Adrenaline

Adrenaline is a combat buff that maintains Exhaustion at 0 stacks, delaying the inevitable Exhaustion timer that would otherwise end long fights. While Adrenaline is active, the cat also gains +25% Crit Chance and +25% Block Chance, significantly boosting both offensive and defensive capabilities. Stacks reduce by 1 each turn, so Adrenaline provides a limited extension to the combat window before Exhaustion kicks in.

Adrenaline is automatically granted to cats dealing damage when Exhaustion would normally activate (around round 10 for normal cats, earlier for old cats or those with Insomnia). Each stack represents one additional turn before Exhaustion begins its deadly escalation. The crit and block bonuses make Adrenaline turns particularly impactful, as the cat operates at enhanced performance during what would otherwise be the desperate final phase of combat.

Certain items and abilities can grant additional Adrenaline stacks, extending the combat window further. In boss fights or difficult encounters that naturally run long, Adrenaline-granting effects can be the difference between victory and defeat. Once Adrenaline stacks are fully consumed, Exhaustion begins immediately with its escalating damage and healing reduction. Building around Adrenaline allows aggressive playstyles that thrive in extended combat, though the most reliable strategy remains finishing fights before Exhaustion becomes relevant at all.