Survival

In order to lead a successful life, cats must survive the wilds. Failure to do so will result in Death.

## Basic Needs

* Stamina
* Hunger
* Thirst

Outside of combat, a cat's stamina represents how much energy they have to use throughout the day. Stamina is recovered by resting. This is usually achieved through sleep, but certain other restful activities such as grooming may also recoup some points of stamina. How much stamina is recovered through sleep is determined by where a cat sleeps, and their bedding if they sleep in a nest. At 25 stamina, a cat becomes **Fatigued**. While Fatigued, cats will lose twice as much stamina as usual while performing tasks

When a cat reaches zero stamina, they are **exhausted**, and will be forced to rest wherever they are; even if they're not in camp. Sleeping outside of camp presents a significant risk to the player and their Clanmates, and should be avoided. Cats with the **Tree-Dweller** Clan trait take refuge in the trees, and are considered safe from predators when sleeping outside of camp, however are still susceptible to the penalties of not sleeping in a nest.

During combat, reaching zero stamina is much more dangerous. A cat will be forced to retreat from battle, if they are able. Chances are, however, that the cat will be killed if they cannot manage to get away from the conflict. Even if they escape, this cat will come out severely wounded, and will still be at risk of death if they are not tended to. It is advisable for a cat to retreat before they reach zero stamina during combat.

*See Hunting*

Every cat needs to eat to survive. For the most part, Hunting Prey animals will be a cat's primary source of food. Kittypets and those that are desperate may also be fed by Twolegs, however kibble is far less nutritious than wild-caught food.

When a cat's hunger bar is empty, they will receive the **Starving** status effect. While Starving, cats will lose twice as much stamina as usual while performing tasks. Hunting while hunger-fatigued can prove difficult or even impossible if a cat's hunting skill is low. If the **Starving** status effect runs its course, and the cat is unable to find enough to eat to stave it off, the cat will fall unconscious and die. Starving cats must be careful of how much they eat at once: too much food after going a long time without can send a cat into shock, and it can kill them.

Every cat needs to drink to survive. Maps with freshwater on them such as swamps, ponds, and rivers, will provide the most secure sources of drinking water. However, water can also be encountered on the map during Exploration through damp moss or puddles that the player may pass by randomly. These water-specific encounters can be actively sought after when the player falls below a certain level of thirst. Meat will also provide a very small amount of hydration when eaten.

When a cat's thirst bar is empty, they will receive the **Dehydrated** status effect. While Dehydrated, cats will lose twice as much stamina as usual while performing tasks. This can make the search for water more difficult. It is advisable, especially on maps without permanent freshwater sources, to drink whenever given the opportunity. If the **Dehydrated** status effect runs its course, and the cat is unable to find enough to drink to stave it off, the cat will fall unconscious and soon die.

## Physical Health

* Hygiene
* Injury
* Illness

Although not as direct as dehydration or starvation, a cat's cleanliness affects their health. Dirty cats are more likely to get sick more often.

Injuries will make survival difficult until healed.

Illness will make survival difficult until healed.