Rare Traits
A basic guide to some of the mutations that qualify as "rare traits" in Roots-of-Life. Rare traits cannot be passed onto a cat's offspring genetically, nor are they represented in the genotype (only the phenotype).
To use one of these traits, you must have an open "rare trait" slot available. All members start with 3 free rare trait slots, and more can be purchased in the Shop.
This is not a comprehensive list! We'll add more as they get brought into the group, or you can ask about one you think would qualify to make sure we'd allow it.
After each section, a link to the Messybeast page with photo examples and more information about the trait will be provided.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a mutation that causes white spotting to progressively increase across the cat's body. It frequently starts as small spots and can take over large areas by adulthood. In some cases, the cat ends up almost completely white. The rate it spreads varies by cat, as well as if or when it stops spreading.
Chimeras
Chimerism occurs when two or more embryos fuse in the womb. The resulting cat presents the phenotypes of the fused embryos, and thus has more than one phenotype. These cats, known as chimeras, can be a mix of all sorts of phenotypes!
As different cell lines form different areas of the cat, this includes their reproductive system; chimeras may sire kittens from just one, or any of their genotypes. Chimeras may be intersex if a male and female embryo were fused. IRL, only chimeras with two different phenotypes have been found, but it is theoretically possible that more than two could be involved.
In Roots-of-Life, chimeras must have all of their phenotypes listed. They should be listed in phenotype1 x phenotype2 format. (For the separator, an x, X, or // may be used.)
However, you may choose which genotypes to list -- at minimum one, at maximum one per present phenotype. Most frequently this will be a maximum of two. Any listed genotypes will be used if your cat ever has a litter of kittens.
To have an intersex chimera, you will need to write an intersex note.
We have provided an infographic below detailing how a chimera can pass multiple genotypes to their offspring! (Note: the genotypes shown have been truncated for brevity.)
Klinefelter Syndrome
Klinefelter syndrome is caused by a cat being born with XXY chromosomes (normally, female cats have XX chromosomes and male cats have XY chromosomes.) These cats develop as if they were physically male. They are frequently infertile and often have underlying health conditions as a result of chromosomal abnormalities.
As a result of their XXY chromosomes, some Klinefelter cats can be male tortoiseshells, since red is linked to the X chromosome. Klinefelter male tortoiseshells can be written as having an XOXoY tortoiseshell gene in their genotype.
An intersex research note is required to have a cat with Klinefelter syndrome; having a Klinefelter male tortoiseshell will not use up a rare trait slot.
Four Ears
Four ears, also known as duplicate ears or duplicate pinnae, is a mutation where the cat has an extra set of ears. This does not necessitate that the cat has duplicate hearing organs or increased hearing; in many cats with four ears they have normal hearing. These cats can have recessed eyes and a shorter jaw.
Polycaudal Cats
Polycaudal (also known as bicaudal) cats are those whose tail vertebrae have bifurcated (divided into two branches). This split may occur anywhere from the base of the tail to the tip. As such, these cats can either appear to have two tails, or a split "Y" or "T" shaped tail. For cats with two distinct tails, they are usually unable to be controlled independently of each other, and there may be some slight weakness in one of the tails compared to the other.