Naming

In the *Horizon* series, Chowder cats have names adhering to a specific naming system.

## Chowder Cats

Over their lifetime, a Chowder cat will receive multiple names.

### Informal Name

Once a kitten has been weaned, usually at around two moon-cycles of age, they will be granted an informal name by their parents in a private ceremony. These names consist of a single word, usually that of a plant, animal, natural phenomena, or action. The word chosen as a kitten's name may be a reflection of the kitten's personality or appearance, or it may hold significance to the parents in some way. More lax parents may allow the kitten influence in the naming process.

Although a cat will primarily use their formal name after it is granted to them, cats will still identify with their informal name. Those who are extremely close to a cat may continue to refer to them by their informal name; for a cat to tell another their informal name is considered one of the greatest symbols of intimacy and trust that can be offered.

While it is uncommon and can be considered an insult to a cat's parents, a cat could choose to change their informal name.

### Formal Name

A formal name is granted to a cat once they have reached adulthood and graduated from their training; this may be at anytime from eight to twelve moons of age. After discussion with a cat's advisor, the Chowder's leader will grant a cat their formal name. These names consist of a prefix and a suffix which together reflect either a significant attribute or accomplishment of the cat. This is the name by which the cat will be referred to for the rest of their life, with the potentially exception of mates, close family members, etc., who may still use their informal name. A formal name usually cannot be changed (see exceptions below).

### Temporary Names

Before a kitten is granted their informal name, they will be referred to with their mother's formal name, but with the prefix "kit". All kittens in a litter will share this name. When a kitten receives their informal name, cats in their family group will refer to them using their informal name, but any cats outside of it will still use this temporary formal name.

Upon beginning their training, the "kit" suffix of this temporary name is changed to "fuzz". It is considered inappropriate for an advisor to refer to their student using their informal name, so an advisor who wishes to show friendly intimacy may refer to their student as simply "Fuzz".

### Exceptions

A Chowder member may have the option to change their formal name under these circumstances:

* The cat has received notable scarring or has become disabled in some way and wishes to change their name to reflect these new attributes.
* The cat has achieved a significant accomplishment and wishes to be known for it.
* The cat has transferred to a different Chowder and wishes to be granted a new formal name by their new leader to signify their loyalty or to symbolize a fresh start.
* The cat has become the leader of their Chowder, in which case their old formal name will be stripped by the Seer and they will take the name of their Chowder.

As a Seer's gift will present itself before the cat has reached six moon-cycles of age, a Seer will never be granted a formal name. Upon the death of the previous seer, their informal name will be stripped from them, and they will be known solely as the Seer.