Wafflepaw

"If I'm bloodying my paws already, why stop at one cat?" This article contains major spoilers for the recently released book, Wind. Please proceed at your own discretion.

"Really? I hope that’s true, because I want to come with you. I want to be a warrior just like you."

— Waffle accepting Nightheart's invitation to visit ThunderClan in Thunder, page 300

Wafflepaw
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation.
Affiliations
Current:	ThunderClan
Past:	Cats of the Park Kittypet
Names
Kit:	Unknown
Cats of the Park:	Waffle
Apprentice:	Wafflepaw
Education
Mentor:	Nightheart
Book appearances
Living	Thunder, Wind, Ivypool's Heart
Living	Thunder, Wind, Ivypool's Heart

Wafflepaw is a marbled gray-and-brown tabby tom with green eyes.

Wafflepaw is a ThunderClan apprentice under Squirrelstar's leadership in the lake territories. Born a kittypet, Waffle was tossed into the river by his Twolegs as a kit, but his life was saved by the Cats of the Park. Waffle befriended the visiting Clan cats, Nightheart and Frostpaw, and decided to join RiverClan along with his fellow park cat, Wasp. However, due to Splashtail's control of RiverClan, the two were forced to stay in ThunderClan. Pledging his loyalty to ThunderClan, Waffle received the apprentice name Wafflepaw with Nightheart as his mentor.

History

In the A Starless Clan arc

Thunder

"Weevil and Peg won't be strong enough to fight [rogues] off. We need to be able to defend our parkmates. Besides...You looked so cool when you were showing the kits. I want to look like that too."

―Waffle to Nightheart about becoming cool ^{Thunder, page 253}

Waffle is a young cat and a member of the Cats of the Park. When Nightheart and Frostpaw arrive, Waffle is curious about warriors and asks who Riverstar is. He introduces himself, Firefly, and Chalk, and helps Bee teach Frostpaw how to meditate. A quarter-moon later, Waffle, Wasp, Molly, and Nightheart invite Frostpaw to play a game of find the shell to ease her stress, and later Waffle introduces her to the kits Weevil and Peg.

When Waffle has his first hunt, he trips over Nightheart's tail twice in his excitement. Waffle, Nightheart, and Rook work together to ambush a rat, but Waffle scares it away after being distracted by a bird. To focus him, Nightheart asks Waffle to imagine he has a Clan to feed. Waffle brings up their Twoleg food, and Rook retorts that he cannot always rely on Twolegs. She explains that Waffle used to be a kittypet, but his Twolegs threw him in the river when he was a kit, and she and Scruff had to tear him out of a bag with their teeth.

Waffle and Rook cover Frostpaw with licks after she recognizes it was Splashtail who tried to kill her. Frostpaw appears uncomfortable with the gesture at first but soon takes comfort in them. Waffle explains that park cats share tongues to let others know they are safe and welcome. Moreover, he assures Frostpaw that she is a special cat and urges her not to listen to cats who say otherwise. The group return to their attempts to hunt and Waffle quickly improves, much to Nightheart's pleasure, and he is charmed by Waffle's friendly personality and eagerness to learn. Nightheart even prepares to say that Waffle will be able to feed the Clan, before remembering he is not a Clan cat.

Waffle and Wasp soon ask Nightheart to teach them the fighting techniques he taught Weevil and Peg. Nightheart protests as the park cats have no need to fight, but Waffle points out that they may encounter hostile rogues like in Riverstar's day. Imagining himself as a mentor, Nightheart agrees to teach them once he has spoken to Frostpaw. Frostpaw explains to Nightheart that the park cats' personalities have taught her what to look for in a future leader of RiverClan, calling Waffle honest and smart. Moreover, as Frostpaw prepares to speak to Riverstar about the truth he withheld from her, she reminds herself of Waffle's kind words.

When Nightheart and Frostpaw announce they are returning to the Clans, Waffle and Wasp ask to join them so they can become warriors. Nightheart worries that their absence will threaten the park's safety, but Scruff assures Nightheart that though they will miss Waffle and Wasp, park cats would never prevent a cat from following his heart. Scruff warmly tells Waffle that if he is sure, he should go, and Waffle agrees gratefully. Further, Waffle reveals that he knows the quickest way through Twolegplace and a safe way across the river, countering to Nightheart that he doesn't just sleep all day. After being generously licked by the other park cats, the group depart.

Upon their arrival at the lake, the cats make their way to a Gathering, and Nightheart and Frostpaw urge Waffle and Wasp to keep quiet. Together, they eavesdrop on the news of Splashtail's ascension as leader of RiverClan. Waffle questions Podlight's claim that RiverClan spoke to him urging the Clan to return to the strength of his own time, reasoning that it doesn't sound like the Riverstar the park knows. However, he questions Frostpaw as to why Podlight would make the dream up.

Wind

Squirrelstar: "And what about you, Waffle? Will you go with your friend?"

Waffle: "No, Squirrelstar. I want to stay in ThunderClan, if you’ll have me. I’ve grown to love my new home, and I’ve made friends among your cats."

^{Wind, chapter 13}

Seeing Splashtail's banishment of Frostpaw, Waffle doubts whether he and Wasp would want to join RiverClan, to which Duskfur and Podlight scoff. At Nightheart's request, Squirrelstar allows Waffle and Wasp to join ThunderClan as guests. The Gathering comes to an end and Frostpaw encourages Waffle and Wasp that ThunderClan will treat them well. Waffle bids the medicine-cat apprentice goodbye and assures her that Riverstar will take care of her.

When they arrive in ThunderClan's camp, Bumblestripe demands to know who the park cats are and Thornclaw complains that ThunderClan already have enough mouths to feed. Nightheart defends them, saying that they can hunt for themselves, as Waffle and Wasp draw close together in the case they are driven out. Undeterred, Nightheart and Sunbeam brings them to build nests in the warriors' den. In the morning, Squirrelstar asks Waffle and Wasp what they plan to do, and Waffle and Wasp express that they do not want to return to the park. Squirrelstar decides that Nightheart will hunt for the toms and that they will have one moon to decide if they will join ThunderClan. Nightheart hopes that they will and proposes that they teach them about ThunderClan's history. Waffle exclaims that the battle against Ashfur in the Dark Forest sounds like a great story he'd want to hear. ThunderClan cats join in sharing snippets of stories about the four Clans, to which Waffle recognizes there are now five Clans.

Some days later, Nightheart takes Waffle and Wasp into the territory to hunt with Sunbeam and Finchlight. Waffle scents a squirrel and begs to be allowed to catch it. However, Nightheart tells Waffle to keep watching and learning in accordance with Squirrelstar's rule. After catching it, Nightheart thanks StarClan for the prey, and explains to Waffle that all the Clans give thanks to StarClan. Waffle wonders what RiverClan prey is like. As the patrol returns to camp, Waffle and Wasp chat about their enjoyment in learning the hunting techniques; however, Nightheart is disappointed that Waffle is still thinking about RiverClan.

Soon after, Nightheart leads the toms to the elders' den, asking that the elders tell them stories about ThunderClan. Waffle asks about the Dark Forest and if cats ever go there, and Cloudtail and Brightheart explain that it is a place where wicked cats go when they die. When Brightheart mentions Tigerstar in the story of the Great Battle, Waffle exclaims that he thought Tigerstar was a decent cat, to which Brambleclaw explains the Tigerstar of today's ShadowClan is the first Tigerstar's kin. Waffle asks them to continue the story and learns more about the Dark Forest trainees, and then about the old forest, the journey to Midnight, and the Great Journey.

Nightheart remarks to Sunbeam that while Waffle and Wasp loved the stories, they are still desperate to see RiverClan and may never fit in. Later, Nightheart recalls that Waffle, Wasp, and Sunbeam were with him on a long, successful hunting patrol. When Squirrelstar summons Nightheart to accompany her to ShadowClan in order to speak with Frostpaw, Nightheart tells Waffle and Wasp that he will be gone a while. Waffle assures him that they'll be fine, though Wasp looks less certain. In the morning, Waffle and Wasp have their heads together in a patch of sunlight, and Nightheart greets them as he returns from his mission.

Waffle accompanies Nightheart on a dawn patrol after receiving permission from Squirrelstar. Nightheart recognizes that Waffle has begun to feel more at home in ThunderClan, and that he has been sleeping well and visiting the elders at every opportunity. Noticing Nightheart's aloofness, Waffle presses if something is wrong, to which Nightheart admits Sunbeam is missing, but he can't leave the territory to search for her. Waffle consoles him and remarks that warrior life seems very complicated. Nightheart retorts that as a park cat, there were still dangers, and Waffle begrudgingly agrees. Continuing the patrol, Waffle suggests that Sunbeam may have returned by the time they get back to camp. However, they are interrupted by Crowfeather, who has brought Sunbeam back from WindClan territory. Tactfully, Waffle remains silent as the WindClan warriors escort them to ThunderClan camp.

When they arrive, Tigerstar arrives to demand a meeting with Squirrelstar, and Waffle listens with wide and dismayed eyes at the squabbling leaders. Nightheart assumes that it must be about Frostpaw and begs Waffle to tell Sunbeam he has no choice but to go. Nodding, Waffle turns to find Sunbeam and Bayshine. During the meeting, Jayfeather catches Waffle and Wasp eavesdropping. Without flinching, Waffle explains that they heard this was about Frostpaw, and calls her a true friend and not a liar. After the meeting, Squirrelstar lets Waffle and Wasp go without punishment, but urges them not to be caught sneaking around again.

At the next Gathering, Squirrelstar beckons Waffle and Wasp forward, announcing that per their prior agreement, they would now decide whether to remain in ThunderClan. Regretfully, Wasp replies that he will return to the park, while Waffle excitedly affirms his intention to join ThunderClan. The next morning, Squirrelstar calls a Clan meeting to hold an apprentice ceremony for Graykit, Stemkit, Bristlekit, and Waffle, each of whom receives an apprentice name. Wafflepaw touches noses with his mentor, Nightheart, and whispers excitedly that he's glad Squirrelstar picked him. Wafflepaw's enthusiasm for Clan life has made him popular, as the Clan happily cheer his new name.

Wafflepaw and Nightheart join Graypaw, Bristlepaw, and their mentors, Bayshine and Finchlight, as they prepare to leave for their first training session. Wafflepaw wishes that Wasp were joining them, but Wasp comforts his friend, encouraging Wafflepaw that he will make a great warrior. Out in the territory, Waffle appears calm albeit excited while the younger apprentices bounce around. When the cats encounter an unpleasant scent, Wafflepaw correctly identifies it as fox, though the scent is stale. When questioned by Bayshine, Wafflepaw responds that if the scent were fresh, he would return to camp and report it to the Clan leader.

Pleased by Wafflepaw's correct responses, Nightheart notices the tabby tom eye him slightly hesitant as the younger apprentices scamper into the forest before following them. Nightheart decides that it will be important for Wafflepaw to receive individual training without the younger apprentices. Testing the apprentices' composure, the mentors launch a surprise attack on the distracted apprentices. While the others panic, Wafflepaw collapses with laughter. Nightheart asks what the attack taught them, and Wafflepaw answers that it showed them the power of surprise.

When a storm approaches, Wafflepaw and his fellow apprentices stash prey from the fresh-kill pile within clefts of the cliff face. After they finish, Nightheart orders them to join him and Sunbeam in gathering bramble tendrils to secure the loose branches in the camp. Nightheart takes Wafflepaw and Bristlepaw and the group successfully collect enough to fortify the elders' den. Despite the difficulty and his disheveled fur, Wafflepaw's eyes gleam with satisfaction at completing the task. In the aftermath of the storm, Sunbeam remarks that Wafflepaw is doing well as he directs the other apprentices to clean debris from the camp. However, Nightheart worriedly asks where Wasp is, as he expected the park cat to be working alongside Wafflepaw.

Wafflepaw nervously admits to Nightheart and Sunbeam that Wasp traveled to RiverClan despite his attempts to reason with him. Nightheart rests his tail-tip on Wafflepaw's shoulder, assuring him that he isn't angry and appreciates that Wafflepaw told the truth. Wafflepaw continues that Wasp left the day prior due to his drive to become a RiverClan cat beyond anything else, and that Wasp asked him to come as well. Nightheart frantically asks if Wafflepaw had entered RiverClan territory, to which Waffle is slightly indignant, affirming that he is loyal to ThunderClan. However, he confirms that he guided Wasp to the lake and saw him follow the shoreline toward SkyClan territory. Nightheart apologizes for being away when Wafflepaw needed him, as he was helping WindClan at the time. Finally, Wafflepaw answers that he has not dared tell Ivypool or Squirrelstar and that he hoped Wasp would change his mind or be rejected by RiverClan. Pitifully, Wafflepaw asks Nightheart what might happen to Wasp as Sunbeam goes to fetch Squirrelstar. Terrified due to Splashtail's control of RiverClan, Nightheart responds that if Wasp is lucky, they will just throw him out.

When Sunbeam arrives with Squirrelstar, Wafflepaw repeats his story and adds that he tried so hard to stop him. Icily, Squirrelstar says that there is no way to rescue Wasp, to which Wafflepaw cries that there has to be. Squirrelstar forgives Wafflepaw as he has only been in the Clan a short time, but asserts that he should have immediately come to her or Ivypool, and that Splashtail will be convinced Wasp is a ThunderClan spy. Wafflepaw begs to be allowed to look for him and Nightheart volunteers to join him, but Squirrelstar will not risk her warriors for the life of an outsider. To take his mind of Wasp, Nightheart asks Wafflepaw to join the other apprentices for a hard training session.

While they are out, the training patrol meet Sneezecloud and Gorseclaw leaving ThunderClan and assumed they had brought Wasp. Rushing back to camp, Wafflepaw rushes to Wasp's side and asks is he is all right, seeing his wounds. Wasp does not get a chance to respond as Squirrelstar tells Wafflepaw it is time to say their goodbyes, as Wasp will be leaving the Clans. Shocked, Wafflepaw meows that she can't throw him out before Wasp interjects that it was his decision, because if he cannot be a RiverClan cat, he must return to the park. Wafflepaw mewls that he will miss Wasp and wishes he were an apprentice alongside him, protesting that he at least stay a few days to recover from his wounds. Once his wounds are cleared, Wafflepaw follows Wasp as the cats gather to bid him farewall, choking out a goodbye to his old friend.

Character pixels

The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation. Kit Version Cats of the Park Version Apprentice Version

Official art

Please do not edit this gallery Wafflepaw's Warriors website fact sheet Wafflepaw's silhouette on the Warriors website

Personality

Waffle: "This is so exciting."

Wasp: "It sounds dangerous."

^{Thunder (book), page 329}

Wafflepaw is a playful, honest, and smart cat. He is curious of and amazed by Clan life.

More Coming Soon

Relationships

Rook, Scruff, and the Cats of the Park

«Waffle blinked fondly at [Rook], and Nightheart suddenly realized that the bonds between these easygoing park cats were deeper than they first appeared.»

—Nightheart's recognition of the park cats' bonds ^{Thunder, page 246}

As a kit, Waffle was rescued by Scruff and Rook after his Twolegs trapped him in a bag and threw him in the river. Moreover, his rescuers take on familial roles for Waffle; the stoic Rook shows her soft side with Waffle, licking his cheek and assuring him he is safe. Moreover, when Waffle prepares to leave the park, Scruff walks to Waffle's side and runs his tail across his spine, encouraging Waffle that if he is sure of his choice, he should go.

Compared to the Clan cats, Waffle believes park cats have little prestige, referring to his group as "just park cats," whom no one has ever wanted to talk to before. Unlike the other park cats, he has never heard of Riverstar, suggesting he is less versed in park tradition. Reflecting on their different values, Waffle admits that while he loves being a warrior, Clan life is more complicated, as no cat in the park was ever told where they could and couldn’t go. Waffle aids Bee in teaching Frostpaw meditation, a practice lost to RiverClan but carried on in the park. However, it is unknown whether Wafflepaw continues to follow this park custom after joining ThunderClan.

Wasp

"I’m going to miss you so much. I wish you would stay and be a ThunderClan apprentice like me"

―Wafflepaw solemnly appealing to Wasp ^{Wind, chapter 21}

Wasp is Wafflepaw's friend and fellow park cat. When trouble in RiverClan led them to shelter in ThunderClan, Waffle was quick to indulge in ThunderClan's stories, but Wasp was nervous and struggled to engage. Despite this, Wasp enjoyed hunting lessons with Waffle, Sunbeam, and Nightheart. Moreover, the two were always together, sharing tongues and lying in sunlight with their heads together.

Despite ThunderClan's welcome, Wasp confided in Wafflepaw that it was their destiny to become RiverClan cats, asking Wafflepaw to come with him to RiverClan. Wafflepaw failed to change his mind but accompanied him to the lake, worried that he would get lost. Hearing how much danger Wasp was in, Wafflepaw was horrified and begged Squirrelstar to allow him to look for Wasp. When Wafflepaw discovered Wasp was wounded by RiverClan warriors, he rushed to his friend and pressed up against his side, begging Squirrelstar not to make him leave before his injuries had healed. However, Wasp insisted on going, pressing his nose into Wafflepaw's fur as the ThunderClan apprentice choked out a goodbye.

Nightheart

Coming Soon

Frostpaw

"You’re a really special cat, Frostpaw. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you’re not."

―Waffle comforting Frostpaw ^{Thunder, page 249}

Coming Soon

Ceremonies

Wafflepaw's apprentice ceremony

Squirrelstar: From this day forward, this apprentice will be known as Wafflepaw. Nightheart, you will be his mentor. Nightheart: Me? Squirrelstar: Who better? You may have had a rough start, but you have shown yourself to be a loyal and dedicated warrior. In returning to ThunderClan, you proved that you have a respect and appreciation for your Clan that is maybe unrivaled. And you never fail to help those in need, even when doing so is inconvenient and hard. That sums up the qualities needed to be a good mentor, which can sometimes be trying. [...] Nightheart, I know you will pass your excellent qualities to Wafflepaw. Reference: Wind, pages 192-193

Appearances

• Thunder (First appearance)
• Wind
• Ivypool's Heart (Allegiance only)

Quotes

Nightheart: "[Hunting's] the most important thing a warrior learns."

Waffle: "In that case, I'm going to practice hunting every day."

^{Thunder, pages 245-246}

"Goodbye, then, Frostpaw. I know Riverstar will take care of you."

―Waffle parting from Frostpaw ^{Wind, chapter 1}

Waffle: "Nightheart, what’s the matter? You’ve been depressed all morning. It isn’t like you."

Nightheart: "Okay, Waffle. I’ll tell you—but for StarClan’s sake, don’t let Squirrelstar or Ivypool know. Sunbeam is missing."

^{Wind, chapter 11}

Trivia

Interesting facts

• On March 7, 2023, fans were invited to submit apprentice name suggestions for a new character to be featured in this book. The final choices were Bubblepaw, Basilpaw, Biscuitpaw, Jinxpaw, Pumpkinpaw, Luckypaw, Copperpaw, Picklepaw, Bagelpaw, Wafflepaw, Pepperpaw, Cricketpaw, Buddypaw, Scooterpaw, Sophiepaw, Beanspaw, Figpaw, Sproutpaw, Pixiepaw, and Mollypaw, and Wafflepaw was the winner.
• Wafflepaw's real life inspiration comes from Basil Kat's real life cat named Waffles. He is a brown tabby tom with green eyes, and here is his official reference.

Mistakes

• He is mistakenly referred to as female.

External links

• Wafflepaw's profile on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• A Starless Clan kittypet name fan vote on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Revealed: Official details from Wind, A Starless Clan #5 on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
• Exclusive: Wind chapters on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• New Release: Wind on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
• Exclusive! Ivypool's Heart chapters on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)
• Exclusive! Star chapters on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)

Fan content

• Thunder: A look at the most popular fan theories on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
• Wind: A look at the most popular fan theories on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Some amazing Wafflepaw artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)