Health and Conditions of Shedu Cats
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Like all life, Shedu are not immune to the basic Health concerns and Conditions that follow extensive line breeding, in breeding and general inheritance. Due to this the scientists dedicated to the genetic research of Shedu cats, have taken the time to conduct some testing on specific health concerns. Though this list is ever expanding with new information on existing conditions, as well as new conditions as they become known.
Further research and information is in the works, though breeders like yourself can further our knowledge, funding and overall research by visiting our Helix Genetic Research Laboratory.
Notice, all health conditions in shedus are devided in several groups, depending on if they can be treated or not.
Fatal - fatal conditions is an end of the game for your cat. These can not be reversed or fixed or treated (aside from very few exceptions, to which you can apply special reviving items)
Permanent - These conditions can not be treated or removed or fixed and will stay with your cat through their life (for example scars and consequences of old injuries, inborn defects)
Treatable/Temporary - These conditions can be either treated with medication/other special in-game items or in-game actions or they can be healed with letting the cat to rest for some real life time.
Reoccurring/chronic - These conditions are characteristic for the cat, but can come and go and these conditions needs to be addressed/mitigated each time cat comes to the show or sportive events. You will have to attemp a certain action before entering a show or apply specific in-game items
Sub-types:
Injury [fresh or old] - Injury can be permanent or a temporary condition, depends on it's severity. Fresh injuries are in need of treatment and will always leave a permanent condition - scars. Old injuries are a permanent health issue and normally would not require any treatment.
Base Overview
In general it is known that the Shedu Cat breed is fairly healthy, when you do not consider line breeding or Inbreeding. Though, like all animals of the world each individual is different, and, with age and years of use, Shedus can naturally break down with some of the following generalized health issues ;
( Note, the list below is meant for those wishing to give their elder Shedus some generalized health conditions that are common in mammals ; )
High / Low Blood Pressure, High / Low Thyroid, Arthritis, Stiffening of Limbs, Sway Back (varying degrees), Hip Dysplasia, Loss of Vision / Cataracts , Loss of Hearing, etc.
Again, its important to note, those conditions so far have only been significantly notable in Shedus who are nearing the end of their life. ( Notably within the last 5 years of their lives )
Known Fatal Conditions / Concerns
Currently there are four known Fatal Conditions in the Shedu breeding world ;
Black Personality Disorder Fatal
Concerns ; Black x Black Cat BreedingsDouble Silky Syndrome Fatal
Concerns ; Silky x Silky Maned BreedingsDominant White on Black Base Coat Fatal
Concerns ; cubs born with ee/aa/tt + WWCross Breeding of Specific Body Types Fatal
Concerns ; Overall breedingMiscarried litters Fatal
Concerns ; Health of Dam
Most noted in 'illegal' cross breeding and breeding of elderly cats.
Known Mild Conditions / Concerns
Currently there are only a handful of known mild Concerns when breeding Shedus, though more are being researched ;
Dominant White on Brown Base Coat Permanent
Concerns ; cubs born with ee/A-/tt +WW
- Known ; partial or complete DeafnessRunt of the Litter Permanent
Concerns ; smallest, sometimes last cub born
- Known ; smaller adult heightGiant of the Litter Permanent
Concerns ; largest, sometimes first cub born
- Noted as typically 25+ cm taller than tallest parent
Known Inbreeding Health Concerns / Conditions
Conditions of various origins
CONDITION: Allergies Permanent Reoccurring/chronic
Prone: all, especially sphynxes, cats with dilutions, albinos, very white/light cats, cats with leucism, cats with curly coat
Consequences/effect:
Allergies can be caused by variety of factors and therefore can manifest themselves in many ways. Respiratory response, watery eyes and skin rashes are most common in shedus.
Necessity to use shampoo & anti-allergic foods before each show. If it was not done, cat will get - 10 points to final score in any show that takes conformation/phenotype into account.
Treating the issue: Anti-allergic foods
Items/activities needed: Shampoo and Anti-allergic foods before show
CONDITION: Blindness (partial or full) Permanent * Unless import prompt suggests otherwise.
Prone: all
Consequences/effect:
Partially blind cats live normal lives without much issues. Fully blind cats can not take part in some events (sportive disciplines that require a head to head competition with other cats, taking on obstacles etc. For example: XC, Endurance, Racing, Show Jumping. However, blind cats are allowed to take part in street racing)
Can be inherited by offspring, unless the issue is caused by injury.
Treating the issue: none* Unless prompt that comes with the import/cub directly suggests a possibility of a surgery or any other type of treatment.
Items/activities needed: none* Unless prompt that comes with the import/cub directly suggests a possibility of a surgery or any other type of treatment.
CONDITION: Cerebellar Hypoplasia Permanent
Prone: all
Consequences/effect:
Cerebellar hypoplasia is a disease that denotes an inadequate development of the cerebellum, a section of the brainstem largely responsible for modulating motor impulses. Affected cats therefore fail to move normally, especially when it comes to maintaining normal balance, posture, and coordination. There are two levels of this condition in shedus: Mild and Severe. In both cases cat is disqualified from taking part in shows and events.
In mild case an affected cat can hold themselves more or less right and their movements are wobbly. In severe case they struggle to stay upright on their own.
This condition might be inherited
Treating the issue: none*
Items/activities needed: In severe cases devices that would help the cat to maintain their balance are needed.
CONDITION: Dandruff Reoccurring/chronic
Prone: all, especially cats with dark coats
Consequences/effect:
Necessity to use anti-dandruff shampoo and anti-allergic foods before each show. If it was not done, cat will get - 10 points to final score in any show that takes conformation/phenotype into account.
Treating the issue: Anti-allergic foods
Items/activities needed: Shampoo and Anti-allergic foods before show
CONDITION: Deafness (partial or full) Permanent
Prone: all
Consequences/effect:
Partially deaf cats live normal lives without much issues. Fully deaf cats need buzz collar and special training (learning gesture commands instead of voice cues).
Can be inherited by offspring, unless the issue is caused by injury.
Treating the issue: none
Items/activities needed: Buzz Collar is needed at shows and events.
CONDITION: Extra risk of stillborn cubs Reoccurring/chronic
Prone: all
Consequences/effect:
Cat is prone/more likely to delivering stillborn cubs.
Can be inherited by offspring
Treating the issue: none
Items/activities needed: none
CONDITION: Fragile bones Permanent
Prone: All, risk group: Classic shedu cats/Inbred cats
Consequences/effect:
Cat can not take part in any riding activities
Prone to injuries during any show/activity
Issue might be inherited by the offspring
Treating the issue: none
Items/activities needed: none
CONDITION: Full loss of a litter Reoccurring/chronic
Prone: all
Consequences/effect:
Cat is prone to miscarriage. She might loose all her cubs.
Can be inherited by offspring
Treating the issue: none
Items/activities needed: none
CONDITION: Heart Issues Permanent
Prone: all, especially classic shedus (75% of classic blood and up) and arabian shedus
Consequences/effect:
Cat with heart issue is prone to heart attack during shows/sportive competitions. Therefore it might be wise not to overwork your cat and do explorations and korung shows instead.
Can be inherited by offspring if the issue is inborn
Treating the issue: none
Items/activities needed: none
CONDITION: Infertility Permanent
Prone: all
Consequences/effect:
Cat can not reproduce for one reason or another. Cat can not be bred.
Treating the issue: none
Items/activities needed: none
CONDITION: Low fertility Permanent
Prone: all
Consequences/effect:
The cat will produce significantly smaller litters than is expected for their type\subspecies or might end up not getting pregnant/miscarry the litter.
Can be inherited by offspring
Treating the issue: none
Items/activities needed: none
CONDITION: Malnourishment Treatable/Temporary
Prone: all
Consequences/effect:
Cat has 50% dock on it's stats during any activities
Cat can not take part in shows before the condition gets treated/ cat gets healed
Treating the issue: Art/Lit action: taking care of the cat, feeding it, giving it gentle easy training sessions.
Items/activities needed: Art/Lit action: taking care of the cat, feeding it, giving it gentle easy training sessions. (see exact guides for each particular case, it can take the artist from 1 to 3 pictures/lit-entries to treat a cat)
CONDITION: Obesity Treatable/Temporary
Prone: all
Consequences/effect:
Cat has 50% dock on it's stats during shows
Risk of heart-attack (potentially fatal!) during show
Cat should be depicted chonky and fat in arts in order for AP to get counted for this cat.
Treating the issue: Art/Lit action: set of training sessions tailored for obese animals
Items/activities needed: Art/Lit action: set of training sessions tailored for obese animals (see exact guides for each particular case, it can take the artist from 1 to 3 pictures/;it-entries to treat a cat)
CONDITION: Paralysis/paresis Permanent / Treatable/Temporary / Reoccurring/chronic
Prone: all
Consequences/effect:
Complete paralysis leaves the cat completely unable to move legs, tail, or other parts and partial paralysis (paresis) represented by the lack of full control over a given body part. While complete paralysis will be obvious from the get go, paresis is characterized by symptoms such as weakness, slow-motion movements, twitching or reluctance to move which might not catch the attention immediately. There are dozens of reasons for such a condition. But it all comes down to nerve damage/malfunction.
This condition might be inherited by the cubs (if it is inborn condition)
Treating the issue: Depending on the nature of the problem there might be a few treatments: antibiotics if the paralysis is caused by infection, anti-inflammatory medications if the issue is caused by trauma/injury. Depending on the situation and severity of the case cat might not be able to take part in shows or ridden activities. They also might need a wheelchair to help them move around. Whether the condition is severe/mild, treatable or not and of what origin will be stated in import/cub prompt.
If temporary or recurring: Art/Lit action: giving medication, providing cat with proper treatment
Items/activities needed: In severe cases devices that would help the cat to maintain their balance and help move around are needed.
If temporary or recurring: Art/Lit action: giving medication, providing cat with proper treatment (see exact guides for each particular case, it can take the artist from 1 to 3 pictures/;it-entries to treat a cat)
CONDITION: Poor fur growth Permanent Reoccurring/chronic - if inherited (present at birth), Treatable/Temporary - if a result of malnourishment/poor care (acquired trait due to life conditions).
Prone: all, cats with sphynx/maneless parents
Consequences/effect:
Extra roll for sphynx/maneless trait (if inherited condition)
Issue might be inherited by the offspring (if inherited condition)
- 10 points in any halter/korung (unless specific items applied)
Condition should find its presentation in arts of this cat. Scruffy look.
Treating the issue: none (if inherited), action (art/lit entry) (if acquired due to poor life conditions)
Items/activities needed: Coat sheen, Vitamins, Oils before shows where conformation and phenotype are taken into account (always for cats with inherited trait, only if condition is not treated for cats with acquired trait).
CONDITION: Pulmonary Hemorrhage (Lung Bleeding) Permanent Reoccurring/chronic
Prone: classic cats (75% + of classic shedu blood)
Consequences/effect:
This condition is genetic yet might stay dormant for a long time, especially in cats that do not go through rigorous exercises. The issue often will show itself n the later stages of training or at the peak of cat's sport career. The issue lies in fragile blood vessels of the lungs rupturing during exercise. However, overal stress also can cause the issue to become noticeable. In severe neglected cases cats might drown in their own blood that fills up their lungs.
Cat can not take part in any sportive disciplines with high physical stress levels
Issue can be inherited by the offspring
No racing disciplines
Cat with PH condition will be permanently iliminated from IFS circuit and IFS breeding board access will be denied to such cats.
Treating the issue: none * Mitigated by Iron Lungs condition
Items/activities needed: none
CONDITION: Reduction in height Permanent
Prone: all
Consequences/effect:
Cat is born with height shorter than was expected/predicted.
Treating the issue: none
Items/activities needed: none
CONDITION: Seizures Reoccurring/chronic
Prone: all
Consequences/effect:
Cat is prone to seizures. Depending on severity of the case (mild/serious/severe) cat might not be able to take part in shows or be ridden.
Can be inherited by offspring (if the condition is inborn and is not a result of an injury/trauma/life experience)
Treating the issue: none
Items/activities needed: none
CONDITION: Skin conditions (lesions, rashes, rain rot etc) Treatable/Temporary
Prone: all
Consequences/effect:
- 10 points in any halter/korung (unless specific items applied)
Condition should find its presentation in arts of this cat. Scruffy look.
Treating the issue: Art/Lit action: giving medication, providing cat with proper treatment
Items/activities needed: Art/Lit action: giving medication, providing cat with proper treatment (see exact guides for each particular case, it can take the artist from 1 to 3 pictures/;it-entries to treat a cat)
CONDITION: Small size of the litter Permanent
Prone: all
Consequences/effect:
The cat will produce smaller litters than is expected for their type\subspecies
Can be inherited by offspring
Treating the issue: none
Items/activities needed: none
CONDITION: Spinal issues Permanent / Treatable/Temporary / Reoccurring/chronic
Prone: all, dwarf cats, inbred cats, very tall cats (200cm or bigger), cats of old age
Consequences/effect:
Spinal issues is an umbrella term for a vast array of troubles your cat can have. From traumas, kissing spine syndrome to weak spine muscles, bad conformation or inborn problems. You will get more precise information with each shedu import if they are affected and to what degree.
If inborn this condition might be inherited, however, it is more likely linked to inbreeding.
No matter the origin of the issue, it will manifest itself in one of three forms: Minimal / mild / serious / severe.
Depending on it your cat might not be able to be ridden or take part in certain competitions. That information will come with import/cub description.
Condition should find its presentation in arts of this cat. Often it means that cat has sway back or somehow crooked topline.
Treating the issue: If temporary or recurring: Art/Lit action: giving medication, providing cat with proper treatment
Items/activities needed: If temporary or recurring: Art/Lit action: giving medication, providing cat with proper treatment (see exact guides for each particular case, it can take the artist from 1 to 3 pictures/;it-entries to treat a cat)
CONDITION: Tender skin (Prone to sunburns) Permanent Reoccurring/chronic
Prone: All sphynxes by default (!), cats with dilutions, albinos, very white/light cats, cats with leucism
Consequences/effect:
Necessity to use sun cream/spray before each show during sunny/hot weather. If it was not done, cat will get - 5 points to final score and minor damage - sunburn.
Cats might need to wear special rugs and other sun-protecting cloth *
Treating the issue: Sunspray, sun protection*
Items/activities needed: Sun Cream/ Sunspray, rugs *
Rugs, sun-protecting suits can be used in any show that does NOT take conformation stats into account. (Rugs can not be used in halter/korung shows)
CONDITION: Weak eyesight Permanent
Prone: all, especially cats with dilutions, albinos, cats with blue eyes, very white cats, cats with leucism
Consequences/effect:
25% Higher roll on mishaps
Possible heterochromia/half blind eyes/odd eyes on design sheet
Treating the issue: None
Items/activities needed: None
CONDITION: Weak joints Permanent Reoccurring/chronic
Prone: All, but especially Komainu/Bayuns/Baketoras/Cats with height more than 190 cm
Consequences/effect:
25% higher mishap/injuries chances.
Injury will go one level higher, than was initially rolled
Issue might be inherited by the offspring
Treating the issue: Joint supplements and shots before each show (get the mishap roll/injury in its place, higher level of injury stays)
Items/activities needed: Joint supplements + Pain killer
CONDITION: Lanky build Permanent
Prone: All
Consequences/effect:
- 25 to strength factor
+ 10 to speed factor
+ 15 to stamina factor
Cat does not gain weight very well, always looking lanky, thin.
Issue might be inherited by the offspring
Allows you to shade the import design to show lanky\thin build and even edit belly line of lineart for that.
Treating the issue: n\a
Items/activities needed: n\a
Positive Health Conditions
CONDITION: Iron Lungs Permanent
Seen in: all
Consequences/effect:
Cats with this condition are blessed with very strong lungs. They are less prone to Pulmonary hemorrhage.
+5 points to stamina factor in all competitions (where stamina is taken into account)
Decrease the chances of offspring to get PH condition
Mitigates PH condition if cat got it
This condition can be inherited
P.S: -/-
CONDITION: Enlarged Heart Permanent
Seen in: all, especially classics and asians
Consequences/effect:
This condition allows for better blood flow, bigger "engine" -higher speeds ; )
+ 5 points to speed factor in all competitions (where speed is taken into account)
This condition can be inherited
P.S: none
CONDITION: Ermine fur/Ermine coat Permanent
Seen in: all
Consequences/effect:
This condition gives cats extra beautiful and silky coat
+ 5 points to conformation factor in all competitions (where conformation is taken into account)
This condition can be inherited
P.S: Ermine fur does not stand for a particular type of coat, it serves as an indicator of outstanding quality of fur (or skin in case of sphynx cats) no matter what type of coat your cat posses.
CONDITION: Hard rock bones Permanent
Seen in: all
Consequences/effect:
Cats with this condition are heavier, sturdier and less likely to break their bones or produce offspring with fragile bones condition.
Gives fractures/injuries reroll in some shows/events (decrease level of an injury in some cases)
Decrease the chances of offspring to get fragile bones condition
This condition can be inherited
P.S: You can state in your stories that your cat with this condition indeed has heavier, dencier bones and therefore your cat being more sturdy and a little more chonky than others.
CONDITION: Joints of steel Permanent
Seen in: all
Consequences/effect:
Cats with this condition are blessed with very good joints, these cats are less likely to get tendon injuries or melting tendons syndrome. Their cubs are less likely to get a weak joints condition.
Gives tendon rapture/injuries reroll in some shows/events (decrease level of an injury in some cases)
Decrease the chances of offspring to get weak joints condition
This condition can be inherited
P.S: In racing world cats with good joints are pure gold...
CONDITION: Overgrown muscles Permanent
Seen in: all
Consequences/effect:
This condition gives cats noticeably bigger muscles
+ 10 points to strength factor in all competitions (where strength is taken into account)
- 10 points to stamina factor in all competitions (where stamina is taken into account)
This condition can be inherited
Allows you to shade the import design to show overgrown muscles.
P.S: -/-
CONDITION: Polydactyl Permanent
Seen in: all
Consequences/effect:
Cats with this condition has more toes on their paws than usual
P.S: The trait/condition is written this way: polydact(yl): fl-6, fr-6, hl-7, hr-7 - which translates to: front left paw - 6 toes, front right - 6 toes, hind left - 7 toes, hind right - 7 toes. Number of toes, of course, may vary from cat to cat.
If none toe formula added, it means you should add 1 toe per paw.
CONDITION: Soft gaits Permanent
Seen in: all
Consequences/effect:
This condition gives cats smooth, comfortable to ride, well balanced gaits.
+ 5 points to movement factor in all competitions (where movement is taken into account)
- 5 points to speed factor in all competitions (where speed is taken into account)
This condition can be inherited
P.S: -/-
INJURIES & TRAUMAS, GAINED HEALTH ISSUES
CONDITION: Fresh wounds Treatable/Temporary, might cause Permanent scars as the result of treatment
Prone: all
Consequences/effect:
Wounds can be of various severity, so consequences may differ from case to case.
Cat can not take part in shows before the condition gets treated/ cat gets healed
Treating the issue: Art/Lit action: giving medication, providing cat with proper treatment
Items/activities needed: Art/Lit action: giving medication, providing cat with proper treatment (see exact guides for each particular case, it can take the artist from 1 to 3 pictures/;it-entries to treat a cat)
CONDITION: Infections Treatable/Temporary
Prone: all
Consequences/effect:
In this category fall all kind of infections. Eye infections, ear infections, respiratory etc.
Cat has 50% dock on it's stats during any activities
Cat can not take part in shows before the condition gets treated/ cat gets healed
Treating the issue: Art/Lit action: giving medication, providing cat with proper treatment
Items/activities needed: Art/Lit action: giving medication, providing cat with proper treatment (see exact guides for each particular case, it can take the artist from 1 to 3 pictures/;it-entries to treat a cat)
Fractures and bone splints - common injuries that can happen at any sportive competition or during a street race. Depending on the situation either avet kit item or lit/art healing entry will help to deal with those.
Melting tendons aka Legiments inflammation/micro-injuries - very shedu specific trauma. Have been seen as is only in racing shedus after being forced to race at full speed for prolonged time or too often (their body supports/withstands dashes at 150- 200 km/h)
Any faster pace turns into enormous stress for the cat's body and more likely than not it will have consequences (instantly or in the long run). One of the most common is sudden ligament inflammation. The condition unfolds extremely fast, tendons and ligaments of wrists and hocks are affected first, acute severe inflammation then might gp into knee/elbow ligaments or spread over to joints - wrists/pasterns/hocks/knee and worst case scenario - hip joints.
This condition require lightning fast action from the vet team if the owner wants to save cat's health and life.
Even if vets will be able to fight fever and peak of the illness and make a cat to walk on its own without limping again, such cats are rarely ever able to get back to racing (be it street races or official circuit). The inflammations become repeated or chronic issue and cat becomes lame for good or tear its ligaments as a piece of paper. Also a lot of cats become very cautious and may refuse to run at full speed. It is believed that cats continue to feel the pain and that with ligaments cartlige of the joints also gets damaged and cause joint pains and sometimes even chips in the joints.
While Melting tendons are famous for being very acute and fast unfolding issue, a full on 24 hours after the race are considered to be a time gap in which melting tendons symptoms can show themselves.
Interestingly enough, melting tendons considered to be an official circuit bane while in strteet racing it is not as prominant. (Except for speed tests and vehicle duels). Specialists assume the reason for that lays in the fact that street racers rarely have a chance to race their cats full speed. Constant twists and turns of the streets keep then and their cats at comparatively modest speeds.
Pulmonary Hemmorhage - while inborn and inheritable, sometimes this condition can turn up in cats that were being constantly overworked or had very intence racing schedule/careers.
Influenza and Respiratory infections - lore-wise any cat can get those, but in game these issues are almost exclusevly can be met only in feral cats. Such issues are treated with art/lit entries. Same goes for infections, eye infections and upset stomacks ; )(
Ticks & Fleas - issue that haunt all pet-owners. Shedus are prone to these nasty bugs too.