There are two leaders at a time in the Cat Society and new leaders are voted on each year. There's a first round of voting where each clowder votes for their representative (any cat 1 year or older can run). Then there's a second round of voting where the four cats chosen (one representative from each clowder) are put against each other, and in the end two candidates are chosen for leader.

Leaders decide on what important issues they will pass down to the deputies. Leaders also deal with all public relations. If leaders can not decide on if an issue is important or not three times then re-election starts immediately the day thereafter.

Clowders may have their own leaders for various reasons, but the clowder leader's spot as representative is not guaranteed. They still need to be voted for the role, and if they win for leader or deputy only then will they be able to change laws and influence politics.

As said in the code "At any time, cats can tell the deputies or leaders that they are unhappy with a decision made." For leaders, this is interpreted as if 25% of the population of an affected clowder has an issue that they think is important then the leaders will consider it. If more than 60% of the population of an affected clowder has an issue that they think is important then the leaders will send it down to the deputies.