Guide to Healing

[attr="class","eleventh"]The following post is a general overload of what terminology can be used, and the correct techniques to use for all things herb related.


[attr="class","eleventh"]Ingest » To eat or drink, consume.

Sedate » To make sleepy or make fall asleep. To calm.

Tonic » Similar to a poultice, but ingested. Herbal material is crushed or chewed then placed on a broad, cupping leaf where water is applied to make the mixture a drinkable liquid.

Poultice » A soft, moist mass of material, typically of plant material, applied to the body. Medicine cats chew and spit out or crush (depending on the oils in a plant and how they may affect oneself if ingested while chewing) a plant’s leaves, roots, or seeds to be used in a poultice. Sometimes water from moss may be applied to make the poultice more moist. Occasionally honey may be used to make the poultice stick to the body better.


[attr="class","eleventh"]Wet Herbs
» While herbs are meant to be wet when creating a poultice or a tonic, while in storage they will need to remain dry so as to not rot. It is best to not harvest herbs during the morning when dew is still on them - or after a lot of rain, unless you are in dire need. If they happen to be wet, it is best to lay them on a warm rock in the sun to dry.


Poisonous Herbs
» While poisonous herbs or berries are brought into the den for the sole purpose of being used on predators - they can also assist in helping ease a feline into the afterlife if their current state of being is to painful. This can only be done if the feline asks for the berries or herbs. This may not be done without consent.


Herb Collection
» When collecting herbs, it is important to not deplete an area. Gathering just enough to get you through. However if one is truly desperate and you know of another location for the herbs, then one might be desperate enough to do so.

It is also best to not go out for fresh herbs when only one stock is low. If you find that there are two or three herb stocks getting low, this is ideally the best time to go out and gather more herbs. However if it is going to long between one store being depleted and others, Medicine cats are encouraged to go out if needed.



[attr="class","eleventh"]Broken Bone Test
» Gently nipping or poking ones spine, tail or leg to see if it is broken.

Licking
» This technique has several purposes' cleaning wounds, calming a feline in shock/grieving or to help a cat warm up that is extremely cold. Additionally at birth, kitten's fur is licked the wrong way to warm them and help their breathing.

Death Rituals
» To mask the smell of death, many cats apply mint and lavender to the feline's body.

Easier Ingestion
» Using select herbs (mint or berries) or honey can be used to help a feline ingest select herbs or tonics.

Water Treatment
» Water treatment has several different stages. They will be listed here with details on what they do.

To help sooth and bring down swelling, have the patient hold their wound in cold water. To ease scraped pads, also have patients soak their pads in cool water.

Swimming is great therapy for patients who have weak muscles, bones, stiff joints as well as any injuries that require the patient to reuse a limb. It allows the patient to build up their strength without putting full body weight on a newly injured limb.

Wetting a Moss Ball
» To bring down a fever, the patient can either gather a moss ball soaked in water for themselves, or if they are to weak to do so - a medicine cat will apply it to their head for them.

Additionally, this remedy a headache if needed.

Clearing Lungs
» When a Medicine cat believes their patient to have fluid or mucus in their lungs or chest, they may ask their patient to yowl or wail as loudly as they can to clear the blockages.

All things Stomachs
» Stomachs are tricky things, for the most part - they have several illnesses that can relate to them - among them pregnancy.

When a Medicine cat feels their patient has swallowed something poisonous or not good for their ingestion, they may use herbs to induce vomiting. This however does not mean they will assist if the feline has a simply stomachache. They may just recommend rest for such an illness.

However if a patient comes in with a descended belly, the medicine cat will place their ear against the belly to determine if the patient is pregnant, bloated or has worms. The sound and feel of the body can determined how the Medicine Cat will diagnose the patient.

A pregnant she-cat will be hard and sound like distant rushing water, while a bubbly sounding and painful belly will be a sign of a bloated feline. If a patient has worms their belly will have a dull sound and will be extremely painful.

Pregnant Patients
» When handling a pregnant patient in labour, one must be careful not to overdose their patient. You do not want to have your patient becoming sedated during labor and unable to push. Choose your herbs wisely and keep them to low enough number so as to not endanger the patient.

Removing Objects
» When removing a burr, splinter, thorn or torn claw - do not directly pull upwards. An angled approach will provide the feline with more relief, and make the removal easier.

[attr="class","eleventh"]The following post is a general outline for everything a medicine cat or tribe healer would do. While some traditions are outdated, they are still listed here for simplistic reasonings.


[attr="class","eleventh"]1. A medicine cat cannot take a mate. This rule was recently overturned in the clans, and the tribe as it is barbaric. However, the medicine cat or shamman must put their clan above their mate and kittens.
2. A medicine cat cannot have kits. This rule was recently overturned in the clans, and the tribe as it is barbaric. However, the medicine cat or shaman must put their clan above their mate and kittens.
3. A medicine cat or shaman will never let personal feelings get in the way of his or her duties.
4. Medicine cats or shaman are outside Clan and Tribe rivalry and are, in most cases, not to be touched when they are traveling across borders.
5. A medicine cat and Shaman may be trained in as a warrior, scout or sentry before becoming a healer, however, it is difficult for a medicine cat to become a warrior, or a shaman to become a scout or sentry.
6. Medicine cats and Shamans are outside Clan rivalries, but they still must learn basic fighting moves.
7. A medicine cat is the one to interpret signs and omens from StarClan. Alternatively, signs from the Tribe of Guiding Light are brought to the tribe by the Interpreter. If a shaman receives a sign, they should bring it directly to the interpreter.
8. Medicine cats and Shamans cannot reject an injured cat.
9. A medicine cat and a Shaman must do everything in his or her power to save a sick or injured cat.
10. A medicine cat and a Shaman will give his or her life to save a cat.


[attr="class","eleventh"]» Knowing all of the herbs and store a supply of them in their den.

» Treating wounded and sick cats.

» Assisting queens while they are pregnant with kits, giving birth, or nursing.

» Actively checking up on the health of Clan/Tribe cats.

» Visiting their sacred place every half-moon to seek guidance from StarClan or their Ancestors.

» Interpreting prophecies and omens and sharing them with the Clan or interpreter and tribe watchers.

» For clan medicine cats, upon the death of the Clan leader, accompanying the deputy to the sacred place to be appointed as the next leader.

» Training an apprentice/tyros as the Clan's next medicine cat/Tribe's next shaman.

» For clan medicine cats, visiting Starclan when in a crisis that requires direct communication.

» Preparing deceased Clan members for burial.


[attr="class","eleventh"]» New apprentices or tyros are brought the the sacred place to be recognized by their ancestors or Starclan.

» Despite popular belief, medicine cat Apprentices and Shaman Tyros are not generally expected to treat cats themselves. They are to watch and observe, only treating a cat as they are instructed to do so.

» An apprentice is to be given their full medicine cat name by their mentor, not the clan leader, at the clan's sacred place. A Shaman Tyro does not receive the title Moonwatcher until their former mentor retires or passes on.

» Once becoming a full medicine cat or Shaman, the apprentice or tyro gets full duties even if their mentor is still alive.

» Medicine cats and Shamans normally perform their duties until death or until they are unable to do so.

» Most medicine cats/shamans and their apprentices/tyros are briefly taught to hunt and fight but normally do not partake in activities outside of their duty.

[attr="class","eleventh"]Below you will find all the illnesses, diseases, diabilities and such that can be mentioned in either correct terminology on THE ELEVENTH HOUR - or in vague descriptions. Please note that some of these are just for death closures, and can be used to describe how a feline passed away if needed. Any disabilities will need to be reviewed in the following post.


[attr="class","eleventh"]Aches and Pains (very common)
Typically when a patient pushes themselves too hard in their training or patrols. Their treatment will be based on the severity of their pain.

• Symptoms include;

• Sore
• Stiff
• Reluctant Movements

• Treatment includes;

• Chamomile or lemongrass depending on the cause.
• Arnica if the pain is especially severe
• A day of Bedrest. (If painful)

Aching Joints (common)
Typically found in older warriors and elders. Less commonly in apprentices and younger warriors. However can be common in queens as well. It is typically caused by cold weather, or weather changes, damp nests or being older in age. You will likely go based on pain for certain treatments, as well.

• Symptoms include;

• Stiff Joints
• Sore Joints
• Swelling
• Inflammation

• Treatment includes;

• Water Treatment, to ease movements.
• Poultice of Cat's Claw and/or licorice.
• Alfalfa, or Arnica for especially severe pain.

Aching or Infected Eyes (seasonal)
This illnesses happens more in newleaf and greenleaf. The most common assumption is mild allergies to the newly blossoming flowers as well as the intense sunlight. It can occur during leaf-bare as well on a partially bright day.

• Symptoms include;

• Watery Eyes
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Inflammation

• Treatment includes;

• Wet Mossball to reduce swelling. 
• Soaked Celandula to cleanse eyes of any debris or irritants.
• Eyebright if the eye is infected or swollen.

Bee or Wasp Stings (uncommon)
Mostly uncommon due to the fact that these insects will not actively attack felines. Younger cats, medicine cats and kittens can often be found with stings after chasing the insect.

• Symptoms include;

• Swelling around sting area
• Inflammation
• Allergic Reactions Possible

• Treatment includes;

• Gingerly pull the bee stinger without breaking the venom sack.
• Honey or Aloe Vera can be applied to soothe the sting site.
• Celendula, Goldenseal or yarrow can be applied as a poultice to prevent infection, depending on availability.

Bleeding (very common)
Any type of bleeding, from the smallest amount to the  profuse bleeding. 

• Symptoms include;

• Visible Bleeding
• Bruising - Internal
• Tenderness - Internal 

• Treatment includes;

• Moss can be used to stem blood flow until treatment can be provided
• Wound should be thoroughly cleaned and checked for signs of infection.
• A poultice of Horsetail is to be applied to stop the bleeding and promote healing.

Broken Bones (uncommon)
An injury that is most common when falling from extreme height or when a patient is hit with extreme force. Most commonly found in tails, followed by limbs and lastly spines. This can also include dislocated joints. A stick is most commonly used to prevent a patient from biting their tongue.

• Symptoms include;

• Localized Swelling
• Pain
• Movement is limited or completely restricted

• Treatment includes;

• Pressure applied to push bone back into place. 
• Arnica can be used to reduce pain and Cat's Claw to ease swelling.
• A combination of feverfew and horsetail is used to encourage bone healing.
• Using Sticks to stabilize the limb, bound into place with any grass, reeds, vines or other materials durable and sturdy enough to hold the stick in place

Cancer (rare - always fatal)
Cancer is a multifactorial disease, which means it has no known single cause. However, we do know that both hereditary and environmental factors can lead to the development of cancer in cats. There is no known cure in the wild for cancer.

• Symptoms include;

• Lumps (not always malignant)
• Swelling
• Persistent Sores
• Skin Infections
• Abnormal Discharge
• Bad Breath
• Lethargy
• Sudden Weight Loss
• Sudden Change in Behavior
• Sudden Lameness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Loss of Appetite
• Scaly/Red Skin patches
• Difficultly Breathing
• Difficulty Urinating or Defecating

• Treatment includes;

• No true known treatment.
• Astragalus and fenugreek can ease symptoms and have shown some signs of treating early stages.

Chill (seasonal)
When a feline is out to long in weather not suited to their fur length, or they fall into cold water. Usually more common in new-leaf, leaf-fall and leafbare. If not treated, can lead to hypothermia or whitecough. 

• Symptoms include;

• Chills
• Mild Fever
• Stuffy Nose
• Runny Nose
• Aches
• Sneezing
• Lethargy

• Treatment includes;

• Honey if throat is experiencing pain
• Fresh water
• Providing Body Heat
• Bed Rest
• Elderberries can be eaten to raise body temperature if chill is nearing hypothermia or not improving.

Cough (common)
Can be a mild or severe irritation of the throat or lungs. It is usually brought on by another illness. More commonly in leaf-bare, but can happen year round.

• Symptoms include;

• Irritated Throat
• Irritated Lungs
• Coughing

• Treatment includes;

• Honey to treat throat irritation.
• For mild coughs, use butterfly weed or lemongrass.
• Marshmallow can be used to clear mucus and reduce any inflammation.

Cracked Pawpads (common)
When the skin on the bottom of the paws grows tender or hard. Most commonly in older warriors who work long days. 

• Symptoms include;

• Hardened Pawpads
• Cracked Pawpads
• Bleeding
• Tenderness

• Treatment includes;

• Water Treatment
• Aloe can be used to soothe the paws and soften the skin.
• Celendula or yarrow can be used to prevent infection.
• Lemongrass or feverfew for milder pain, arnica if severe.

Cuts (very common)
These occur when one does not put their claws away or if a warrior or apprentice is rushing and brushes against thorns, etc. 

• Symptoms include;

• Opened Wound
• Inflammation
• Swelling

• Treatment includes;

• Clean wound.
• Calendula or yarrow can be used to prevent infection.
  
• Horsetail is applied to stop bleeding and encourage healing.

Diabetes (rare - usually fatal)
Diabetes in cats is complex due to the lack of hormone insulin or an inadequate response to insulin. While it can be fatal in the end, it can be managed through diet options.

• Symptoms include;

• Change in appetite
• Sudden Weight loss
• Excessive Thirst
• Increased Urination
• Urinating in Unusual Places
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Lack of Hygiene
• Urinary Tract Infections

• Treatment includes;

• Dietary Changes, high fiber diet. 
• Burdock can help prevent this, though there is no known cure.

Fever and Headache (common)
Common with another illness, or due to over exertion. Both can be treated similarly but show different symptoms.

• Symptoms include;

• Sweating (fever)
• Hot to Touch (fever)
• Dizzy (both)
• Pain (headache)
• Light sensitivity (headache)
• Sound sensitivity (headache)

• Treatment includes;

• Wet Moss Ball to cool fever or relieve pain.
• Staying Hydrated
• Lemongrass or feverfew for mild pain, arnica for severe.
• Depending on the fever and cause; astragalus, barberry, pokeweed, lemongrass or peony (or any mixture of these) can be used.

Greencough (seasonal)
When whitecough hasn't been treated, greencough is the next step. It is very contagious and cats need to be separated from other clan cats. Normally caught during freezing conditions and blizzards.

• Symptoms include;

• Sluggishness
• Fever
• Wheezing
• Phlegm
• Runny Nose

• Treatment includes;

• Astragalus or pokeweed are best used for these fevers as well as helping the body fight the illness.
• Echinacea and marshmallow can be combined to treat the cough and clear mucus from the lungs.

[attr="class","eleventh"]Heartworms (rare)
While not known to be a cat's disease, the immune reaction to the parasite that infects the body causes severe health problems. Transferred from host to host by a mosquito bite, it's larvae are transmitted into the bloodstream.

• Symptoms include;

• Persistent Cough
• Breathing Difficulties
• Panting
• Wheezing
• Rapid or Open-Mouth Breathing
• Depression
• Loss of Appetite
• Sudden Weight Loss
• Lethargy
• Sporadic Vomiting
• Sudden Death

• Treatment includes;

• A tonic of sage combined with black walnut or cat thyme.

Hyperthermia (seasonal)
If a patient is subject to the cold for to long and has been stuck with a chill for to long, they can catch Hyperthermia. This ailment happens when the body can not, or struggles to keep a steady temperature. There are 3 stages; Mild, Moderate and Severe. Symptoms are listed in order of severity.

• Symptoms include;

• Sluggishness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Stumbling
• Thickening Speech
• Amnesia
• Irrationality
• Hallucinations
• Lack of Perceptual
• Blueness in Skin
• Enlargement of Pupils
• Decrease in Heart Rates
• Decrease Respiration Rates
• Stat of Near Unconsciousness
• Insensibility
• Shivering
• Poor Coordination
• Poor Speech
• Disorientation
• Rigidity of Muscles
• Weak or Irregular Pulse

• Treatment includes;

• Providing Body Heat, in increments.
• Keep patient out of the cold, in a pre-warm nest.
• Provide water from a moss ball if needed.
• Ingesting elderberries to raise body temperature.

Infections (common)
When a wound is left to fester. Most common after a rat bite, and it must be treated immediately or it can be fatal.

• Symptoms include;

• Bad Stench
• Pus
• Pain
• Raw Skin
• Tender Skin
• Fever

• Treatment includes;

• Make a gondenseal Poultice and apply to the wound, combine with horsetail if the wound is bleeding or weeping.
• Celendula can be combined with eyebright or yarrow if goldenseal is not available.
• For ear infections, use celandula.

Juvenile Kidney Disease (rare - always fatal)
It is an unknown illness to the cats, but can affect them. It will likely be hard to diagnose unless all symptoms are present. 

• Symptoms include;

• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Difficulty Making a Bowel movement.
• Softening of Pawpads.

• Treatment includes;

• Plenty of water and rest.
• No known cure.

Kittencough (seasonal)
An illness that effect kittens usually. The illness affects the respiratory system of the kitten and is similar to whitecough which effects adults. It can get worst and become greencough.

• Symptoms include;

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Runny Nose
• Lethargy
• Slight Fever

• Treatment includes;

• Marshmallow or a combined tonic of butterfly weed and lemongrass.
• Astragalus or pokeweed to reduce fever.
  
• Honey can be added to the tonics for difficult patiens.
• Chamomile to soothe and sedate the kit.
• Bed Rest

Milk Shortage (uncommon)
When a queen is close to kitting, or has just had kittens - they may experience a milk shortage. 

• Symptoms include;

• Lack of Milk production.

• Treatment includes;

• Fennel or raspberry can be given before or after kitting, though it is best given at the earliest signs.

Morning Sickness (common)
This only effects expecting queens. It is easy to manage and help the pregnant felines through their pregnancy. 

• Symptoms include;

• Vomiting
• Stomach Discomfort
• Dehydration 

• Treatment includes;

• Bed Rest
• Constant Water
• Rosemary (scent and oils) and lavender (scent only) to promote relaxation.
• Feverfew and lemongrass can be used to relieve nausea.

Poisoning (very uncommon - possibly fatal)
When a patient has ingested toxic plants, or has been bitten by venomous animals. This must be treated quickly or the feline can die.

• Symptoms include;

• Dizziness
• Aches
• Pain
• Headaches
• Fever
• Sweating
• Loss of Consciousnesses

• Treatment includes;

• Black walnut is eaten to induce vomiting if poison is ingested.
• Lemongrass and milk thistle are combined to flush out toxins and relieve symptoms.

Rabies - Cloudmouth (rare - usually fatal)
Rabies is a viral disease spread through the saliva of infected animals and some insects, that causes inflammation in certain areas of the brain. This disease is most often fatal with no known cure, and begins with a sense of tingling and numbness at the site of infection.

• Symptoms include;

• Fever
• Headache
• Excess Salivation
• Muscle Spasms
• Paralysis
• Excessive Agitation/Aggression
• Confusion

• Treatment includes;

• No known treatment

Rash & Sores (common)
Usually an allergic reaction, excessive scratching or heat related. Sores are usually just dry, raised patches - however they can open up if not treated.

• Symptoms include;

• Redness
• Tenderness
• Hot to Touch

• Treatment includes;

• Chickweed and/or aloe vera can be applied to soothe itching and encourage healing.

Redcough (rare)
This illness is usually always fatal. However if caught in the earliest of stages [extremely mild coughs of blood] it can be treated. This illness stems from green cough or white cough if it is not treated immediately. If the feline is in the latest stages of the illness, the most humane thing to do is ease them into Starclan's light.

• Symptoms include;

• Severe Wheeze
• Severe Coughing
• Phlegm
• Pus
• Blood in Phlegm
• Sweating
• HIGH FEVER
• lETHARGY

• Treatment includes;

• No known cure is available in the later stages.
• See Greencough for early stages.
• Echinacea or butterfly weed can soothe cough symptoms
• Marshmallow can reduce mucus and soothe throat inflammation
• Astragalus or pokeweed can be used to ease fevers, along with other fever soothing herbs.

[attr="class","eleventh"]Shock - Emotional (common)
Can occur when a patient has experienced a trauma - or is forced into a situation that brings up past trauma (ie; a phobia). It is slightly different then physical, however just as frightening.

• Symptoms include;

• Lack of Emotion
• Lack of Empathy
• Denial
• Ceasing to Communicate
• Rocking Back and Forth.

• Treatment includes;

• Rosemary and lavender to soothe the mind.
• Use catnip and chamomile to relax and sedate.
• Comfort with words
• Comfort with touch if permitted. 

[style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:11px;"]Shock - Physical (uncommon - lifethreating)
Occurs mostly do to severe blood loss or extreme, unimaginable pain. This will lead the body to begin shutting down if not immediately fixed.

• Symptoms include;

• Chills
• Numbness
• Rapid Heartrate
• Low Blood Pressure
• Weakness
• Swallow Breathing

• Treatment includes;

• Treat wounds
• Try to avoid herbs that require ingesting, or use these in small quantities
• Provide arnica for pain
• Provide Water, Honey and small quantities of chamomile.

[style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:11px;"]Smoke Inhalation (uncommon)
Smoke inhalation is uncommon at best, however we will also include irritation of the throat here as well. Most common thing is to treat the overarching illness, however to ease the pain of both smoke inhalation and irritation of the throat is the following;

• Symptoms include;

• Swollen
• Redness
• Dry
• Itchy
• Sore
• Painful
• Raspy Breathing (Smoke Inhalation)

• Treatment includes;

• Provide a tonic of honey and licorice to soothe the throat and lungs.

[style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:11px;"]Sprains or Twists (common)
When to much strain is placed on a joint, one can cause a sprain or twist their paws. This can also happen by simply tripping over an object or getting stuck between two objects. Very minor and usually not worrisome.

• Symptoms include;

• Swelling
• Painful Movements
• Painful to Touch
• Inability to apply Pressure

• Treatment includes;

• Bed Rest
• Staying off Injury
• Alfalfa or arnica can be used to treat pain.
• A poultice of cat's claw can be applied to reduce swelling.

[style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:11px;"]
Thorns & Objects (common)
When a feline has a thorn or another object stuck in their skin it can cause discomfort and infection. Like-wise if a feline has a torn claw they must be treated immediately. 

• Symptoms include;

• Object Imbedded in Flesh
• Broken Layer of Carotene
• Limping
• Pain
• Swelling
• Bleeding

• Treatment includes;

• Calendula, goldenseal and/or yarrow can be applied to treat or prevent infection.
• Pull thorn or splinter out at an angle, and treat wound as if it is a cut.

[style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:11px;"]Ticks/Fleas (common)
While common on the fellow feline - it is most common on elders who are stationary most day. For this it is best to try to treat it as soon as possible! To prevent fleas, mint can be laid temporarily in the nests of affected dens.

• Symptoms include;

• Little pests all over your body
• Tiny bite marks
• Itching

• Treatment includes;

• Crushed mint or neem oils can be rubbed into the fur to kill or repel fleas and ticks.

[style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:11px;"]Toothache (common)
Occur when there is a loose tooth or when there is a oral disease occuring. It is best to act as quickly as possible so as to not cause irreversible damage.

• Symptoms include;

• Loose Tooth
• Hole in Tooth
• Inflammation of Gums
• Pain
• Ear Ache

• Treatment includes;

• Sage is the best remedy for toothaches, though a mild dose of feverfew or arnica will suffice if necessary.
• If the feline has a cavity it is advised to have the tooth removed.

[style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:11px;"]Trouble Sleeping (uncommon)
In cases of the patient being over-worked, stressed, nightmares, having depression or being very ill. This can also be caused by insomnia. 

• Symptoms include;

• Fidgety Limbs
• Circle under eyes
• Physical Exhaustion
• Rapid Heart Rate

• Treatment includes;

• Valerian is the best cure for sleeplessness, though as it gives an initial energy boost it is best given one or two hours before intended sleep for best results.
• Rosemary or chamomile can be provided alongside the scent of lavender for soothing and relaxation if the sleeplessness is derived from tension or anxiety.
• Catnip can also be used to soothe and ease the mind, though effects differ for each cat so use this carefully.

[style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:11px;"]Trouble Breathing (common)
Breathing comes in either rapid short gasps, or in slow agonizing takes.  This can be caused by labour, extreme pain, allergies or worst. An un-named illnesses - Asthma - can be the cause of long-term breathing troubles.

• Symptoms include;

• Rapid Unsteady Breaths
• Weezing
• Short, Labored Breaths

• Treatment includes;

• Butterfly weed, ephedra or echinacea can ease breathing difficulties depending on the cause
• Cat's claw can be used if the issue is caused by allergies or is seasonally persistent.

[style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:11px;"]Tummy Ache (very common)
Mostly found in kittens experiencing the new world. Occurs mostly when a cat has eaten to much or eaten something unpleasant. It can also be a symptom of more serious illnesses, so it is always good to ask if they have any other additional symptoms.

• Symptoms include;

• Aching
• Cramping Pains
• Urge to Vomit

• Treatment includes;

• Burdock, feverfew or lemongrass are best for treating stomach aches and nausea
• Feverfew is not to be given to pregnant queens

Whitecough (seasonal)
This is very similar to kittencough, however it only effects adult cats - and is mildly more severe. It is still contagious and cats should avoid sharing tongues if possible. If left untreated it can become greencough.

• Symptoms include;

• Mild-Moderate Fever
• Sluggishness
• Wheezing
• Phlegm from nose or mouth

• Treatment includes;

• Butterfly weed and marshmallow are used for early stages, echinacea is best reserved for the later stages if the illness persists
• Astragalus and lemongrass can be used in combination to strengthen the immune system and fight fever.

[attr="class","eleventh"]Here on THE ELEVENTH HOUR we have three tiers of disability perks that can be bought in our store The Oasis. If you have any disabilities or mutations you would like to implement that are not on the list, please consult staff regarding what perk would be required, if any, and whether or not we will allow it on site. We expect all disabilities or disorders to be played realistically and respectfully, to the best of your ability, so please be sure to do your research, ask any questions about things you are unsure on, and take corrections with an open-mind.

Our lowest tier is the minor disability perk, which covers disabilities that only effects your cat in a small way, or on rare occasions. This perk also covers certain mutations, such as a missing or shortened tail, that have an effect on the functionality of your character.

Our middle tier is the active major disability perk, which covers any disabilities or disorders that affect your character in a significant way and makes it difficult for them to provide for themselves but not to an extreme that makes them entirely unable to partake in day-to-day clan or tribe life.

Our highest tier is the retired major disability perk, which covers all disabilities or disorders that impact your character in a way that they are unable to partake in normal clan or tribe life, and would be unable to fend for themselves if left alone in the wild.


[attr="class","eleventh"]Curled Ears

• A cat's ears curl back from the face toward the center of the back of the skull. Ears are delicate and cartilage can be damaged easily if pulled.

Curled Fur

• A cat's fur grows in curled. This must be groomed carefully or can result in matting and tangles.

Fangs

• A cat's front canine's are visible when their mouth is closed.

Folded Ears

• Cartilage is weak and causes the ears to fold forward, laying nearly flat against the head. Ears are delicate and cartilage can be damaged easily if pulled.

Heterochromia

• The instance where a cat's eyes are not the same color, including complete (blue and one other color), sectoral (one part of the iris is a different color than the rest of it), or central (when the inner and outer rings are different colors). One parent must have blue eye/s.

Polydactyl

• Cats with polydactyl are cats that have more than the usual number of toes on their feet.

Short Tail [Breed]

• A half tail or less; includes a bob-tail. Requires a minor disability purchase.

[attr="class","eleventh"]Blindness

• must purchase a minor disability perk
• 50% blindness could be the inability to see out of one eye, the inability to see long distances, or the inability to see in the dark. Everything underneath 50% is mild vision impairment.

Deafness

• must purchase a minor disability perk
• Cats with 50% or less deafness may struggle with hearing certain frequencies. This can include things that are too high or too low, or too soft. They may be able to hear a cat talking at a louder volume but cannot hear the soft crunch of pawsteps or scurrying of prey. This can be hard to manage as a warrior but could be managed to some degree. They may also be only deaf in one ear. Work with your leader to understand what they may allow.

Mental Illnesses

• usually must purchase a minor disability perk
• While cats can have anxieties, down moods and more - if it affects your feline 3/7 days a week, then it will be considered a minor disability. This means they can still function in clan life and are able to do what they need to do, but have some rough days. This includes things like, mild anxiety, mild panic attacks, mild depression and does not include major disorders like bipolar or schizophrenia.

If it happens once in a blue moon then we will allow it without purchase - however if we see if getting progressively worst for your character then you will be asked to purchase the disability perk.

Short Tail [Injury]

• must purchase a minor disability perk
• Unless the feline is a breed-specific short-tailed cat, the shortened tail would have occurred through injury or via a birth defect. While a cat can adjust well to having a short tail, due to their reliance on their tails for balance, at first the loss of their tail can cause trouble balancing and walking, sometimes for as long as a moon. A kit born with a short tail will be slightly less coordinated when learning to walk and thus take a bit longer but will catch up quickly with their littermates.

[attr="class","eleventh"]Congenital Analgesia

• must purchase a major disability perk
• Cats with mild to moderate congenital analgesia have the ability to feel some pain from severe wounds. They may not notice a scratch on their shoulder or discomfort in their paw pads and limbs but would notice if they received a nasty bite from a fox or rat. Cats with this disease must live the life of a hunter or healer to ensure their own safety and to decrease the chances of getting into dangerous situations.

Albinism

• must purchase a major disability perk
• Albinism is caused by a rare gene linked to colorpoint that causes the cat to have a complete lack of pigmentation over their entire body, including the eyes. This causes the cat to have pale pink skin and white fur, as well as eyes that appear blue or pink. While blue eyes are more common in careful or young albino cats, the eyes will become pinker when blood vessels begin to be exposed due to light damage. Due to this condition, albino cats are very sensitive to light, getting sunburnt very easily, and being prone to vision damage when exposed to large amounts of light. A cat with albinism can get sick a lot easier than other cats due to having a weaker immune system. They are advised to stay in their dens on brighter days or stay under the cover of trees when outside unless it is overcast or nighttime, in order to avoid sunburn and vision damage.

Mental Illnesses

• must purchase a major disability perk
• While cats can have anxieties, down moods and more - if it affects your feline every day, then it will be considered a major disability. This means they struggle to still function in clan life and are having trouble in doing what they need to do, having more rough days then good. This also includes major mental health illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar, and anything major like major depression or major anxiety. If it happens once in a blue moon then we will allow it without purchase - however if we see if getting progressively worst for your character then you will be asked to purchase the disability perk.

Muteness

• must purchase a major disability perk
• Cats that suffer from muteness of any degree can have unique difficulties. While physically, they may be able to handle any job, when they are required to vocalize or alert others, they are unable to do so. Communication can be extremely difficult and while tail signals can be used moderately, cats that suffer from muteness are also known to be depressed because of loneliness.

[attr="class","eleventh"]Blindness

• must purchase a disability perk,
• will be forced to retire
• Cats with 75% blindness will struggle to make out shapes and fine details. They can usually see color and live their lives in a blur. This could also be the same for a cat that is blind in one eye and has impaired vision in the other. Cats that are 100% blind are subject to be made elders at the leader's discretion. If it is deemed that life as a scout, sentry, healer or warrior is too dangerous, this will be done.

Deafness

• must purchase a disability perk,
• will be forced to retire
• Cats with 75% deafness may be deaf in one ear and have partial deafness in the other. Cats that are 100% deaf are subject to be made elders at the leader's discretion. If it is deemed that life as a scout, sentry, healer or warrior is too dangerous, this will be done.

Hyperesthesia

• must purchase a disability perk,
• will be forced to retire
• Cats with mild to moderate hyperesthesia will experience discomfort in their skin from even the mildest sensation, like the wind ruffling their pelt or a delicate touch from a clanmate.

Photophobia

• must purchase a disability perk,
• will be forced to retire
• Cats with mild to moderate photophobia may experience discomfort or irritation of the eyes and skin when exposed to sunlight. Discomfort and irritation may include mild headaches, skin sensitivity, or irritability.

In rare cases, a warrior with photophobia can be in active duty so long as they only leave the den at night, when the moon is not full.