He was born as Tigerkit to Pinestarand Leopardfoot, the only surviving kit after the death of his sisters, Mistkit and Nightkit. Tigerpawwas apprenticed to Thistleclaw, who nurtured his ambition, and after becoming a warrior, Tigerclawyearned for leadership. He murdered Redtail, the Clan deputy, in hopes of receiving his position, though the act was witnessed by his apprentice, Ravenpaw. Tigerclaw eventually achieved deputy-ship after the death of Lionheart. Tigerstar is a liar and a hypocrite; he hates traitors, but he is one himself, as he betrayed his own Clan, kin, and allies in his quest for power. He also often criticizes and condemns those who break the warrior code but has bent, broken and twisted it himself many times in his efforts to fulfill his own selfish ambitions. He despises kittypets and half-Clan cats, believing their "impure blood" makes them untrustworthy, and is willing to kill them in order to "purify" the Clans.