Book Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Power of Three – Book 2

Book summary by chapter of Warrior Cats: Dark River. Includes spoilers from Fallen Leaves’ trial to the end of the book. In the tunnels where ancient echoes whisper forgotten names, three young hearts fight to stay afloat between who they are and what fate demands. Jaypaw walks among the dead, Lionpaw trains with warriors of shadow, and Hollypaw dives into danger to preserve peace before the forest fractures. Beneath the surface, the lake swallows secrets—but also unveils prophecy.

Hollypaw and Lionpaw under the full moon on the Great Oak Island during a Gathering – Chapter-by-chapter summary of Dark River

Introduction – Warrior Cats: Dark River

Some paths open underground, others sink deep into the soul. In Warrior Cats: Dark River, the second book in the Power of Three arc by Erin Hunter, the hidden gift of three young cats begins to shake the fragile balance of the Clans. This chapter-by-chapter summary traces not only what happens in the light—but also what grows in the silence between dreams, disobedience, and loyalty.

Jaypaw hears the voices of the dead as clearly as his siblings ignore the rules of the warrior code. Lionpaw trains in dreams with shadows from the past, while Hollypaw tries to hold together a peace no one else sees breaking. And as friendships twist into secrets beneath the earth, the distant prophecy begins to take form with every decision made.

If you haven’t followed the lineage from its first signs, this is the place to begin: Reading Order of Warriors: Power of Three ➤

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Reading Order ➤

Chapter Navigation

• Prologue Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Fallen Leaves’ Trial

• Chapter 1 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Imaginary Battle and Gathering on the Island

• Chapter 10 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – The Mysterious Connection to Cinderpelt

• Chapter 20 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Escape Through the Underground River

Prologue Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Fallen Leaves’ Trial

Under an indigo sky covering the cold early morning on the moorland, Fallen Leaves descends the hill through shrubs and wind, accompanied by his mother and other cats. His mother, worried, reminds him he is her firstborn and the first to face the test. Despite murmurs about possible rain, Fallen Leaves insists the sky is clear. Upon reaching a cliff eroded by weather, the young cat leaps into a dark crack in the rock—the entrance to the Cave, which only the chosen may enter. Advancing through shadows, he reaches a cavern lit by moonlight and divided by an underground river. There, he encounters Rock, a strange blind cat with long claws and sparse fur. Rock explains he must choose a tunnel and find the exit unassisted. If he fails, he will die in the dark. Determined, Fallen Leaves chooses the widest tunnel and ventures into the darkness, his heart pounding.

Chapter 1 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Imaginary Battle and Gathering on the Island

During an intense training session disguised as a game, Lionpaw, Hollypaw, and Jaypaw simulate an ambush against ShadowClan warriors inside ThunderClan’s camp. Their enthusiasm is cut short when Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw scold them for training in a construction zone. Although the young cats protest, they know they must prepare for the Gathering, an important clan meeting that night. While Lionpaw is excited to see Heatherpaw, his secret interest from WindClan, Hollypaw worries about how the other clans will react to Millie, a former kittypet. On the way to the island, Jaypaw demonstrates skill despite his blindness, and they all cross the tree bridge that connects to the meeting place. In the Clearing, Heatherpaw and Lionpaw chat amiably, though Breezepaw interrupts disdainfully. The leaders make announcements, and Leopardstar, distant in demeanor, declares RiverClan is fine—though Hollypaw suspects otherwise. Heatherpaw suggests secretly meeting Lionpaw, and he agrees, conflicted yet tempted by the thrill.

Chapter 2 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Suspicions in the Rain and Lionpaw’s Secret

A rainy night awakens Hollypaw with a sense that something is wrong. She finds Lionpaw returning to the den soaking wet, raising her suspicions of nighttime outings. Although Cinderpaw downplays it, Hollypaw remains unconvinced. As the camp awakens in mud and cold, routine continues with hunters heading out under Firestar’s lead. Brackenfur invites Hollypaw to patrol and hunt, a moment he uses to address her doubts about clan loyalty if forced to fight relatives from other clans, like the newborn kits in ShadowClan. Her mentor reminds her loyalty to her Clan must prevail. Upon returning, Hollypaw finds Lionpaw overslept, and his evasiveness strengthens her suspicion. She consults Jaypaw, who also senses Lionpaw is hiding something. Concerned, Hollypaw follows his trail with Cinderpaw and finds him happily playing with Heatherpaw, confirming the forbidden bond. Confronting him, she demands he end it, but Lionpaw reacts angrily, igniting a sibling conflict that threatens their mutual trust.

Chapter 3 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Jaypaw’s Dream and RiverClan’s Mystery

During a trip to the Moonpool with the other medicine cats, Jaypaw senses Willowpaw’s nervousness and, determined to learn the truth, enters her dream. There, he sees a troubling vision: Willowpaw swimming in rough waters while carrying herbs, guided by Mudfur, a former RiverClan medicine cat, who warns that the Clan must flee or face destruction. Upon waking, Jaypaw is scolded by Leafpool for invading others' dreams, but he defends his power, convinced it is part of the foretold prophecy. Back in ThunderClan, they report the vision to Firestar, who refuses to intervene, fearing the other clans would misinterpret their actions. Frustrated, Jaypaw wonders why he was given a gift others see as dangerous. When Hollypaw learns of the dream, she insists they must help, but receives the same refusal. Jaypaw keeps quiet about the prophecy and withdraws, wishing to better understand his destiny before revealing it.

Chapter 4 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – A Discovery on the Lake Shore

Jaypaw, tired and with sore paws, accompanies Leafpool to the lake to collect mallow during the midday heat. Though he dislikes getting wet, the sound of water and memories of a past fall unsettle him. While working, a ThunderClan hunting patrol chases a squirrel, and Mousepaw falls clumsily in front of Jaypaw while trying to catch it. Lionpaw, part of the group, seems distracted, which Jaypaw notes. After finding more mallow, Jaypaw discovers a strange stick with unnaturally carved markings. Intrigued by its dry texture and path-like lines, he tries to show Leafpool its importance, but she dismisses it. Nonetheless, Jaypaw hides it near the shore to return later. As he walks away with herbs, an uneasy feeling follows him. The stick represents something unknown he cannot ignore.

Chapter 5 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Lionpaw’s Secret and the Hidden Tunnels

Lionpaw wakes from a nightmare about a fox attack, disturbed by Hollypaw’s constant judgments. Later, during training, he becomes frustrated when questioned about WindClan and ends up injuring Hollypaw during a drill. Ashamed, he apologizes, and Brambleclaw takes him hunting, where he confides that he too has felt mistrusted due to his lineage from Tigerstar. That night, a series of tossed pebbles wakes Lionpaw—Heatherpaw is waiting secretly. She leads him through a hidden tunnel into a moonlit underground cave crossed by a river. The place connects ThunderClan and WindClan, and Heatherpaw proposes it as their secret refuge, calling it “DarkClan.” Waking up in the cave at dawn, Lionpaw sneaks back and hunts a bird to excuse his absence. Though he deceives Hollypaw, the weight of his lie unsettles him, knowing no one would understand his bond with Heatherpaw.

Chapter 6 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Assessments, Names, and a Devastating Fall

Hollypaw begins the day cleaning the elders’ den with Cinderpaw. During a conversation about foxes and badgers, Cinderpaw mentions an encounter she never had, unsettling Leafpool. Later, Firestar calls a meeting announcing that Millie will join as a warrior without changing her name. Despite criticism from Thornclaw and Dustpelt about tradition, Daisy and Brook support Millie’s right to keep her name, backed by others, though Hollypaw feels it goes against the warrior code. Later, Hollypaw, Mousepaw, and Cinderpaw are assessed during a hunt. Cinderpaw excels, Mousepaw tries to impress Spiderleg by climbing the massive Sky Oak, but gets stuck. Cinderpaw helps him down, but in saving him, she loses balance and falls. Hollypaw runs to get Leafpool, while Brackenfur, horrified, rushes to his injured daughter. The chapter ends in tension and anguish over Cinderpaw’s uncertain fate.

Chapter 7 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Cinderpaw’s Fall

Jaypaw is treating Birchfall in the medicine den, removing a thorn from his paw, when a strong scent of fear alerts him: Hollypaw rushes into camp with news that Cinderpaw has fallen from the Sky Oak. Jaypaw fetches Leafpool, who is paralyzed by fear, recalling a past tragedy. With Jaypaw’s help, she gathers herbs and rushes to the tree, where they find Cinderpaw in shock and barely breathing. After giving her thyme and poppy seeds, Leafpool discovers her back leg is broken, reviving deep pain within her. Back in camp, Leafpool works frantically to set the fracture while Jaypaw questions her emotional intensity. Later, Jaypaw enters a dream where Cinderpaw reveals she is the reincarnation of Cinderpelt, saying that this time, she will fulfill her destiny as a warrior.

Chapter 8 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Secrets and Shadows on the Border

Lionpaw continues meeting Heatherpaw secretly in the hidden cave, where they play as DarkClan warriors. Though they enjoy their time, a fleeting encounter with Tigerstar and Hawkfrost disturbs Lionpaw, especially after hearing them say they are watching him. Later, he lies to join the dawn patrol, fighting off fatigue from his nocturnal excursion. While patrolling the WindClan border, they witness Breezepaw and Harepaw chasing a squirrel close to the line, nearly crossing over. Dustpelt confronts them, and tensions flare over squirrel hunting, traditionally ThunderClan prey. WindClan explains they’re training to diversify their diet due to threats in their territory, but the clash leaves lingering doubts. Back in camp, Jaypaw voices frustration over Firestar’s passivity, while Hollypaw reflects on the need to maintain balance between the clans. Lionpaw, torn by his feelings for Heatherpaw, hopes to avoid any conflict with WindClan.

Chapter 9 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – RiverClan’s Secret on the Island

During the Gathering night, Hollypaw notices the rising tension among the clans. On reaching the island, they discover RiverClan has brought their entire group, including kits, queens, and elders. Willowpaw, busy aiding a pregnant queen, can’t explain the situation, but the mystery is cleared when Leopardstar announces they’ve temporarily abandoned their camp due to an unspecified issue. Other leaders question the decision, fearing RiverClan might try to claim another territory if they don’t return. Despite concerns, Firestar asks for patience until the next Gathering. On the way back, Hollypaw grows anxious seeing ThunderClan preparing for war—gathering herbs, intensifying training. Even Cinderpaw expresses a wish to fight, ignoring her recovery. Hollypaw realizes she must act before fear turns to battle. Believing helping RiverClan is the key, she resolves to seek answers and prevent unnecessary conflict.

Chapter 10 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – The Mysterious Connection to Cinderpelt

Jaypaw starts his day in the medicine den, irritated by Cinderpaw’s constant presence, who hints at having dreamed of seeing him—despite his blindness. Intrigued, Jaypaw tries to test whether any of Cinderpelt’s memories linger in Cinderpaw by giving her mallow instead of comfrey for her broken leg. When there’s no reaction, he’s frustrated, and Leafpool’s anger upon discovering the trick increases the tension. They argue about whether they should intervene to help Cinderpaw remember her past life. Later, Jaypaw and Cinderpaw play with a moss ball, but Leafpool scolds her for stretching, risking her recovery. Jaypaw lashes out, feeling belittled because of his blindness. Leafpool tries to comfort him while they collect herbs, but he feels misunderstood. At the lake’s edge, he once again finds the mysterious marked stick, sensing it holds essential and forgotten secrets.

Chapter 11 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Lionpaw’s Phantom Training

Lionpaw faced a grueling training day, exhausted from lack of sleep after accompanying Jaypaw to the lake. In the hunting clearing, he failed to catch prey, earning criticism from Ashfur and mockery from Mousepaw. Although Honeypaw tried to support him, his pride made him reject her help. Later, in battle training, he was easily defeated by Berrypaw, sparking frustration and a dispute with Ashfur. After being reprimanded by Brambleclaw, Lionpaw apologized and agreed to continue practicing. It was then that Tigerstar appeared, invisible to others, and began teaching him advanced techniques to defend against badgers. With his guidance, Lionpaw significantly improved, executing the move with precision. When Ashfur saw this, he was pleasantly surprised and praised Lionpaw, unaware of the hidden mentor. Though Brambleclaw expressed concern, Lionpaw felt he was finally becoming the promising warrior everyone expected, secretly thankful for the help of the enigmatic warrior from the dark.

Chapter 12 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Hollypaw’s Forbidden Journey to RiverClan

As ThunderClan fortified their camp with brambles and practiced evacuations, Hollypaw felt increasingly distressed by the looming conflict with WindClan. Despite Firestar and Leafpool’s efforts to calm her, she firmly believed they needed to help RiverClan. Determined, she skipped training, silently crossed the forest, skirted the lake in the rain, and reached the island where RiverClan had taken refuge. After evading detection by Mistyfoot, she found Willowpaw in the medicine den. Mothwing, though surprised, allowed Willowpaw to take her to see their former camp. Masking her scent with otter dung, Hollypaw crossed the tree bridge and followed Willowpaw through reeds and mud to a hill. From there, she observed RiverClan trying to reclaim their territory by blocking the river’s flow and salvaging supplies. Suddenly, a patrol of Twoleg kits stormed the scene, explaining why RiverClan had abandoned their home. Hollypaw realized the gravity of the problem and reaffirmed her desire to help.

Chapter 13 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – The Horseplace Dog and the Suspicion of Espionage

Hollypaw accompanied Willowpaw near RiverClan territory, discovering their plan to protect the camp from Twoleg kits by flooding part of the area and building bramble barricades. Although Hollypaw wanted to share this with ThunderClan, Willowpaw feared it would make them seem weak. As they returned toward WindClan’s border, a dog from the horseplace appeared, forcing them to flee with a RiverClan patrol. The group, chased by the dog, accidentally crossed into WindClan territory, sparking a tense encounter with Ashfoot and other warriors. Hollypaw tried to hide her identity, covered in otter dung, but was discovered. Suspecting her of espionage, the RiverClan cats decided to detain her at their camp. There, Leopardstar expressed distrust and chose to hold her for security. Though Hollypaw only wanted to prevent war, she was now trapped, unsure of when she could return to her Clan.

Chapter 14 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Hollypaw’s Disappearance and the Mystery of Fallen Leaves

In ThunderClan, Jaypaw reacted uneasily upon discovering Hollypaw was missing. While the warriors suspected WindClan, Firestar and Leafpool concealed their concern. Leafpool revealed to Jaypaw that Hollypaw had asked Firestar for help with RiverClan and feared she had acted alone. Pressured to use his powers to locate her, Jaypaw became angry at feeling exploited. Later, he went to the lake and retrieved the marked stick with names, falling into a prophetic dream. There, he witnessed the initiation of an ancient cat named Fallen Leaves, who entered underground caves to become a “sharpclaw.” However, a storm flooded the tunnels, and Jaypaw felt Fallen Leaves’ terror as he struggled to escape. The water eventually swept them both, and Jaypaw awoke soaked, realizing Fallen Leaves had died there and the unmarked scratches on the stick represented cats who never returned. Shaken and grieving, he understood the profound power and danger of his visions.

Chapter 15 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Divided Loyalties and the Battle for the Border

Lionpaw continued secret training with Heatherpaw in the tunnels, though the rising tensions between ThunderClan and WindClan troubled him. Meanwhile, a patrol in camp discovered Hollypaw might have crossed into enemy territory, and the conflict escalated when WindClan hunted a squirrel inside ThunderClan’s border. A fierce battle broke out, and Lionpaw, using techniques taught by Tigerstar, fought bravely and earned a scar. Despite the victory, Hawkfrost confronted him and accused him of betraying his Clan by sharing combat skills with Heatherpaw. Disturbed, Lionpaw realized his relationship might endanger ThunderClan. That night, he ended things with Heatherpaw, who was emotionally hurt. Heartbroken, Lionpaw returned home and joined in defending the territory, trying to reclaim his honor as a loyal apprentice. Though praised for his bravery, guilt and loss lingered silently.

Chapter 16 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Hollypaw’s Return to ThunderClan

Trapped in RiverClan’s camp, Hollypaw struggled with discomfort and homesickness as she waited to return to ThunderClan. Willowpaw assured her she would leave soon, but Hollypaw feared the consequences. She knew RiverClan was holding her to prevent her from revealing their fragile situation while they rebuilt their camp. On a rainy day, Squirrelflight arrived on the island to retrieve her, confronting Leopardstar, who hesitated to release her. Hollypaw promised to keep quiet, and they finally let her go. On the way back, Squirrelflight scolded her for her recklessness and reminded her that her duty was to her Clan. Upon arrival, Firestar reprimanded her for breaking the warrior code and punished her with a month of elder care. Ashamed, Hollypaw accepted the punishment. However, Mousefur seemed to consider her words, and Hollypaw saw a small chance to prevent war if someone would listen to the truth about the Clans.

Chapter 17 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Leafpool and Jaypaw’s Diplomatic Mission

While Cinderpaw slept, Firestar arrived at the medicine den with an urgent request: he wanted Leafpool and Jaypaw to visit WindClan’s camp and speak directly with Onestar. He needed to know if RiverClan had truly invaded their territory or if war loomed over mere rumors. At the border, a WindClan patrol escorted them to camp, where tension hung in the air. Leafpool and Crowfeather exchanged emotionally charged words, and Onestar received them warily. Leafpool tried to persuade him not to attack based on suspicion alone. Just as Onestar seemed to reconsider, a queen burst into the clearing, announcing her three kits were missing. Soon after, word came that a RiverClan patrol had been seen nearby. Panic spread. Though Leafpool pleaded for reason, Onestar, convinced the kits had been stolen, decided to launch an immediate attack, triggering the threat of an imminent war.

Chapter 18 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – The Secret of the Underground Tunnels

As ThunderClan prepared for battle, Lionpaw, troubled, recalled the secret tunnels connecting to WindClan. Suspecting the missing kits might be there, he decided to investigate. He found Jaypaw and Hollypaw gathering herbs and, after hiding from a patrol, revealed his knowledge of the tunnels and his former friendship with Heatherpaw. Hollypaw accused him of treason, but Jaypaw persuaded them to work together. Led by Lionpaw, they entered the tunnels despite the rain. Inside, they discovered Heatherpaw and Breezepaw also searching for the kits. Pretending they had never met before, Heatherpaw protected her bond with Lionpaw. They soon found signs of the kits. Jaypaw sensed their scent near a rising underground river. They organized a plan to find them before an unjust war erupted. Fear glimmered in Heatherpaw’s eyes. The tension mounted: an accidental tragedy could spark unnecessary bloodshed.

Chapter 19 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – The Search in the Depths

Jaypaw led the group through the tunnels in search of the missing kits, joined by Hollypaw, Lionpaw, Breezepaw, and Heatherpaw. Despite the others’ fears and his own traumatic memories of nearly drowning, Jaypaw felt the presence of Fallen Leaves, who appeared to help him locate the kits. Guided by this mysterious figure, Jaypaw followed a twisting, dangerous path through narrowing, wet tunnels. They reached a large rock blocking their way but heard the kits’ mews on the other side. With effort, they climbed over and found them. However, one kit, Thistlekit, was near death from the cold, and Jaypaw worked desperately to revive her. Just as she began recovering, a new threat emerged: the tunnel started flooding from the rising river. Jaypaw, inspired by a vision of a strange cat and the marked stick, realized their only escape was to let the current carry them to the lake.

Chapter 20 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Escape Through the Underground River

Hollypaw plunged into the water, holding Thistlekit as the current swept her through the tunnel. Amid the chaos and roaring water, she emerged in the lake and reached the surface, relieved to see the others surfacing too: Lionpaw with Sedgekit, Breezepaw with Swallowkit, and finally Jaypaw with Heatherpaw. In a tense moment, Sedgekit disappeared, and Lionpaw couldn't find him—until Heatherpaw saved him just in time. Soaked and exhausted, the cats reached the shore and decided to take the kits directly to ThunderClan, as they urgently needed medical care. As they approached, threatening yowls came from the forest border: tensions between ThunderClan and WindClan were about to erupt into battle. They rushed to the scene and, just in time, revealed the kits were safe. Hollypaw made up a story to protect Lionpaw, and the tunnels remained secret. The conflict subsided, and the patrols withdrew—grateful, but drained from the accumulated tension.

Chapter 21 Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River – Farewell to DarkClan

After sleeping until midday, Lionpaw feels the need to distance himself from the camp and walks alone to the tunnel entrance where he once shared secrets and adventures with Heatherpaw. The loss of that friendship overwhelms him, and upon seeing the tunnel blocked by a collapse, he realizes that his bond with Heatherpaw—and with DarkClan—has come to an end. He silently bids her farewell, his words heavy with sorrow. On his return, he encounters the ghostly figures of Tigerstar and Hawkfrost, who praise him for choosing the warrior’s path over friendship. Though Lionpaw admits to his emptiness and pain, Tigerstar promises that his future power will make personal bonds unnecessary. In a forest reborn with fresh leaves and soft breezes, Lionpaw continues back to camp, knowing he has given up what he valued most to obey the warrior code. Despite the pain, he has chosen duty over heart.

Conclusion – Warrior Cats: Dark River

There’s no turning back when loyalty fractures from within. Warrior Cats: Dark River shows that the greatest threats don’t always cross the river—sometimes, they lie beyond a dream or beneath a warrior’s secret training. Erin Hunter makes it clear that power in young paws is as wild and dangerous as an underground current, and this chapter-by-chapter summary pulls us straight through every twist of that invisible tide.

Lionpaw gives up Heatherpaw, but not the lessons she taught him. Jaypaw walks beyond the present, eyes closed, history wide open. Hollypaw tries to preserve a code already crumbling. What begins to stir in this second book won’t be stopped easily… and what comes next might sweep it all away.

The story flows into its next turn right here: Warrior Cats: Outcast Book Summary by Chapter ➤

FAQs – Chapter by Chapter Summary – Warrior Cats: Dark River

Why is the secret tunnel between ThunderClan and WindClan so important in the story?

The hidden tunnel is more than a shortcut—it becomes a symbol of forbidden bonds and personal conflict. For Lionpaw and Heatherpaw, it's their refuge, a place where “DarkClan” allows them to be themselves beyond clan rules. But it also becomes central to a major rescue mission and a near war. This secret space tests loyalty and shapes decisions that ripple throughout the book’s climax.

What does Jaypaw’s dream about Fallen Leaves reveal and why is it significant?

Jaypaw’s dream unveils not just a lost cat’s fate but a deeper connection between the living and the dead. Fallen Leaves becomes a guiding spirit, reinforcing Jaypaw’s prophetic role and linking past tragedies to present warnings. The dream deepens the mythos of the series, suggesting that Jaypaw’s abilities are a bridge across time and essential to the unfolding prophecy.

How does the relationship between Lionpaw and Heatherpaw evolve in Dark River?

Their relationship starts as a thrilling secret, rooted in curiosity and shared dreams. But as tensions rise between their clans, what once was a safe space turns into a dangerous liability. Lionpaw ultimately ends the bond to protect his Clan, choosing duty over heart. It’s a painful but defining choice that marks his growth and foreshadows future inner conflicts.

Why does Hollypaw disobey Firestar and sneak into RiverClan’s camp?

Hollypaw is driven by a deep sense of justice and her desire to prevent an unnecessary war. Her actions—though reckless—are rooted in empathy and courage. By discovering the true reason behind RiverClan’s retreat, she gains vital information. Her decision to act rather than obey showcases her moral strength and her readiness to make hard choices when leadership fails.

What impact does the revelation about Cinderpaw’s identity have on the characters?

The discovery that Cinderpaw is Cinderpelt’s reincarnation shocks both Leafpool and Jaypaw. Leafpool is haunted by unresolved guilt, while Jaypaw desperately seeks proof of the spiritual connection. Their conflicting responses highlight generational pain and spiritual tension, and hint at deeper forces shaping the destinies of young cats in ways they can barely understand.