It can be to fit the genre or setting of the story. In a fantasy story, a name like 'Gandalf' is more appropriate than a modern - day name like 'Bob'. So, changing someone's name to match the fictional world you're creating helps to immerse the reader in the story. Also, it might be to avoid any potential legal issues if the name is too similar to a real person who might object to being associated with the story in a certain way.
One potential consequence is that it could mislead the audience. If they later find out the real identity was changed, they might feel deceived. Another is that it could cause legal issues if the person whose name was changed feels their reputation has been damaged.
Yes, it can be ethical. If the name change is done to protect the privacy of the person, especially if the story involves sensitive or personal information. Also, in fictional stories, changing a name can be a creative choice to fit the fictional world better without causing harm to the real - life inspiration.
It can be a bit of a gray area. In some cases, it might be okay if it's done to protect the person's privacy while still getting the essence of the story across. For example, in a fictionalized account of a real - life event where the real name might cause unnecessary harm or unwanted attention to the individual.
In a fictional world, there was a hero named Max. Max had always been in the shadow of another more famous hero with a similar name. So, he changed his name to Orion. This name change was not just about being different. It was a new start for him. He crafted a new identity with the name Orion. He made a new costume, changed his fighting style a bit, and started to gain his own following. People were curious about the new hero and his story, and Orion became a symbol of new beginnings in that world.
As I don't know the cat's name in the story, I can't say if there is a special meaning. But usually in stories, names can have significance, like reflecting the cat's personality or its role in the plot.
One reason could be for a fresh start. Just like in real life, if a character has a bad reputation or a past they want to leave behind, a new name can symbolize a new beginning. For example, a former criminal character in a story might change their name to escape their old identity. Another reason is for self - discovery. A character might change their name to better reflect who they feel they are inside. If they've gone through a major transformation, a new name can be part of that change.