The matadroli /ˈmɑtɑdrəʊli/ is a diminutive stranger characterized by the two pointed, ear-like protrusions on its head. The stranger's exact markings vary between individuals, but coloration tends towards shades of black, white, and grey, with only very slight saturation in certain lights. Half of individuals possess four nub-like, clawless toes on each foot, while the remaining fifty percent lack toes entirely.

The matadroli's skin is soft, warm, and pleasant to the touch,^ᵭ and generates static electricity when rubbed tail-to-head. The eye markings reflect light in a manner similar to a nocturnal animal's tapetum lucidum, making them greatly visible in low light^Ꝕ levels.

It has no mouth, but it meows.^Ꝡ

The matadroli appears in a wide range of outdoor environments, and seems to favor peaceful areas whose varying levels offer a wide vantage point of its surroundings, such as porches, awnings, the stairways in back alleys, or the stone walls around bushy gardens. It is only very rarely found in industrial or wholly interior locales.

The matadroli's demeanor is playful and cheerful. it possesses an inherent^Қ and ingratiating^Ꚋ curiosity towards most things around it. It is curious, if not rambunctiously so, and rummages through trash cans and dumpsters, follows sounds and movements,^Ӊ and climbs along the tops of fences, and up trees. It plays with strings or crumpled up pieces of paper, and chases and attacks any cockroach, or small animal that it finds.^Ꚇ

Its days are spent aimlessly wandering through its environment, with semi-periodic patrols around the perimeter, and frequent periods of rest that resemble naps. It displays aversion to loud and sudden sounds, changes within its environment, and being splashed with water. It also acts terrified of dogs, hissing and growing defensive before it runs away – or attempts to, as dogs seem compelled to attack and rip apart the strain, regardless of their overall aggression and demeanor.

For the most part, the matadroli is a solitary strain. It lacks any territorial drive, however, and is always friendly towards other matadroli that it encounters. Small groups of matadroli sometimes gather for short periods of time, and in these unstructured congregations, they meow, cuddle, and play amongst themselves before dispersing just as randomly.

The matadroli meanders with confidence towards any lone sensitive it sees. Nearly all contact elicit a response of joy; the stranger rolls onto its back, curls up into a ball, or rubs against the sensitive's legs, a steady stream of purrs and meows emanating outward from its small, round body.

Despite its attraction towards individuals, the matadroli always avoids directly engaging with groups of sensitives. Instead, it watches from a distance, finding a secluded perch from which to watch with cautious concern.

Cat corpses, however, cause enormous distress^ᵹ to the matadroli. It mewls for hours upon encountering one, and stays by the body's side, offering its companionship until decomposition sets in. When the matadroli does eventually leave the body behind, it does so with its head, ears, and tail hung low, and with several hopeful glances backwards before it appears to give up.

It returns to its usual cheery self only upon meeting another living cat or matadroli.

Otherwise, only dead beetles or mice draw the matadroli's attention as playthings; all other corpses are ignored, as are body parts in isolation.

At the end of its life, the matadroli curls up into a ball as though falling asleep. Its purrs grow quiet as it fades away without complaint, until it disappears into thin air. Though other matadroli mewl with plaintive dismay at the loss of their companion and paw the empty spot, the matadroli leaves the world in the way that it came – without impact.