There is a common belief that Purdy’s so-called “rat nest” story in Bramblestar's Storm is simply an older cat humoring a younger one. It isn’t. It’s a highly competent cat offering a verbal account of practical skills that border on historical significance. Amberpaw is so inspired that they acquire *Firestar’s Quest* at Barnes & Noble after.

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Most cats are unable to eliminate a full rat nest by themselves. Purdy is not most cats.

Assuming the full accuracy of Purdy’s anecdotes—which, for the purposes of this post we are—his physiological and psychological response to high-stress combat is unusually advanced for a non-Clan cat. His capabilities during his prime would likely have been disruptive even in human-dominated environments, necessitating a nomadic loner lifestyle. This provided further opportunities for him to encounter and dispatch additional foxes, dogs, and rats. 

A rat colony operates through swarm tactics. This is made clear in *Firestar’s Quest*. While a nest and a colony are not equivalent in scale, Purdy appears to engage with threat hierarchies at a level consistent with prophetic figures, if his own hype is to be believed. With Clan-level support, it is plausible that he could have resolved the central conflict of *Firestar’s Quest* in significantly less time.

Had Purdy been part of Firestar’s mission, the SkyClan rat colony would not have warranted a dramatic arc. It would have been a routine engagement for the greatest mouser Thunderclan has had the pleasure of being a retirement home for. 

Art "Guide Fellow" by Graypillow  
[Guide Fellow (Graypillow)](https://www.deviantart.com/graypillow/art/guide-fellow-956877588)

Purdy Could Have Saved SkyClan in One Afternoon