Mate is the Clan terminology for a partnership between two cats.
Taking a Mate
Two cats are usually considered mates after spending some time together, and are seen sharing tongues often, and after some kind of confession of love, or asking them if they would like to be mates. Usually when cats are apprentices or warriors, they will show some sort of affection toward a certain cat. Clan cats usually take a mate from the same Clan, although there are examples of pairings from different Clans or groups. However, sometimes cats from different Clans will mate secretly despite it being against the warrior code.[1] Examples are Bluestar and Oakheart,[2] Silverstream and Graystripe,[3] or Leafpool and Crowfeather.[4] It is not unusual for a cat to have more than one mate. After a while, if they stop showing affection, or if their mate dies, they will usually take on a new mate. An example is Graystripe and Millie or Willowpelt and Patchpelt.
Breaking Up
In the Warriors universe, breaking up is fairly rare, but can happen. Some examples of mates who broke up:
- Bluestar and Oakheart.[5]
- Daisy and Spiderleg.[6]
- Leafpool and Crowfeather.[4]
- Bumblestripe and Dovewing.[7]
- Goldenflower and Tigerstar.[8]
- Rainflower and Shellheart.[9]
- It is noted after Rainflower's death, that Shellheart always loved Rainflower, even after they weren't mates anymore.[10]
- Sasha and Tigerstar.[11]
Reasons
Mates break up mainly for the following reasons:
- They decide they are not suited for each other anymore or don't truly love each other.[6]
- One cat does not love the other anymore. (Daisy and Spiderleg)[6]
- One cat does not truly love their mate back and has feelings for another. (Dovewing and Bumblestripe)[7]
- Ending a relationship of forbidden love by mutual agreement, recognizing that loyalty to their Clan is more important than their love. (Leafpool and Crowfeather)[12]
- Disagreements, mistrust, or misunderstanding. (Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw in Starlight)[13]
- Disappointment in their mate's actions or behavior. (Shellheart and Rainflower in Crookedstar's Promise)[9]
- One of the cats leave the Clan. (Goldenflower and Tigerstar)[14]
- One of the cats dies. (Graystripe takes Millie as a mate after the death of Silverstream)[15]
Restrictions
- Taking a cat from another Clan (or a non-Clan cat) as mate is implicitly forbidden by the first rule of The Warrior Code,[16] as such pairings are considered a sign of disloyalty.[17] Kits born from such relations are named half-Clan, and are usually not trusted.[17]
- Medicine cats, either male or female, are not allowed to take mates,[18] in order to be fully dedicated to their medicine cat duties, though this rule is often broken. (ie. Crowfeather and Leafpool,[4] Yellowfang and Raggedstar.[19])
- Apprentices do not take mates[20][21] because they are too young, and that if females were to give birth to kits, it would distract them from their duties, though they do sometimes show affection.[22]
Related Romances
There are a variant relationships with similar aspects to mates, either in mutual affection, mutual displays of affection, and/or breaking the warrior code to meet with another Clan cat at night. However, these couplings are never considered official mates for varying reasons and never resulted in kits. Keep in mind, none of these cats ever become mates, but it is largely hinted that they might have become mates later. Main examples of these are:
- Firepaw and Spottedleaf[23]
- Squirrelflight and Ashfur[24]
- Lionpaw and Heatherpaw[25]
- Jayfeather and Half Moon[26]
- Hollyleaf and Fallen Leaves[27][28][29][30]
- Dovewing and Tigerheart[31][32]
- Bramblestar and Jessy[33]
- Dappletail and Stormtail[34]
- Tallstar and Jake[35]
- Foxleap and Rosepetal[36]
Reasons
Common reasons why these aren't true mates are the following:
- One or both were apprentices at the time and too young for a mate. (Lionpaw and Heatherpaw,[25] Dovepaw and Tigerheart initially)[32]
- It was forbidden by the warrior code and one or both would refuse to break it. (Spottedleaf and Firestar)[37]
- Were never in an official relationship. (Jayfeather and Half Moon,[26] Squirrelflight and Ashfur,[38] Bramblestar and Jessy)[33]
- Were never clearly described as mates or resulted in kits. (Dovewing and Tigerheart,[39] Dappletail and Stormtail,[40] and Tallstar and Jake)[41]
- Author realized they were related. (Foxleap and Rosepetal)[42]
- Author discrepancies. (Hollyleaf and Fallen Leaves)[43][44][45][46]
List of Mates
ThunderClan
- Adderfang and Swiftbreeze[47]
- Berrynose and Poppyfrost[48]
- Birchfall and Whitewing[49]
- Brackenfur and Sorreltail[50]
- Bramblestar and Squirrelflight[51]
- Bumblestripe and Dovewing[52]
- Cloudtail and Brightheart[53]
- Dustpelt and Ferncloud[53]
- Firestar and Sandstorm[54]
- Berrynose and Honeyfern [55]
- Fuzzypelt and Robinwing[56]
- Graystripe and Millie[57]
- Halftail and One-eye[58]
- Lionblaze and Cinderheart[59]
- Lionheart and Frostfur[60]
- Morningstar and Songbird[61]
- Patchpelt and Willowpelt[56]
- Pinestar and Leopardfoot[62]
- Robinwing and Patchpelt[63]
- Redtail and Brindleface[56]
- Rooktail and Daisytoe[64]
- Smallear and Speckletail[65]
- Larksong and Flamenose[66]
- Snowbush and Lilyheart[67]
- Stormtail and Moonflower[68]
- Spiderleg and Daisy[69]
- Tawnyspots and Willowpelt[70]
- Thistleclaw and Snowfur[71]
- Tigerstar and Goldenflower[8]
- Unnamed tom and Ivypool[72]
- Whitestorm and Willowpelt[73]
- Windflight and Poppydawn[74]
- Blossomfall and Thornclaw[75]
WindClan
- Breezepelt and Heathertail[76]
- Crowfeather and Nightcloud[77]
- Deadfoot and Ashfoot[78]
- Gorsestar and Windstar[79]
- Hareflight and Mistmouse[80]
- Jagged Peak and Holly[81]
- Meadowslip and Hickorynose[82]
- Onestar and Whitetail[83]
- Redclaw and Brackenwing[84]
- Sandgorse and Palebird[85]
- Sedgewhisker and Emberfoot[86]
- Shrewclaw and Ryestalk[87]
- Woollytail and Palebird[88]
RiverClan
- Appledusk and Reedshine [89] [90]
- Beetlenose and Sunfish[91]
- Cedarpelt and Lakeshine[92]
- Crookedstar and Willowbreeze[93]
- Hailstar and Echomist[94]
- Mallownose and Petalfur[95]
- Mintfur and Icewing[96]
- Mudfur and Brightsky[97]
- Owlfur and Softwing[98]
- Piketooth and Shimmerpelt[99]
- Rippleclaw and Graypool[100]
- Shellheart and Lilystem[101]
- Shellheart and Rainflower[102]
- Tanglewhisker and Birdsong[103]
- Timberfur and Ottersplash[104]
- Blackclaw and Mistystar[105][106]
- Greenflower and Reedtail[106]
ShadowClan
- Blizzardwing and Featherstorm[107]
- Brackenfoot and Brightflower[108]
- Clawface and Rowanberry[108]
- Crowfrost and Dawnpelt[109]
- Mudclaw and Lizardstripe[110]
- Raggedstar and Yellowfang[19]
- Rowanstar and Tawnypelt[111]
- Scorchfur and Snowbird[112]
- Sparrowtail and Berryheart[113]
- Spikefur and Pinenose[114]
- Toadskip and Poolcloud[115]
- Toadskip and Nettlespot[116]
- Wolfstep and Fernshade[117]
SkyClan
- Billystorm and Leafstar[118]
- Braveheart and Shiningheart[119]
- Buzzardstar and Fernpelt[120]
- Cloudstar and Birdflight[121]
- Patchfoot and Clovertail[122]
- Rainfur and Petalnose[123]
- Sharpclaw and Cherrytail[124]
- Waspwhisker and Fallowfern[125]
- Sandynose and Plumwillow[126]
- Hawkwing and Pebbleshine[127]
- Nettlesplash and Mintfur[128]
- Sagenose and Birdwing[129]
- Sparrowpelt and Tinycloud[130]
Half-Clan
- Appledusk and Mapleshade[131]
- Crowfeather and Leafpool[132]
- Graystripe and Silverstream[133]
- Hal and Featherstorm[134]
- Oakheart and Bluestar[135]
- Reedfeather and Fallowtail[136]
- Gorsetail and Beechfur[137]
- Ryewhisker and Cloudberry[138]
- Tigerstar and Sasha[139]
- Eaglestorm and Squirrelwhisker[140]
Clanless Cats
Tribe / Ancient Lake Cats
- Stone Song and Broken Shadow[150]
- Chasing Clouds and Rising Moon[151]
- Jagged Lightning and Owl Feather[152]
- Clear Sky and Bright Stream[153]
- Clear Sky and Storm[154]
- Clear Sky and Star Flower [source?]
- Falling Rain and Falcon Swoop[155]
- Gray Wing and Turtle Tail[156]
- Gray Wing and Slate[157]
- Jackdaw's Cry and Hawk Swoop[158]
- Moon Shadow and Dewy Leaf[159]
- Stone Song and Hollow Tree[160]
- Sharp Hail and Dewy Leaf[161]
- Sheer and Night[162]
- Stormfur and Brook[163]
References and Citations
- ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans, pages 7-8
- ↑ Revealed in Forest of Secrets, pages 231-234
- ↑ Revealed in Forest of Secrets, page 142
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Revealed in The Sight, page 353
- ↑ Revealed in Sunrise, page 235
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Revealed in Long Shadows, page 235
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, page 449
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Revealed in Rising Storm, pages 19-20
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 52
- ↑ Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 361
- ↑ Revealed in Escape from the Forest, page 9
- ↑ Revealed in Twilight, page 280
- ↑ Revealed in Starlight, page 235
- ↑ Revealed in Forest of Secrets, page 289
- ↑ Revealed in The Lost Warrior, page 87
- ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans, page 7
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 40
- ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans, page 131
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Revealed in Secrets of the Clans, page 67
- ↑ Strongly suggested in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 320
- ↑ Revealed in Hawkwing's Journey, chapter 19
- ↑ Example: When Dovewing was an apprentice, she showed affection for Tigerheart
- ↑ Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 53
- ↑ Revealed in Twilight, page 182
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Revealed in Dark River, page 241
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 Revealed in Sign of the Moon, page 261
- ↑ Revealed on Kate's Twitter
- ↑ Revealed on Kate's Twitter
- ↑ Revealed on Kate's official blog
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ Revealed in The Last Hope, page 107
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 Revealed in Night Whispers, page 110
- ↑ 33.0 33.1 Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, page 461
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 392
- ↑ Revealed on Kate's blog
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook Page
- ↑ Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 401
- ↑ Revealed in Sunset, page 62
- ↑ Revealed in The Last Hope, page 233
- ↑ Revealed in Erin Hunter Chat 7
- ↑ Revealed on Kate's blog
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook Page
- ↑ Revealed on Kate's Twitter
- ↑ Revealed on Kate's Twitter
- ↑ Revealed on Kate's official blog
- ↑ [2]
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 30
- ↑ Revealed in The Fourth Apprentice, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Sunrise, pages 44-45
- ↑ Revealed in Sunset, page 27
- ↑ Revealed in Sunset, pages 61-62
- ↑ Revealed on Kate's Blog
- ↑ 53.0 53.1 Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 18
- ↑ Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 509
- ↑ Revealed in Sunrise, page 210
- ↑ 56.0 56.1 56.2 Revealed in an unknown book, page oskits
- ↑ Revealed in Warrior's Return, page 87
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 410
- ↑ Revealed in The Last Hope, page 242
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's facebook page
- ↑ Revealed in Battles of the Clans, page 141
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 216
- ↑ Revealed in an unknown book, page long
- ↑ Revealed in Goosefeather's Curse, chapter 1
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 48
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook
- ↑ Revealed on Kate's Blog
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 24
- ↑ Revealed in Outcast, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook Page
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 320
- ↑ Revealed in an unknown book, pages http://katecary.co.uk/blog/the-last-hope-spoiler-page/comment-page-22/#comment-50046
- ↑ Revealed in Forest of Secrets, page 278
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 315
- ↑ Revealed in Shattered Sky, chapter 4
- ↑ Revealed on Kate's blog
- ↑ Revealed in After Sunset: We Need to Talk
- ↑ Revealed in a letter
- ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans, page 37
- ↑ Revealed in Tallstar's Revenge, page 25
- ↑ Revealed in The Blazing Star, page 106
- ↑ Revealed in Tallstar's Revenge, page 472
- ↑ Revealed in an unknown book, page heather
- ↑ Revealed in Tallstar's Revenge, page 176
- ↑ Revealed in Tallstar's Revenge, page 20
- ↑ Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, page 57
- ↑ Revealed in Tallstar's Revenge, page 440
- ↑ Revealed in Tallstar's Revenge, page 253
- ↑ Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 480
- ↑ Revealed on Victoria Holmes Letter 2
- ↑ Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 465
- ↑ Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 209
- ↑ Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 321
- ↑ Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 1
- ↑ Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, page 56
- ↑ Revealed on Kate's blog
- ↑ Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 150
- ↑ Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 405
- ↑ Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 149
- ↑ Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 419
- ↑ Revealed on Warrior's Wish
- ↑ Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, pages 7-8
- ↑ Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 11
- ↑ Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 292
- ↑ Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 151
- ↑ 106.0 106.1 Revealed on Vicky's Facebook
- ↑ Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, page 406
- ↑ 108.0 108.1 Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, page 467
- ↑ Revealed on Kate's blog
- ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans, page 69
- ↑ Revealed in Ultimate Leader Election: Firestar, page 3
- ↑ Revealed in Bramblestar's Storm, page 292
- ↑ Kate's Blog
- ↑ Kate's Blog
- ↑ Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, page 15
- ↑ Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, page 257
- ↑ Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, page 433
- ↑ Revealed in The Rescue, page 7
- ↑ Revealed on the Official Forum
- ↑ Revealed in Cloudstar's Journey, chapter 4
- ↑ Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 6
- ↑ Revealed in SkyClan's Destiny, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 372
- ↑ Revealed in After the Flood, page 17
- ↑ Revealed in SkyClan's Destiny, page 72
- ↑ Revealed in Hawkwing's Journey, page 194
- ↑ Revealed in Hawkwing's Journey, page 250
- ↑ Revealed in Hawkwing's Journey, page 98
- ↑ Revealed in Hawkwing's Journey, chapter 17
- ↑ Revealed in Hawkwing's Journey, page 22
- ↑ Revealed in Crookedstar's Promise, page 479
- ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans, pages 120-121
- ↑ Revealed in Firestar's Quest, page 39
- ↑ Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, pages 100-101
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 3
- ↑ Revealed in Battles of the Clans, page 54
- ↑ Kate's blog]
- ↑ Revealed in Code of the Clans, page 11
- ↑ Revealed in Dawn, page 229
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 453
- ↑ Revealed in Shattered Sky, chapter 19
- ↑ Revealed in Tallstar's Revenge, page 142
- ↑ Revealed in Warrior's Refuge, page 34
- ↑ Revealed in The Rise of Scourge, page 13
- ↑ Revealed on the Warriors App
- ↑ Revealed in SkyClan's Destiny, page 439
- ↑ Revealed in Sunset, page 193
- ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans, page 152
- ↑ Revealed in Shattered Peace, page 23
- ↑ Revealed in Long Shadows, page 187
- ↑ Revealed in Long Shadows, page 220
- ↑ Revealed in Long Shadows, page 215
- ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, page 95
- ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, page 305
- ↑ Revealed in Long Shadows, page 218
- ↑ Revealed in The Ultimate Guide, page 176
- ↑ Revealed on Kate's blog
- ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, page 277
- ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, page 33
- ↑ Revealed in The Sun Trail, page 23
- ↑ Revealed in A Forest Divided: Bonus Scene, page 3
- ↑ Revealed in Sign of the Moon, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in The Sight, pages 22-23