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title: Token Launch & Feature Opening
nav_order: 1.5
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# Token Launch & Feature Opening

TheFatCat opens trading, staking and staking rewards in three stages. This page explains what you can do at each stage and why staking opens before rewards. Check the [Belly page](https://thefatcat.fun/belly) for current progress.

**Token launch → Staking opens after graduation → Seven-day accumulation period → Staking reward allocation and claims open**

## The three opening stages

| Stage | When it opens | What you can do | Staking reward status |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Stage 1: Token launch** | The token has launched and is awaiting graduation | Trade through official trading links and read the protocol rules. Available revenue-maintenance functions operate independently. | Staking and staking reward claims remain closed. |
| **Stage 2: Staking opens** | Planned immediately after token graduation; check the actual opening status | Stake `$FATCAT`, choose a reward asset, and manage or exit positions under the rules. Active positions can accrue seniority as meals are successfully advanced. | A shared seven-day accumulation period begins. No new staking rewards are allocated during this period. |
| **Stage 3: Rewards open** | After seven full days from actual staking opening, from day eight onward | Continue staking and managing positions. Claim settled rewards once reward access is open and settlement is complete. | Meal advances can begin allocating staking rewards. Claimable amounts still depend on revenue, purchases and settlement. |

{: .important }
**The seven-day clock starts when staking actually opens for the protocol, not when `$FATCAT` launches.** After the seven days, reward execution follows the on-chain state.

## Why opening happens in stages

### Complete launch and graduation before opening staking

Stage 1 provides trading links and protocol documentation. Users can learn how the protocol works and how to participate before staking opens. Staking opens after token graduation under the release plan. Check the Belly page to see whether it is actually available.

### Allow initial reward reserves to accumulate

The seven days after staking opens allow initial reward reserves to accumulate. Successfully processed trading-tax revenue can enter the Belly reservoir to fund later meal allocations. The amount depends on revenue and processing; there is no fixed return or minimum reward promise.

### Track seniority separately from reward allocation

During accumulation, ordinary new positions still activate at the next successfully advanced meal, starting with a 1× seniority multiplier. Each completed active meal adds 1×, up to 22× after 21 promotions. Delayed meal advancement delays promotions.

Stakers' seniority grows normally during the accumulation period, affecting relative weight after rewards open; however, no asset rewards accrue during the accumulation period. Position weight = principal × seniority multiplier × incentive multiplier of the current reward asset.

### After rewards open, the protocol must settle them before stakers can claim

Once Stage 3 opens, rewards move through meal allocation, purchases or an eligible WBNB fallback, settlement and claiming. Opening rewards does not send reward tokens automatically; you need to claim them yourself.

{: .important }
**Feeder rewards from FEED are settled normally during the seven-day accumulation period.** See [FEED & Decentralized Maintenance]({% link guides/community-keeper.md %}) for participation conditions.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I claim staking rewards seven days after token launch?

The clock does not start at token launch. It starts when staking actually opens for the protocol. After seven days, the relevant meals must still be allocated and settled before rewards become claimable.

### If I join later, do I wait another seven days?

Joining does not restart the shared accumulation period. An ordinary new position still activates at the next successfully advanced meal and builds seniority on its own schedule. It does not participate retroactively in earlier meals.

### Will I receive rewards immediately when Stage 3 opens?

Rewards do not arrive automatically. Check your positions and settled rewards on the Belly page, then follow the claiming steps. Rewards awaiting purchases or settlement need those steps to complete first.

Before participating, read [Staking & Positions]({% link guides/staking.md %}) and [Diets & Claiming]({% link guides/diets-and-claiming.md %}), or visit the [Belly page](https://thefatcat.fun/belly) to check current progress.