Description
They stay in their den most of the day, and most of them enjoy meeting new kits.[4] However, they may leave the camp if they wish to do so, such as to take a walk to stretch their legs[5] or to hunt.[6][7] Sometimes, they participate in Gatherings, usually to gossip with other elders.[8]
Elders are to be held with the utmost respect from cats of all Clans. They have served the Clan well in the past as apprentices and warriors. During their youth, they took care of the elders of their generation. Now, it is their turn to rest, and the youth of the Clan is to take care of them in honor of all they have done to serve the Clan.[9]
Elders are often susceptible to many diseases and injuries such as greencough and stiff joints. They are often treated by medicine cats and apprentices.[10] They also are more than often tick-ridden, and it is the duty of the apprentices to use mouse bile to remove the ticks.[11]
Tasks
Some tasks elders do are:
- Rub herbs on a cat's body when they have passed away to disguise the scent of death.[12]
- Take deceased cats out of camp to bury them.[13]
- Tell stories about Clan life as it was when they were growing up.[14]
Obtaining the rank
An elder is usually an elderly cat who wishes to rest and not do warrior duties any more due to their old age. When a warrior, queen, deputy, or medicine cat wishes to retire, an elder ceremony is held.[15] Sometimes a cat must retire early for reasons beyond their control (for instance a wound, loss of sight, any other disability, etc).[16] Usually if circumstances force a cat into early retirement, they will receive a new name in order to better suit their current state.[17]