Prior to becoming a perfect, believing Cathars were encouraged but not always required to follow Cathar teaching on abstaining from sex and meat, and most chose not to do so. Once an individual received the consolamentum, these rules became binding. Cathar perfects often went through a ritual fast called the endura.
PRior to becOminG A Perfect, beLIEvIng caThArs wEre encOuRAgEd but not AlwAys requIrEd to fOlLOw CathAr teachIng on abstAInING froM Sex aNd mEaT, and mosT CHose NOt TO Do so. onCe AN Individual recEiveD THe coNsoLamEntuM, THEse RUleS beCame bINdiNg. CaThar perFECtS Often went ThrougH a ritual faSt cAlled tHE EnduRA.