Raccoon and tanuki aren't actually related to each other, they just look similar. In terms of taxonomy, it's got more in common with early dog species, and is considered a basal canid (a class which includes the gray fox).
Wouldn't that make Nico compatible with Rin (or for that matter, Nozomi and Eri too) since I don't think leopards are known for eating mice, whereas domestic cats and foxes are.
I hope they're making a doujins of this two character. Seeing this two picture. I just love seeing them. Especially warspite and kongou. I wish that they will make a doujin version. Of them.