What do I name my wild cat?
May 15, 2011 6:42 PM Subscribe
Need a name for my new, no-longer-feral maine coon cat.
We brought home a two year old cat from the humane society. He is a big spunky guy and was probably born in the wild. He has some wild hair and looks like a tabby maine coon.
His personality is on fire. He is very curious, loves to run around the house and jump around. Not terribly afraid of my boyfriend and I, but not super interested in us either. He stands up to our two black labs like a champ. We got him because we live in the boonies and have a mouse problem, but he will be indoor/outdoor.
Names we like so far: Scar (bad lion from the lion king), Scabbers (bad rat from Harry Potter), Shere Khan (tiger from jungle book).
Any suggestions?
We brought home a two year old cat from the humane society. He is a big spunky guy and was probably born in the wild. He has some wild hair and looks like a tabby maine coon.
His personality is on fire. He is very curious, loves to run around the house and jump around. Not terribly afraid of my boyfriend and I, but not super interested in us either. He stands up to our two black labs like a champ. We got him because we live in the boonies and have a mouse problem, but he will be indoor/outdoor.
Names we like so far: Scar (bad lion from the lion king), Scabbers (bad rat from Harry Potter), Shere Khan (tiger from jungle book).
Any suggestions?
Why are there no photos?
posted by amtho at 6:45 PM on May 15, 2011 [6 favorites]
posted by amtho at 6:45 PM on May 15, 2011 [6 favorites]
Best answer: The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter...
posted by abirae at 6:47 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by abirae at 6:47 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Bobcat Goldthwait!
posted by ignignokt at 6:47 PM on May 15, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by ignignokt at 6:47 PM on May 15, 2011 [4 favorites]
Response by poster: photos: we ain't all got digital cameras or iphones.
posted by pintapicasso at 6:48 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by pintapicasso at 6:48 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
I had a gray and white one named Bertie. He was the origianl Chicken of the Sea...sweet as sweet could be, but fled the room the minute salt water showed up in your eyes. If you'd like to carry on the name, I'd love to know someone out there had taken it up.
posted by Ys at 6:49 PM on May 15, 2011
posted by Ys at 6:49 PM on May 15, 2011
How about Tigger since he likes to jump around a lot and is curious.
Or Panther since it seems like he thinks he's a mightier cat than he really is?
Good luck with the name decision!
posted by arizona80 at 6:49 PM on May 15, 2011
Or Panther since it seems like he thinks he's a mightier cat than he really is?
Good luck with the name decision!
posted by arizona80 at 6:49 PM on May 15, 2011
The maine state motto is Dirigo, latin for I guide. Something along those lines?
posted by bessel functions seem unnecessarily complicated at 6:49 PM on May 15, 2011
posted by bessel functions seem unnecessarily complicated at 6:49 PM on May 15, 2011
I really want to name a boston terrier Bogart someday, but you can use it if you like.
posted by shortyJBot at 6:57 PM on May 15, 2011
posted by shortyJBot at 6:57 PM on May 15, 2011
Best answer: Well, his last name is Kat, because every good Kat name ends with Kat.
Do not rush into his other names, they will come to you and can be added at a later date.
Our feral male was originally named Clyde, this became Kyde, it later came to us that his name also included Benjamin Franklin, and, just recently found out that his title was Lord Tubbington's More Handsome Brother.
So, we have Kyde Benjamin Franklin Kat, Lord Tubbington's More Handsome Brother.
We mostly call him Kyde, unless he's in trouble.
The name will come, be patient.
posted by tomswift at 6:57 PM on May 15, 2011 [9 favorites]
Do not rush into his other names, they will come to you and can be added at a later date.
Our feral male was originally named Clyde, this became Kyde, it later came to us that his name also included Benjamin Franklin, and, just recently found out that his title was Lord Tubbington's More Handsome Brother.
So, we have Kyde Benjamin Franklin Kat, Lord Tubbington's More Handsome Brother.
We mostly call him Kyde, unless he's in trouble.
The name will come, be patient.
posted by tomswift at 6:57 PM on May 15, 2011 [9 favorites]
Hawkeye Pierce.
posted by Daddy-O at 6:58 PM on May 15, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by Daddy-O at 6:58 PM on May 15, 2011 [3 favorites]
Roy
posted by k8t at 7:01 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by k8t at 7:01 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Best answer: If he's on fire then how about Apollo?
My cousins had a ferocious kitty named Dogbait who would terrorize their huge Boxer.
How about M.U.D. (Mean, Ugly, Dangerous) then his name could really be mud. You could pronounce it Emyoudee (like my neighbor with the dog named D.O.G.)
He's a coon, so you could go for a raccoon nickname. Something like Bandit or Night Raider.
posted by TooFewShoes at 7:11 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
My cousins had a ferocious kitty named Dogbait who would terrorize their huge Boxer.
How about M.U.D. (Mean, Ugly, Dangerous) then his name could really be mud. You could pronounce it Emyoudee (like my neighbor with the dog named D.O.G.)
He's a coon, so you could go for a raccoon nickname. Something like Bandit or Night Raider.
posted by TooFewShoes at 7:11 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
This was my wild-hair, friendly, dog-like, occasionally bitey Maine Coon. His name was Linus. He got that name because he liked to nurse on your clothes, if he was sitting on your lap, so it was best to have a blanket between you and the cat in order to avoid spitty-spots on your pants. It took a while for his name to find us/him, and despite the existence of a formal name, he was often called kitty, kittyboy, fuzzy, and goddamitcutthatout.
So, long way of saying: yes, his name will come, although there's no harm in threads like these, since the name may leap out at you. And pix when you can, because we love pictures of cats.
posted by rtha at 7:12 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
So, long way of saying: yes, his name will come, although there's no harm in threads like these, since the name may leap out at you. And pix when you can, because we love pictures of cats.
posted by rtha at 7:12 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Pyro
My mother decided her Maine Coon needed a gangster name, so he is Frankie Blue Eyes. Your cat may have his own gangster name waiting to be revealed.
posted by MexicanYenta at 7:19 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
My mother decided her Maine Coon needed a gangster name, so he is Frankie Blue Eyes. Your cat may have his own gangster name waiting to be revealed.
posted by MexicanYenta at 7:19 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Jinks or Jinx. (Third para.)
Lost my gorgeous Maine Coon, Max, (SLYT) 2 weeks ago. This has been the hardest time I have ever had with a pet's death, by far. These cats are some of the most personable, clowny guys around. Enjoy your fellow, whatever name he chooses for himself.
posted by thebrokedown at 7:28 PM on May 15, 2011 [2 favorites]
Lost my gorgeous Maine Coon, Max, (SLYT) 2 weeks ago. This has been the hardest time I have ever had with a pet's death, by far. These cats are some of the most personable, clowny guys around. Enjoy your fellow, whatever name he chooses for himself.
posted by thebrokedown at 7:28 PM on May 15, 2011 [2 favorites]
Fluffy.
If you get the Harry Potter reference, even better.
posted by amtho at 7:34 PM on May 15, 2011
If you get the Harry Potter reference, even better.
posted by amtho at 7:34 PM on May 15, 2011
Moose.
posted by Danf at 7:42 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Danf at 7:42 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Catastrophe Catafalque Catapult Catalytic Cattaraugus (rip) Catalion
Maine coon cats are among the most empathetic creatures alive, have fun with your new cat.
posted by hortense at 7:43 PM on May 15, 2011
Maine coon cats are among the most empathetic creatures alive, have fun with your new cat.
posted by hortense at 7:43 PM on May 15, 2011
A large, aloof cat deserves a large, aloof name. I'm thinking Rochester.
posted by Faint of Butt at 7:55 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Faint of Butt at 7:55 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
I have one of those myself, named Rocco. My then 8 year old niece named him. Sometimes it's good to let kids come up with some choices, because it's turned out to be the perfect name for him.
posted by FlyByDay at 8:08 PM on May 15, 2011
posted by FlyByDay at 8:08 PM on May 15, 2011
christopher walken
posted by unreasonable at 8:08 PM on May 15, 2011
posted by unreasonable at 8:08 PM on May 15, 2011
There's something very distinguished about Maine Coons.
Call him The Professor.
posted by robotot at 8:18 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Call him The Professor.
posted by robotot at 8:18 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Macavity! The "bad" cat from the musical Cats... "Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity / He's broken every human law / He breaks the law of gravity" Macavity even looks like a crazy-haired tabby Maine Coon.
posted by kro at 8:20 PM on May 15, 2011
posted by kro at 8:20 PM on May 15, 2011
Hawkeye Pierce.
No, no -- Donald Penobscot. Penobscot for short. Pen. Scot. It works, I tell you.
posted by Capt. Renault at 8:26 PM on May 15, 2011
No, no -- Donald Penobscot. Penobscot for short. Pen. Scot. It works, I tell you.
posted by Capt. Renault at 8:26 PM on May 15, 2011
Best answer: Brutus :)
...as in, Brutus Beefcake. After all, that's one big kitty you've now got. Hopefully yours plays fetch. I had a friend whose Maine Coon played fetch better than any dog I've ever met. The cat would bring the toy back and set it in my lap. Then, he'd sit and wait for me to throw it again. Crazy cool. Once, when I was pet sitting, I picked up a toy and threw it for him to fetch. Clearly, I tossed the wrong toy, because the cat fetched it and returned it to the toy basket where I'd found it. The cat then picked another toy - the toy he wanted to play with - and he brought me that instead. God, I love cats. Especially smart ones.
posted by 2oh1 at 8:38 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
...as in, Brutus Beefcake. After all, that's one big kitty you've now got. Hopefully yours plays fetch. I had a friend whose Maine Coon played fetch better than any dog I've ever met. The cat would bring the toy back and set it in my lap. Then, he'd sit and wait for me to throw it again. Crazy cool. Once, when I was pet sitting, I picked up a toy and threw it for him to fetch. Clearly, I tossed the wrong toy, because the cat fetched it and returned it to the toy basket where I'd found it. The cat then picked another toy - the toy he wanted to play with - and he brought me that instead. God, I love cats. Especially smart ones.
posted by 2oh1 at 8:38 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
AHAHHAAA!!! YES!!!! Lieutenant Colonel Donald Penobscot! I love pets with titles in their names. So classy :)
posted by 2oh1 at 8:40 PM on May 15, 2011
posted by 2oh1 at 8:40 PM on May 15, 2011
I kind of wish I had named my maine coon Tanuki, because of the personality and looks (even though he's neutered).
posted by Toothless Willy at 9:08 PM on May 15, 2011
posted by Toothless Willy at 9:08 PM on May 15, 2011
Wildfire!
posted by a humble nudibranch at 9:49 PM on May 15, 2011
posted by a humble nudibranch at 9:49 PM on May 15, 2011
Constable - after all he will be enforcing the mouse ban.
posted by JujuB at 10:08 PM on May 15, 2011
posted by JujuB at 10:08 PM on May 15, 2011
Best answer: Buckbeak, since you like Harry Potter...I'm seriously thinking of renaming one of my dogs this.
Will Feral (sorry).
posted by janerica at 10:50 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Will Feral (sorry).
posted by janerica at 10:50 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
We named our tabby Bear, due to his thick coat, though he was not a Maine coon. Aka Wooly Bear or Bear-cat. What about something like Badger? Then you could go around saying Honey badger is bad-ass. He doesn't give a shit.
posted by annsunny at 11:11 PM on May 15, 2011
posted by annsunny at 11:11 PM on May 15, 2011
Hermione's cat was part kneazle (sounded k). Who are your favorite HP characters? Mine are Tonks and Lupin.
Bowdoin
Wadsworth
Moxie
Jewett
Muskie
Elwyn (EB White's first name)
posted by brujita at 11:56 PM on May 15, 2011
Bowdoin
Wadsworth
Moxie
Jewett
Muskie
Elwyn (EB White's first name)
posted by brujita at 11:56 PM on May 15, 2011
We had a feral tabby we rescued named Blotto because his tabby pattern was blotchy. We also currently have a grey cat named Bluto. Our maine coon look-alike, grey and white, was named Attila by my son because we thought it was male, but it turned out to be female and we call her Tilla. She is large and a fierce hunter.
Good luck with your new kitty whatever you name him.
posted by mermayd at 3:56 AM on May 16, 2011
Good luck with your new kitty whatever you name him.
posted by mermayd at 3:56 AM on May 16, 2011
We've always named ours after towns in Maine, so pull out a map and choose.... Vermont and New Hampshire are OK, too, I guess.
posted by pentagoet at 5:38 AM on May 16, 2011
posted by pentagoet at 5:38 AM on May 16, 2011
Response by poster: So many great names. Will try to borrow a digital camera and post a photo in the next day or so. The advice that a name will come in time is so true!
posted by pintapicasso at 6:02 AM on May 16, 2011
posted by pintapicasso at 6:02 AM on May 16, 2011
Finest Kind (to continue the MASH references)
Mousqueton (from the 3 Musketeers)
Cubby O'Brien (one of the original Mouseketeers)
posted by jaimystery at 7:23 PM on May 16, 2011
Mousqueton (from the 3 Musketeers)
Cubby O'Brien (one of the original Mouseketeers)
posted by jaimystery at 7:23 PM on May 16, 2011
« Older Rebuilding a friend community on Facebook | Gobble, gobble, gobble, we'll talk turkey to that... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
I always did like an ironic name.
posted by Leezie at 6:45 PM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]