, I’m always thinking of you). : ahem :
Okay… without further ado… click this link to see the full list of skin stores and SLURLS:
Take me to the Virtual Neko Skin List!
© Stacia Villota / Virtual Neko in Second Life – 2008
http://virtualneko.com
=^..^=
Virtual Neko in Second Life 
[…] Whether it’s a “human” style skin with some unique eye make-up or bruises, or a full on “Neko style” skin with stripes or spots (the one in this photo is even a freebie!), I’ve tracked down some of the best for your shopping pleasure — categorized and complete with SLURLS for your convenience… all on my Virtual Neko blog. […]
Nice picks, and thanks so much for putting together this list! I have some additions to recommend but will definitely check out the numerous places I hadn’t heard of! Thanks!
Nice selection of skins. It is fun to see them all together and such a variety. I have some neko skins that has a different look from these, see: http://rpavatars.wordpress.com/
[…] one of my past blog posts covering Neko Skin Stores, you’ll find photos of Atomic’s female skin called Hope. Adjacent to the skin section of the store are four great tattoos. Continue towards the front […]
[…] eyes (c’est moi). Others are further along in our “transformation,” preferring skins with calico spots, furry belly texture, or even tiger stripes. These more “feral” Nekos sometimes wear additional cat-like accoutrements, including […]