Naming Your Cat

[Fernear!]

This only relates to clan cats - you do not have to use this guild line to name your cat if s/he is not in a clan.

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When born, kits are given whichever name their parents would like. They are usually named for their overall appearance; what their pelt looks like, how large they are, or what pattern they have on their pelt for example. The parents may also choose to name their cat after something or someone important to them.

Names are made up of usually two words (i.e. Yarrowpelt, Oakwhisker etc) although it is possible to have a name with only one word (Sky, Blue, Rock, etc). Kits are usually named right after they are born but the naming process can be carried out for longer; the kit must be named before his or her apprentice ceremony.

The name given by the parents is usually kept for life although the cat may choose to change it when his or her warrior ceremony takes place (i.e. Feather - Featherwing, Whitefeather) Kits will have the suffix "kit" (i.e. Leopardkit) with their given prefix. Apprentices will carry on their same prefix while their suffix changes to 'paw" (i.e. Lionpaw). Warriors, deputies, elders and medicine cats will have a two-worded name including their original prefix and a unique suffix. When appointed as the leader of a clan, the deputy's suffix will become star (i.e. Sandwing becomes Sandstar).

Traditional names should not include any man-made things or otherwise unknown items (i.e. emerald & iron). Spiritual beings like souls, spirits or angels are also considered nontraditional seeing as the warriors may not known about such terms. Anything sacred to the clans should not be used in either the suffix or prefix because having something so important to the clans in one's name would seem overpowering (i.e. moon & sun). Clans names (River, Thunder, Wind, Shadow) cannot be used as a prefix although they may be used as suffixes.

Names should involve adjectives and nouns that are common in the cats' world. Things like herbs, colours (i.e. red, blue, white), animals (native to western Europe), plants and other natural things would suffice.

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If you have any questions about anything you've read or about a particular name you can contact any of the staff for assistance.

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