A Circassian cat was a mammal that could be kept as a pet. Geordi La Forge was given a Circassian cat as his first pet in 2343, at the age of eight. He fondly remembered the cat well into his adulthood. In 2368, while discussing a Human's ability to recall past events, La Forge told Data he could not remember what he did for his birthday the previous year, but could clearly remember when he first got his Circassian cat. He recalled the excitement he felt at the time and noted that the animal looked "funny" to him. (TNG: "Violations" )