Yes, you can be a shifter and there are a couple that play on Layo. You need a good bio/dev for one showing you can't keep one shape, etc, etc ...
As to feats, I might be wrong, but check the handbook first. In fact I think I am wrong! Magic types get the Eschew materials feat(s) as well, which is very handy. You can also check the next build forums which has details of what's gone in each update and I think you will find some details there as well.