There are many theories as to their origin, some say that they are the original beastem native to tamriel, others that they evolved from their altmeri cousins, and others still that azura morphed them from the bosmer shape shifting capabilities (this is unlikely since eearly records form early bosmer speak of the jungle cats that ruled the south and east of tamriel, as do those of other mer and men.)
Hmm... that would be hard to contemplate in our mod, but Azura does play a significant part in Elsweyr's religion, and perhaps the Khajiit believe this is their origin? (Azura's theory?)
The khajiit treat it as the creation myth of a dead religion, htey prefer to be known as the beastmen.
Perhaps some cults still worship Azura, and believe that it was Azura who brought them to Tamriel?
Makes for some good plot.
Maybe there are some bosmer who declare the khajiit unholy mangled phonies.
And some Khajiit who think of the Bosmer as beings who've been stripped of their fur and manes for an ancient disgrace against the gods?
Nah, the origin of mer is pretty accepted as being from pyandonea.
hrug:
Worth a try. Maybe all men and mer are considered unholy by this Khajiit movement...
Is a legend, the pocket guide 3E offers a lot of info to refute it.