Thread:GrayWolf2/@comment-3562042-20160921150217/@comment-5394363-20160921181332

They are make-believe anthopomorphic cartoon animals, that's why, so using "husband" or "wife" is prefectly fine. No need to be extremely specific and ruin it for young readers who wouldn't really understand the term "mate" very well, especially regarding Disney cartoon films directed at young children.