Little Fuzzy

Published in 1962, 'Little Fuzzy' by H. Beam Piper is a science fiction novel that follows prospector Jack Holloway on the planet Zarathustra as he encounters small, furry creatures that exhibit signs of intelligence. The story revolves around the legal and ethical implications of determining whether these creatures are animals or sapient beings, which would protect their habitat from commercial exploitation. The novel raises questions about sentience and the rights of intelligent life forms, making it a notable work in the genre.