Medicine Cats and Illness

[Broadwaykat]

Medicine Cats and Illness 

Let’s face it; everyone gets sick. It’s a fact of life, and especially in the life of a clan cat. There are plenty of diseases out there that can bring a warrior in their prime down; not just becoming a victim of strange accidents, but by their own immune systems as well. It is for this very fact that we are implementing the illness factor.

How can my cat get sick and injured?

There are three ways in which your cat can be sick or injured:

Birth Defects - A cat can be born with certain ailments if they are passed down by their parents. Like other illnesses, the chance of a cat being born with a particular condition may affect how they function as a warrior. This is something that is not exactly chosen by the roleplayer, save that they are the ones who choose the cat to roleplay in the first place. Please note: Birth Defects can help or hinder a cat’s character and creativity - a blind cat may develop other increased senses, or a cat can be born without the ability to feel pain; both a gift and a curse that could be interesting roleplay fodder.

Player-Selected Condition - This, of course, is self-explanatory - as a roleplayer, you may choose for your cat to be injured or become ill in the process of writing. You should always be aware of the fact that several factors - including but not limited to the severity of the injury or illness - may cause your warrior, apprentice, etc to be forced to retire. The age of said character may also factor into this - an older warrior will not recover as quickly as an apprentice might, etc.

Illness Roulette - This is a relatively new, the mechanics for which will be explained further in this thread. Every month, via random number generators, staff may select cats to become sick. It is of course the roleplayer’s choice as to whether or not they choose to participate, but we hope in this way we can get some more interesting threads and have our Medicine Cats due more than deliver babies and count herbs in their posts.

The Illness Roulette

Within the first week of each month, staff will choose an appropriate number of characters in which to subject to a mystery illness or ailment. How many cats will become ill is determined within the current month, as well as occasional moderator intervention or suggestions. It is more likely/less likely that some cats will suffer from an illness during certain months than others.

Leaffall: 5 ill or injured 

Leafbare: 10 ill or injured 

Newleaf: 5 ill or injured 

Greenleaf: 3 ill or Injured 

The roleplayers of the chosen cats will then be notified: They will be prompted to fill out a form in the tagged thread provided, along the lines of the following. 

Character Name: _______ 

I accept them getting sick: Yes/No. 

If yes, preferred type of illness: Physical Injury, Seasonal Ailment, Emotional/Psychological Ailment, Common Illness. 

Possible Areas Affected: If there is a preference, which part of the cat would you prefer to be affected - ears, eyes, nose, head, tail, etc. 

Severity of Illness I am Willing to Accept: Minor, Moderate, Severe, Disabling, Life-Threatening 

Permanence of Illness I am Willing to Accept: Fully Recovered to Forced Retirement/Death 

Types of Ailments 

Issues can fall into one of the following categories: 

Physical Injury: This is due to a physical ailment; examples being cut, tears, broken bones, ripped claws, teeth, etc. 

Seasonal Ailment: A condition that has been passed on from something in its environment. In this case, it can also be considered something eaten (poisonous) or affected by their environment, like heat spots or bug infestations. 

Emotional/Psychological Ailment: In this case the injury is not physically visible; it could be something such as intense worry, or a sudden change of emotions. 

Common Illness: Everything from the flu to an infection. 

If a roleplayer would like a random ailment, one will be provided for them by staff. 

Illness Permanence 

If a cat gets sick, there may only be so much a Medicine Cat can do; depending on what area is affected, there is a chance that the illness will stick around longer, or leave lasting damage. For example, a cut to the ear that has become infected may cause deafness, a broken limb WILL require them to refrain from regular duties for some time. Also, for the sake of roleplay, it is encouraged (but not mandatory) that serious consideration should be given when fully blinding, deafening, or paralyzing older characters - a kit may be able to be blinded and survive to become a warrior, but a 40 moon old warrior is more likely to retire after retaining such an injury. 

‘Roulette’ Illnesses Vs. Chosen Participation 

Again, mods cannot stress enough that you do NOT need to participate if your cat is chosen in the monthly roulette - simply post that you do not wish to participate and we will leave it at that. However, consider that in getting to choose an illness, an option, is both a guaranteed thread and great fodder for interesting roleplay threads. If you have a character that you feel has stalled or plateaued in plot ideas, a surprise illness may rekindle a muse for them as they are recovering (or provide you with a tried and true way to have them meet Starclan with dignity). 

Of course, the other side is also acceptable - if you would LIKE for your cat to get sick, PLEASE POST IN THE MONTHLY ILLNESS THREAD! Mods would be more than willing to help you plot for a sudden illness or disabling moment - or we can even help suggest interesting ideas to you! 

This idea has been started in hopes of both getting some more use from our Medicine Cat Members, as well as inspire some more interesting plots; illness aren't just about massive fire casualties and plague victims - fun as those can be. 

Now, in the risk of being a little on the nose…. 

IT’S GONNA BE SICK, Y’ALL

[Broadwaykat]

CONTRACTIBLE AILMENTS

No matter how hard you have trained, there are some things you cannot scare off or fight away; disease can strike anyone. For ease of reading, we've categorized diseases based on different categories, as well as: 

• Effect on Duties and/or Lifestyle: (Minor | Medium | Major | Debilitating)
• Rarity of Condition: (Common | Uncommon | Rare | Unheard-of)
• Mortality Rate: (Very Low | Low | Medium | High | Very High | Guaranteed)

Please Note: If you are looking for conditions that are strictly found at birth, or as a physical mutation for your cat, please see the follow Guide.

Respiratory Illnesses

Whitecough

Minor | Common (Esp. Leaf-Bare) | Very Low Mortality

A common cold-weather disease. Not especially dangerous itself, though may cause complications in elders and kittens. High danger to progress to Greencough. Named for the transparent white mucus cats sneeze and cough up. Very contagious. 

Greencough

Medium | Common/Uncommon (Esp. Leaf-Bare) | Medium-Low Mortality

The next stage up from Whitecough. More dangerous, with a stronger cough and more problematic mucus build-up. Especially dangerous for elders, kits, and cats with any paralysis. Named for the thick green mucus cats sneeze and cough up. Very contagious. 

Blackcough
Major | Rare | High Mortality

Rarely seen but difficult to deal with; no-one is sure what causes an infection to become blackcough, but its effects are much stronger. This strain can more easily kill off warriors, and is practically a death sentence for weaker cats. Named for the black color the mucus takes due to internal bleeding.

Redcough

Major-Debilitating | Unheard-Of | Guaranteed Mortality

A rare but extremely deadly mutation of other chest infections. It hasn't been dealt with in many moons. Has devastating effect on cats of any age or health; your only bet is to prey the cure is available in large enough amounts, and quickly. Spreads somewhat easily, especially through shed blood. Named after the fact that cats' lungs become so damaged they cough up blood. 

Yellowcough

Medium-Major | Uncommon | Medium-Low Mortality

An unusual chest infection that spreads to the stomach as well, causing nausea and making it much harder to keep food down. Not as deadly as red or Blackcough, but can be troublesome in hungry moons when affected cats are already low on calories and energy. 

Kitten-cough

Minor | Common (Esp. Leaf-Bare) | Very Low Mortality

A minor infection common in young cats, and rarely spread to their mother. Usually a nuisance at most, and many cats get over it without treatment. 

Smoke Inhalation

Minor-Major | Rare (Due to scarcity of fire events) | Medium-Low Mortality

Though fires are luckily rare, they can pose a lot of hazards beyond burns and loss of prey. Smoke build-up in the lungs can cause a severe cough lasting up to a few months, while long exposure can cause a cat to become dizzy or even faint. Cats who faint in a smokey environment must be removed immediately, or they could suffer permanent damage due to suffocation.

Asthma
Minor-Debilitating | Rare | Medium Mortality

A cat can be born with asthma, or it can be acquired after suffering from Greencough or Smoke Inhilation. Causes a cat to be unable to do certain activities such as running or fighting without gasping for air, having attacks where they can't catch their breath, or simply become winded. This disease can be minor, or it can be bad enough to the point that a cat is forced to retire as they are unable to keep up their duties. An attack can also cause a cat to pass out or die prematurely, depending on it's severity.

Poisonings and Stomach Ailments

Carrion Disease

Minor-Major | Uncommon | Medium Mortality

This variable disease comes from eating sickly or unsafe prey, such as from twoleg dumpsters or old carcasses. Causes severe stomach cramps and may progress to worse symptoms. Depending on cause and individual, can be deadly, though most get over it without much issue. 

Deathberry Ingestion

Debilitating | Rare | Guaranteed Mortality

These uncommon scarlet red berries are extremely dangerous. Most grown cats know better than to eat them, but it is possible for cruel individuals to slip them into prey or force a cat to eat them. More dangerous to kits and unlearned apprentices who may not know their danger. Treatment must be given immediately or there is no hope - even then, it is a risky endeavor and will likely not work.

Poisonous Plant Ingestion
Debilitating | Rare | Very High Mortality

A little less serious than Deathberries - but only just. If a cat is fed plants such as Water Hemlock, certain berries, or Poisonous mushrooms, it will cause horrible tremors, hallucinations, and most often death. If they are able to expel the plant by vomiting, they can sometimes recover - but it will be many moons before they are anything like they were before, if they ever are.

Food Poisoning

Minor-Medium | Uncommon | Low Mortality

A less severe but similar issue to Carrion Disease. Comes from eating rotten or spoiled prey, certain naturally toxic animals, or prey tainted by mild toxins. Can usually be cleared up by eating an emetic herb. 

Snake | Scorpion | Spider Venom

Major-Debilitating | Rare (Glade/Peak) | Uncommon (Vale, Shell) | Very High Mortality

Little can be done for a snake bite in most cases. With luck and strength, a cat may be able to power through the toxins in the venom and survive, though most suffer permanent damage as a result. This also applies to other animal venom such as scorpions and certain sea animals. 

Full-Body Conditions

Cuts | Lacerations | Scrapes | Punctures
Very Minor - Major | Common | Low-High Mortality

The most common of any clan injury. Cats come in every day with injuries to their bodies - and these cuts and scrapes can be very minor or major depending on many factors - area of cut, depth and length of cut, ease of treatment, etc. For example, a small cut on a cat's side may be easily patched up, while a slice across their throat can be much worse to treat. A large enough cut is likely to leave a scar.

Pregnancy
Very Minor - Major | Common | Low-High Mortality

A condition only found in cats with female reproductive organs. The condition in which a cat is expecting kittens, usually lasting two-three moons. It is a very naturally condition, but complications can arise, particularly with smaller cats, new mothers, and cats with other pre-existing conditions. While plenty of cats can give birth safely and normally, there is also a risk that the mother, her kits, or all of them, can die in childbirth.

Bellyache
Very Minor | Common | Low Mortality

Usually caused by a cat eating too much, or not having enough food and eating something they should not have. Usually minor, and if the condition persists with other symptoms, such as vomiting, then Bellyache is not the only underlying condition.

Insect Bites/Stings
Very Minor - Very Major | Common | Very Low-Very High Mortality

The severity of the condition depends upon the insect doing the biting or stinging. For example, if a cat is plagued by fleas - they will be irritated, but will not be in any sort of death risk. However, if a cat is stung by a scorpion, it will likely kill them barring an extremely strong will and immediate and quick attention by a Medicine Cat.

Tick Disease (Lime Disease)
Very Major-Debilitating | Rare | High-Guaranteed Mortality

Ticks are plaguing in their own right, but some carry a disease that seems to attack a cat's central nervous system, making it so they are unable to move properly and driving them into early, permanent retirement - if not outright killing them through paralysis. Thankfully rare, it is the reason why ticks must be immediately cared for when found attached to a cat.

Infected Cuts | Lacerations | Scrapes
Very Minor-Major | Uncommon | Low-High Mortality

If a cut is untreated by a cat, or is in an area more prone to being dirty, or even caused by a dirty implement, the cut may become infected - these are always a little more difficult to treat than a clean cut, but like with them the severity of the cut itself, it depends on many factors: area, severity and the willingness of the cat themselves to follow a Medicine Cat's Orders

Bruising
Minor | Common | Very Low Mortality

Bruising is as common as a minor scrape or cut-  it just means that there is damage to an area, making is sore and discolored, but not actually breaking the skin. Generally, they will fade away on their own - and are only really dangerous if they cause any pain or irritate a cats' ability to breath properly.

Rat Disease (Plague)

Major | Uncommon | High Mortality

A severe whole-body infection that attacks the internal organs and skin. Comes from rats. Often obtained from rat bites, and highly prone to secondary infections that complicate matters. 

Arthritis

Minor-Debilitating | Common (Age-related) | Low Mortality

An affliction for the elderly, or the very, very unlucky. Treatable but not curable. Causes joint pain and difficulty moving, often prevents a cat from hunting or fighting effectively. Usually a leading cause for retirement. 

Lumps (Cancer)
Minor-Debilitating | Rare | Low-High Mortality

Depending on where and why lumps form, they could be benign, such as a wart, or malignant and ultimately deadly, such as liver cancer. Generally no treatment other than pain reduction if the cat is experiencing any- though sometimes twolegs are known to capture and treat cats with visible lumps.

Tremors
Minor-Debilitating | Rare | Low Mortality

A neurological condition that can cause one part of the body - or the entire body to shake uncontrollably as the muscles twitch beneath skin and fur. Depending on the affected area and severity, a cat may be forced to retire or be otherwise unable to do their duties. It is unlikely to be the cause of a cat's death however.

Seizures
Major-debilitating | Very Rare | Medium - Very High Morality

A cat who suffers from seizures are prone to fits where they are unable to control their body, and flop around on the ground, spasming. It takes most energy from the afflicted cat, and moons to recover after a fit - so depending on the severity of the episode, as well as their frequency, it will likely spell the end of their warrior careers if they suffer from more than two within consecutive seasons. Cats who have seizures are not likely to live very long in the wild, either injuring themselves during an episode, leading to other complications, or passing away during frequently more violent episodes.

Foaming Disease (Rabies)
Major-Debilitating | Very Rare | Guaranteed Mortality

A cat will become infected when bitten by another animal who has foaming disease - at first, they will become lethargic, not acting like themselves, and then lash out and attempt to bite others, before finally succumbing to the disease. There is no cure - and it is usually considered a mercy for clan cats to put a fellow out of their misery when they are infected with the condition - not only for the victim but because it can be highly contagious. So named due to the white froth that seems to surround their jaws as the disease progresses.

Heart Attack / Stroke
Major-Debilitating | Rare | High-Guaranteed Mortality

A cat who suffers a heart attack or stroke in the wild will likely not survive. Perhaps, a mild Heart Attack. However, if a cat suffers a stroke, while they may survive for a moon or two afterwards, they will immediately be retired, and will likely not live out the rest of the year, unable to care for their own bodily function, speak, or walk - depending on the severity.

Mouth/Throat Illnesses

Toothache

Minor | Common | Very Low Mortality

Most cats get a tooth ache at some point; kittens teething, grown cats with minor infections, etc. Usually not a cause for alarm, and clears up on its own or with minor herbs. If kittens, provide them with sticks and bones to gnaw on. If from an infection, apply herbs and keep an eye; though very rare, a tooth infection can become something worse. 

Broken Tooth
Minor-Major | Uncommon | Very Low-Low Morality

A broken tooth can cause no pain, to extreme pain - dependent upon which tooth is broken, and at what point. It can cause some issues with eating, and might require and extraction if it is a persistent problem or become infected.

Tooth Decay
Major | Uncommon | Very Low- Low Mortality

Generally happens with age, but the teeth will blacken and rot, causing pain as well as foul breath - as well as pain eating. Treatment may require removal of some teeth - and more care in picking what is eaten, but there is, in the end, very little treatment for it.

Sore Throat
Minor | Common | Very Low

Usually caused by either overuse, stress, or a herald of a harder illness to come, such as Whitecough. The throat is irritated making it hard for a cat to talk without a rasp to their voice, if they can talk at all. Easily treated, but should be watched in case it is indicative of a worse condition.

Seasonal / Situation Ailments

Fever

Minor | Uncommon | Very Low Mortality

Warming of the body due to some kind of infection. Can be an early sign of something more severe, or simply a minor infection that will pass soon. 

Chills

Minor | Common w/ Water Exposure | Low-Medium Mortality

Intense shivering in response to exposure to cold weather, especially cold or frozen water. Most warriors and apprentices can power through it, but it can be dangerous for kits, elders, or queens.

Frostbite / Hypothermia

Major | Common w/ Long Water Exposure | Medium-High Mortality

The result of being submerged in freezing water or getting wet and going out in the cold. Potentially deadly. The cat's fur must be licked the opposite direction as soon as possible. Do not crowd with heat immediately; this can cause them to go into shock. 

Sunburn
Minor-Major | Uncommon | Low Mortality 

Irritation to the skin leaving red patches on the skin caused by long exposure to the sun. Mostly, unless a cat is missing fur, happens in areas such as the paw pads or delicate nose. Can be severe, but mostly just restricts movement - nobody wants to move with a sunburned body.

Heatstroke
Major-Debilitating | Rare (Gladeclan, Peakclan) Uncommon (Shellclan, Valeclan) | Medium-High Mortality

Caused by being exposed to too much sun, causing irritability, loss of motor skills, burned skin, and usually leads to loss of consciousness if not immediately treated, with death following shortly after. Can be treated by a Medicine Cat, but it is a condition that should not be taken lightly.

Dehydration
Minor-Major | Uncommon | Low-Medium Morality

The inability to keep in, or get water, can cause a cat to pant profusely, become easily overheated - and may lead to the more serious heatstroke. The treatment is, in theory, easy - get water in the affected individual. But it must be careful to be sure that it is clean water, as infected or polluted sources can cause the condition to get worse.

Blood Disorders

Diabetes

Medium-Major | Unheard-Of | Medium Mortality

Diabetic cats in the wild suffer crankiness, thirst, and light-headedness even at early stages of hunger. While treatments can help, there is no highly effective natural herb. The most effective treatment lays with twolegs. Usually found in senior cats, due to what they ate during their lifetime - a diet of high fat prey, mostly.

Blood Poisoning
Medium-Major | Rare | High Mortality

When an infected cut goes untreated, the puss and infection that poisons the wound can in turn be carried into the bloodstream and infect the entire body: causing damage internally, immense pain, and death in many case. The real reason why all wounds must be treated - immediately.

Anemia
Minor-Major | Rare | Medium Mortality

Sometimes known as a feinting condition; a cat's blood for some reason unable to carry proper nutrients and causing them to faint, or be generally weaker than they are supposed to be. Eating certain organs, such as liver, can help with controlling this - but what is normally a minor ailment can turn major if a cat feints or is weakened when in a dangerous situation.

Clotting
Major | Very Rare | High Mortality

Clotting can refer to one of two dangerous conditions - either, the blood will not clot on wounds, no matter how minor, causing a cat to lose more blood than they should and put them at risk of bleeding out from minor injuries. Or, clotting can occur within the bloodstream itself - unseen until it breaks free and causes heart attack or stroke.

Foot Diseases and Limb Ailments

Cracked Pads
Minor | Common | Low Mortality 

Often happens during long trips or in cold weather. Treated by a simple poultice. Painful, but otherwise usually harmless outside of severe cases.

Splinters
Minor | Common | Low Mortality

Usually occurring on the feet and paws of the cat, as that is what is in contact with the ground materials for the most part. Bits of wood or stone are caught and shoved into the skin, making it painful to walk on and sometimes becoming infected. They need to be removed carefully by a Medicine Cat.

Wrenched / Broken Claw

Sprained / Twisted Limb

Dislocated Limbs

Broken Bones

Amputation

Sensory Conditions

Progressive Blindness
Cataracts
Retinal Detachment
Deafness
Ear Infections

Fur/Skin Ailments

Scabies / Dry Skin
Alopecia / Hair Loss
Burrs/Matting
Mange

Emotional/Psychological Ailments*

* As some of these ailments can be a touchy subject to some, we do ask that, if you plan on playing a character who develops any of these conditions over the course of the roleplay, that you treat them with the utmost respect.

Depression
Mania
Hallucinations
Stress
Shock
Insomnia/Night Terrors

[Broadwaykat]

A Guide to Herbs and Feline Medicine

Kitting/Pregnancy

Being a new or expectant mother can bring on it's own trials and tribulations; and a whole new way of treating a patient was needed to look at.

Borage (Leaves) – Increased milk production.
Burnet – Given to expectant queens to give them strength.
Chervil (Roots) – Good for pain relief of contractions during kitting.
Parsley – Stops the initial flow of milk in nursing queens.
Raspberry (Leaves) – Eases pain during a queen’s kitting, stopping unnecessary bleeding.
Stick - Distracts cats from pain. Recommended for queens giving birth, for something to bare down on.

Respiratory Illness

In particularly wet months, it's very hard to keep cat's from getting sick from airborn illnesses; but at least there's some herbs that can treat these maladies.

Blessed Thistle – Strengthens lungs.
Bright Eyes – Helps to cure coughs.
Catmint – Remedy for Greencough.
Chickweed – A (lesser) remedy for Greencough.
Coltsfoot – Helps shortness of breath. Especially good for kitten cough.
Ginger – Used for asthma and coughs.
Hawkweed – A (lesser) remedy for Greencough.
Honey – Soothes sore throats. (Particularly good for smoke inhalation).
Juniper (Berries) – Helps with troubles breathing.
Lovage – Helps to cure coughs.
Lungwart – Cures Yellowcough.
Tansy - Soothes throats, cures simple coughs.

Circulatory and Heart Illnesses

The heart of a warrior must be strong; both literally and figuratively. At least these following herbs can help with the former.

Agave (Sap) - High Cholesterol.
Agrimony (Internal Mixture) - Regulates blood sugar levels and diabetes.
Blessed Thistle - Increases circulation.
Chamomile – Strengthens the heart.
Goosegrass – Stops bleeding (internally).
Horsetail – Stops bleeding.
Milk Thistle – High cholesterol.
Marigold – Stops bleeding.

Fevers and Chills

Particularly dangerous to the very young or very old, these herbs can help a raging fever or chills in their tracts and regulate temperature so that other serious concerns can be dealt with.

Borage (Leaves) –. Brings down fevers.
Feverfew – Brings down temperature of cats suffering from chills and fever.
Lavender – Cures fevers and chills.

Infection Prevention and Treatment

Infection is perhaps one of the most dangerous maladies a feral cat can have; ravaging a body, and doing more harm than good; the following keeps infection from spreading, or from beginning in the first place; both inside and out.

Bentonite Clay - Draws out infections when placed on wounds.
Burdock (Root) – Applied to bites (particularly rats). Cures infections.
Chervil (Leaves) – Cure infections.
Comfrey – Soothing wounds, like wrenched claws.
Dock – Particularly for shallow scratches.
Echinacea – Prevents colds, flu and infections.
Ferns – Used to clean out wounds.
Goldenrod – Healing wounds and Stopping infection when chewed into poultice.
Horsetail – Treats infected wounds.
Marigold – Stops infections.
Oak (Leaves) – Stops infection from setting in.
Sweet Sedge – Eases infection.
Tansy – Can be used to cure wounds and poisons.
Tormentil (Root) - Good for treating all wounds and extracting poison.
Wild Garlic – Prevents infections. Draws out poison in rat bites.
Yarrow – Prevents infections.

Breaks, Sprains and Dislocations

There is very little that can cure anything to do with the bones other than time; but some herbs can help speed the process along a bit.

Comfrey – Speeds up the mending of broken bones.
Stinging Nettle – Bringing down swelling of broken and dislocation injuries.

Tooth and Mouth Ailments

Fangs are one of a warrior's most important tools – if they're not working, neither is the warrior. So these will help a cat keep their pearly whites in top shape.

Agrimony (Gargle) - Prevents and improves mouth and throat conditions, especially those associated with inflammation such as sore throat, cough and bronchitis.
Adder Barrack – Helps toothache.
Alder (Bark) – Eases toothache.
Alfalfa – Prevents tooth decay.
Sorrel – Improves appetite.

Poisoning Treatments

If you eat something poisonous by accident, use these cures to hopefully combat whatever it is that's showing your system.

Dandelion (Root) – Used to combat poisoning by Meadow Saffron.
Stinging Nettle – Dispels poison by inducing vomiting.
Wintergreen – Treats wounds and some poisons.
Yarrow - Expels poison. If swallowed, will make a cat vomit.

Stomach and Liver Ailments

From life-threatening to mild discomfort – being sick to your stomach is no fun, so take these herbs and hopefully you'll be feeling better in no time.

Agave (Sap) - Helps treat digestive disorders, as well as internal stomach inflammation, reducing appetite and eliminates toxins while strengthening the immune system.
Agrimony (Internal Mixture) - Cleansing the liver, bile and kidney pathways and mucous membranes of the digestive track. Also improves appetite and intestinal problems such as diarrhea, indigestion and lack of appetite.
Chervil (Roots) – Helps bellyaches.
Hawthorne (Berries) – Treats heart burn and indigestion.
Juniper (Berries) – Soothes bellyaches.
Mallow – Cures Bellyache.
Milk Thistle – Treating liver conditions.
Parsley – Cures Bellyaches.
Watermint – Helps bellyache.
Willow Leaves – Stops Vomiting.
Wintermint - Eases the suffering that originates from a bellyache.

Nervous Disorders

While it's easy to see what a cat may need on the outside, the inside must also be treated, such as the stress grief, or worry over being ill or losing a loved one. These herbs can help with that.

Agrimony (Crushed and Inhaled) - Aid against Insomina.
Bramble Twigs – Helps to sleep.
Chamomile – Soothes the mind.
Goatweed – Eases feelings of grief and loss.
Honey – Improves lack of energy.
Juniper (Berries) – Gives strength and helps calm cats.
Lamb's Ear – Gives a cat strength.
Poppy Seeds – Soothing shock and distress. Do not feed to cats under 6 moons of age or nursing queens.
Ragwort (Leaves) – Keeps a cat's strength up.
Saint John's Wort - An antidepressant.
Thyme – Calms anxiety and frayed nerves and cats in shock.
Valerian - Treat sleeplessness and to reduce anxiety

Pain Management

Everyone has pain from time to time, be they from injury or from age – these are just a few of the herbs a Medicine Cat would keep in their arsenal.

Agrimony (External Compress) - Rheumatism.

Chervil (Roots) – Can be used to line a nest to help ease pain in wrenched or broken limbs.
Daisy Leaves – Soothing aching joints, arthritis.
Dandelion – When chewed, can act as a painkiller.
Elder (Leaves) – Easing sprains and swelling.
Fennel (Stalks) – Easing of joint pain, particularly in hips.
Feverfew – Good for general aches and muscle pain.
Huckleberry – Relieves muscle pain.
Marigold – For inflammation of stiffed joints.
Poppy Seeds – Easing physical and emotional pain. Do not feed to cats under 6 moons of age or nursing queens.
Ragworts (Leaves) – For inflamed and sort joints.
Raspberry (Leaves) – Painkiller.
Willow (Bark) – Eases pain.

Vision Impairment and Improvement

The loss of vision is potentially detrimental to a feral cat, so having ways to treat weak or damaged eyesight is paramount; unfortunately, this is a condition that is very hard to treat at the moment.

Agave (Leaf Extract) - Externally used for eye irritations.
Celandine – Strengthens weak eyes.

Skin, Insect and Fur Ailments

Bugs, Burns and stings – oh my! A variety of maladies which may not be the worst thing to suffer, but certainly make life unpleasant.

Agave (Leaf Extract) - Externally used to treat seasonal skin ailments.
Agrimony (External Compress) – Skin care, particularly acne.
Aloe – Burned skin, skin problems, sunburn.
Blackberry (Leaves) – Chewed and placed to ease bee stings.
Chervil (Roots) – Can ease burned skin.
Coltsfoot – Chewed into poultice for cracked and sore paw pads.
Dandelion – Soothing bee stings.
Mouse Bile – For the removal of ticks.

Wound Bindings

For broken, sprained or dislocated injuries, it's important that a limb remains immobile – or for a poultice to remain in place. Here's a variety of materials for a variety of situations.

Bindweed – Binding twigs in place for bracing broken bones.
Catchweed – Stops poultices from being rubbed off without irritating the skin.
Cobwebs – Binding large and small skin tears, keeping poultices in place.
Ivy – Restraint of patients and bindings of broken or dislocated limbs.
Lavender – Used to mask the scent of death and decay.
Mint – Used to mask the scent of death and decay.
Moss – Used for soaking up fluids.
Palm - Fronds of this plant can be used to help bind broken limbs and immobilize them, or in helping to move bodies to injured to move. Primarily used by the cats of Shellclan.
Rosemary – Used to mask the scent of death and decay.
Rush - Helps hold a broken limb in place, such as casts for Twolegs.
Sap – For binding materials in place, a natural adhesive.
Twigs – For use as braces for immobilizing limbs.

Additives

Some of the more bitter medicines may need a little sweetness to help them become palatable: as they say, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down!

Blue/Black/Rasp/Strawberries – Sweetens bitter mixtures.
Heather Nectar – Helps with swallowing and sweetens bitter mixtures.
Honey – Sweetens Mixtures.

Poisons 

While not necessarily the most polite things to speak about, sometimes the suffering of a cat is so great that it is in the Medicine Cat's Best interest to help them to pass along with as little pain as possible; leading to them keeping a stock of poisons on hand for such an occasion. Another reason to keep these handy, of course, is for teaching others to stay far, far away from them.

Deadly Nightshade – Kills a cat within minutes when consumed.
Deathberries | Yew Berries | Night Seeds – Kills at cat within minutes when consumed.
Foxglove Seeds - They can easily cause paralysis and heart failure.
Holly Berries – Not as bad as some – but can kill weak and young cats.
Meadow Saffron – Can cause permanent nerve damage and extreme dangers.
Water Hemlock - Causes writhing, pain, and foaming at the mouth.