Naming a cat
Hi Fisher,
I’m so glad I found you. Mr Hey U and I live in the same house, but we are definitely NOT friends. He doesn’t like to play and complains to the human every time I go anywhere near him. I was here first, but he thinks he should sleep right next to her. I don’t think this is fair as he was just a street kid that the human felt sorry for..He tries to get real snooty but he can’t pull it off. I am wondering if he is just jealous because I have a name of royalty and he is just Mr. Hey U. Is this possible?
Your friend
Gussy
Dear Lord Gussy,
You indeed have a royal name! It appears you already held court and sent down a ruling on which one of you is the most worthy of the best spot on the bed. Mr. Hey U has become your subordinate, although he may not see it that way at all. The inherent personality of all cats includes a touch of aristocracy – even in one you refer to as “just a street kid.”
Your royal name suits you well. One can only wonder which came first – the name or the attitude. Little research is done on the tendency of a pet to take on certain characteristics implied by their public name. For instance, Brutus may be a large burly cat with an attitude, but no one will ever know for sure if he would have turned out small, easily intimidated, and somewhat whiny had someone named him Chump.
In truth, a cat’s public name is most likely a reflection on the human who presented it. Names of pets are often taken from human memories of a favorite movie, a cartoon character, or sometimes even a favorite cocktail. Humans are usually very thoughtful in their choices. For example, a pure white cat is not likely to have the name Merlot…or Hangover. Some will need to observe a kitten or cat for a few days before they decide on a name. There are others who can look in a cat’s eyes at first meeting and instinctively know what to call them.
A few things for the humans to consider – maybe even before their cat is found:
1.Remember that a cat can live for 20 years. Choose a name that will grow with him.
2.Choose a name the cat can easily recognize. 2-syllable names are best.
3.Pick a name that fits the full grown cat as well as the kitten.
4.Pick a name for your cat that preserves his dignity as well as yours.
5.There are many sites out on the Internet to help with cat names. I recommend Easy Cat Guide, the ultimate cat name guide.
The best answer for you, Lord Gussy, comes from the wisest cat lover of all, “But above and beyond there’s still one name left over…The name you will never guess. The name that no human research can discover,But the cat himself knows and will never confess.” – T.S. Eliot
Your friend,
Fisher
3 Comments
1. Molly, Shadow and Troo replies at 24th February 2009, 12:59 PM :
Hai Fisher! Fanks fer stoppin by last week. (The mom is finally commenting back to folks for us.) That whole field of catnip is in Maine! If you click one of the pictures it takes you to the site.
2. John replies at 2nd September 2009, 1:05 PM :
Cool article and will obviously be very useful for pet owners! Also you can try this cat name directory to help choose a name.
Cheers.
3. fisher replies at 2nd September 2009, 4:08 PM :
Hi John and thanks for your response. I checked out your site an it is very neat – lots of stuff to look at and learn. Thanks for sending it out to us.
Your friend,
Fisher