There are many ways that one can examine someone who has passed after death. One way is to get an x-ray, but as the technology in the forest is quite minimal, that isn't an option. A second option, though it usually isn't likely, is to examine it without cutting into the body. This is what's called an 'external examination.' They are preformed when a cat dies of something that can be seen on the exterior, something that's noticeable, like a hash on the throat, or a bunch of infected areas.

But the one that many cats don't want others to know, one that is hidden away from legends and tales from long ago, are the autopsies. Now yes, that may sound weird, cats performing autopsies on other dead cats, but believe me when I say it, with the right experince, an autopsy is the best way to find a cause of death. Besides actually seeing the thing that caused that cat to die, that one always takes the cake.

Though I have just listed two ways a dead cat can be examined, be sure to realise that examination of a dead cat is very uncommon, as many believe that it is disrespectful and immoral to do so. But no matter how right they might sound, no matter how much you believe them, you cannot ignore cold hard facts. Allow me to explain.

There have been many cats who, over the course of the clans, have been studying their whole lives about how to correctly preform, and get correct results from the autopsies. One such cat was Sagekindle from Desertclan. He started his studies during his apprenticeship with his mentor, who I shall not name on the fact that it is confidential.

He asked for a corpse, if there was any after a battle or one was discovered, to examine to find out what happened to that corpse, or living thing, to make it die. As his examinations lengthened and became more frequent and more efficient, the more enemies and rivals he had gained. 3 of the five clans of the Great Circle had tried to get him to stop, but failed.

The process of an autopsy is quite simple, a kit could do it, with a lot of therapy afterwards. First, the corpse must be spread out, limbs as far as possible and head tilted back. This is so nothing would get in the way of the cutting. Second, a small cut would be placed near the top of the belly, slowly going down as the innards start to reveal.

It is at this point that most cats would walk away, absolutely disgusted at the process, but for those brave souls who continue, the third step is to open it up. Open the corpse up and begin the examination. With sickness, the problem is usually found very easily, and with other circumstances, exterior examination is the right way to go.

However, with am those reasons to not do the examination, there are still many reasons. My knowledge of this point on is strictly hidden by the Great Circle, so I cannot tell you more. Maybe sometime later, I can tell you more, but until then. Keep on keeping on.