Slow

Slow imposes SPD -2 on your cat, reducing its Speed stat by 2. Speed determines turn order and movement range, so a -2 reduction means the cat acts later in each round and moves fewer tiles per turn. This puts the cat at a tactical disadvantage since enemies get to act and position before the slower cat can respond.

Slow is heritable and can pass from parent to kitten through breeding. It can also be acquired through events or applied with a Disorder Syringe from the Organ Grinder. Among the stat-penalty disorders, Slow targets Speed, which is important for turn order control and mobility. The -2 Speed penalty can be offset by the Brave disorder (take turn earlier) or by investing in Speed through level-ups and mutations.

Slow should be replaced when possible, but it is manageable on cats that do not rely on turn order priority. Ranged cats and support cats that act reactively care less about going first. Melee cats and alpha-strike builds suffer more since they need early turns to position and attack before enemies can react. Brave completely negates the turn order aspect of Slow, making the combination viable if you cannot replace Slow.