Ailuranthropy

Ailuranthropy is a rare condition that can be transmitted in several ways, much like other forms of therianthropy, but it primarily follows the mechanisms of genetic inheritance, bite, or curse. Each of these vectors involves different levels of risk and impact on the individual, and they can influence the way the condition manifests.   Genetic Inheritance
The most common form of Ailuranthropy transmission is through genetic inheritance. This occurs when an individual is born to parents who both carry the ailuranthropic gene, which grants the ability to transform into a feline form. These individuals are typically born with the condition, though the full abilities may not manifest until adolescence or even early adulthood, as the transformation abilities can take time to develop. In many cases, children born to Ailuranthropes inherit the ability to transform, though the specific traits (such as the type of feline form, strength, and agility) may vary depending on their parental lineage.   Werecats (those with Ailuranthropy) often see their offspring as a part of a deeply personal and powerful bloodline. Because the condition is inherited, familial ties play a significant role in how the condition is passed down and in maintaining the strength and pride of the werecat lineage. Family units and territories are key to the upbringing and survival of those with the condition, as new generations must be taught how to handle their abilities with care and control.   Blood
A bite from a werecat is the second most common way of acquiring Ailuranthropy, but it is not a simple process. Like all therianthropes, the recipient of the bite must be near death for the transformation to take hold. A simple bite will not trigger the change. Instead, the individual must be gravely injured or already in a life-threatening condition. The bite from a werecat typically comes as part of a mauling, during which the victim is severely injured or fatally wounded.   The transformation occurs through the introduction of infected saliva into the bloodstream, but the individual must already be on the brink of death. It is not just the bite that causes the change, but the victim's weakened state, allowing the ailuranthropic virus to take hold and trigger the werecat transformation.   For those bitten, the shift into a werecat can be intense and violent. The victim may experience great pain as their body changes, bones breaking and reforming, fur sprouting, and claws lengthening. The psychological toll of the transformation can be severe, as the victim's human mind contends with the primal instincts of the feline nature. Only those with strong willpower and control over their instincts can successfully manage the duality of their new form.   While werecats may maul or bite those they view as threats, they rarely do so to spread the condition, as they view the addition of new werecats as a dangerous complication that can lead to increased competition for territory and resources.
  Curse or Ritual
In some cases, Ailuranthropy can be passed down through curses or rituals performed by magical beings or practitioners of the arcane arts. This method is less common but is typically used as a form of punishment or retribution, as the cursed individual undergoes a forced transformation. Unlike genetic inheritance or bites, the transformation through a curse is magical in nature and may not be as easily controlled, often leading to chaos and emotional turmoil for the cursed individual.   Individuals cursed with Ailuranthropy may find themselves unable to control their shifting abilities, often transforming at inopportune times or under stress. The curse may be lifted by a powerful magic user or through a ritualistic process, but this is not always guaranteed. Cursed werecats are often left with a sense of helplessness and frustration, as they must come to terms with the involuntary nature of their transformations.