Before a cat can become a warrior, he or she must be trained to fight and hunt and defend the Clan. At the age of six moons, kits leave the nursery and become apprentices. At this point, they change the second half of their name from 'kit' to 'paw' to symbolize the path their paws are now on. The Clan leader assigns each apprentice a mentor-- an older warrior to guide the apprentice on the path to becoming a warrior. Apprentices are responsible for chores around camp, such as tending to the elders, in addition to their training. If they work hard, listen to their mentors, and live by the warrior code, soon they will earn their warrior name, and hopefully, one day, the chance to be a mentor themselves.


Warriors are the lifeblood of the Clan. They patrol the borders, keep the fresh-kill pile supplied, and defend their Clanmates against attacks from enemy cats or predators. They fight to protect the Clan for as long as they are able and are often called upon, passing on the skills that they were taught. During the warrior naming ceremony, apprentices give up the 'paw' half of his or her name and earns a real warrior name, such as Snowfur, Stonefoot, or Rainstripe.