I meant to tell you earlier, your Cardassians-as-therapsids got the ok from a veterinarian (aka my mom).
Alternatively, Cardassians could be more bird-like than reptilian. This would account for the scaly skin and their “hair” would actually be very fine feathers that we mistake for hair.
Another explanation that my mom offered was that they’re traditionally mammalian and their scales are formed like those of a pangolin or armadillo (solidified hair).
I actually prefer the therapsid theory (it seems more likely considering Star Trek biology), but I thought you might find the alternative explanations interesting!
— themanfromnantucket

very fine feathers

how i love this

it is very possible that both you and your mother vie for the title of coolest person in existence.