Name a new kitty!
September 17, 2015 12:04 PM Subscribe
A new furball showed up (no doubt in response to the sign in our yard, visible only to animals, that says, "Suckers live here. Apply within.") and we need help naming him!
(First, I know there aren't any pics yet; Flickr is not playing nice right now. As SOON as they show up, I'll update with the appropriate payment.)
This wonderful fellow showed up a couple of days ago in our neighborhood. Sweet doesn't BEGIN to describe him; he's perfectly happy being held for hours on end, actually rolls over to get tummy scritches (instead of the standard "two and then I bite the sh*t out of you"), and shows no fear of even my loud 4-yr-old. He's polydactyl, unaltered (assuming he's FIV- and FeLV-negative, and no microchip shows up, he'll be altered soon), and a little under a year old (by my guess). Judging by his paws, he's gonna be a big tom by the time he's grown.
And we simply cannot come up with a good name for him! Our other three are Hawkeye, Skywalker and Rogue, and their names are very well suited for them. (Hawkeye is one-eyed due to a spat with Skywalker, Rogue is very rogue-like indeed, and, well, Skywalker's true name probably should've been FloorHitter, judging by his lack of balance.) Our dogs have been named after Nordic mythology, as well as one previous feline pack member.
I tried Romeo, Casanova, Lothario and other famous lovers, but the names are lame and boring. I tried going for something that seems counter to his disposition, like Brutus, but meh, no deal. The DH wanted Han, since he was found Solo, but nope, doesn't work. The kids, in their infinite insanity, wanted to name him Chocolate Donut, for the brown of his fur and the large ring on his side. No way.
I know the Hivemind can come up with something WAY, WAY better than these options.
(First, I know there aren't any pics yet; Flickr is not playing nice right now. As SOON as they show up, I'll update with the appropriate payment.)
This wonderful fellow showed up a couple of days ago in our neighborhood. Sweet doesn't BEGIN to describe him; he's perfectly happy being held for hours on end, actually rolls over to get tummy scritches (instead of the standard "two and then I bite the sh*t out of you"), and shows no fear of even my loud 4-yr-old. He's polydactyl, unaltered (assuming he's FIV- and FeLV-negative, and no microchip shows up, he'll be altered soon), and a little under a year old (by my guess). Judging by his paws, he's gonna be a big tom by the time he's grown.
And we simply cannot come up with a good name for him! Our other three are Hawkeye, Skywalker and Rogue, and their names are very well suited for them. (Hawkeye is one-eyed due to a spat with Skywalker, Rogue is very rogue-like indeed, and, well, Skywalker's true name probably should've been FloorHitter, judging by his lack of balance.) Our dogs have been named after Nordic mythology, as well as one previous feline pack member.
I tried Romeo, Casanova, Lothario and other famous lovers, but the names are lame and boring. I tried going for something that seems counter to his disposition, like Brutus, but meh, no deal. The DH wanted Han, since he was found Solo, but nope, doesn't work. The kids, in their infinite insanity, wanted to name him Chocolate Donut, for the brown of his fur and the large ring on his side. No way.
I know the Hivemind can come up with something WAY, WAY better than these options.
I think Chocolate Donut is a fantastic name for a friendly brown kitty. You can call him Choccy or Nutty or Choconut... the possibilities are endless!
posted by youcancallmeal at 12:14 PM on September 17, 2015 [15 favorites]
posted by youcancallmeal at 12:14 PM on September 17, 2015 [15 favorites]
Best answer: Torus. (Donut shape!)
posted by clavicle at 12:14 PM on September 17, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by clavicle at 12:14 PM on September 17, 2015 [3 favorites]
Hobo
posted by rhizome at 12:15 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by rhizome at 12:15 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
Six dinner Sid
posted by parmanparman at 12:16 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by parmanparman at 12:16 PM on September 17, 2015
Columbo
posted by to recite so charmingly at 12:32 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by to recite so charmingly at 12:32 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Chocolate Donut is kinda genius, but in keeping with the Nordic naming scheme, maybe World Serpent? The formal name, Jörmungandr, is also cool, but kind of tricky to say. There's a story about Thor being challenged to lift a cat and failing. It turns out the cat was the World Serpent in disguise!
To go in a completely different direction: Toe Truck!
posted by ignignokt at 12:35 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
To go in a completely different direction: Toe Truck!
posted by ignignokt at 12:35 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
He has extra fingers? And you want to name him something counter to his friendly, loving disposition? Um, Tyrone.
posted by phunniemee at 12:35 PM on September 17, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by phunniemee at 12:35 PM on September 17, 2015 [3 favorites]
Edward Scissorhands (or Eddy, Teddy, Ed, Ted, etc for short)
And barring that, I too am on Team Donut.
posted by Halo in reverse at 12:36 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
And barring that, I too am on Team Donut.
posted by Halo in reverse at 12:36 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
The loveliest kitten I ever had was Lampedusa, after the author of "The Leopard" (Il Gattopardo)
His nickname was Lampus, which is a common Swedish name and also a very kittenish name.
Lampus was semi-feral and mega-cute. He loved people and we loved him.
Lampedusa is good because it is powerful and hints at the cat's feral hunting powers.
Lampus is good because it is homey and hints at his cuteness powers.
I'd love for a new young person to be Lampedusa/Lampus, and I'm not there since my stupid dog just won't appreciate cats.
posted by mumimor at 12:38 PM on September 17, 2015
His nickname was Lampus, which is a common Swedish name and also a very kittenish name.
Lampus was semi-feral and mega-cute. He loved people and we loved him.
Lampedusa is good because it is powerful and hints at the cat's feral hunting powers.
Lampus is good because it is homey and hints at his cuteness powers.
I'd love for a new young person to be Lampedusa/Lampus, and I'm not there since my stupid dog just won't appreciate cats.
posted by mumimor at 12:38 PM on September 17, 2015
Best answer: Or Rugen/Count Rugen
posted by Sassyfras at 12:38 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Sassyfras at 12:38 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
Best answer: +1 for Chocolate Donut, or Donut for short. You are making me wish I had a cat I could name Donut.
Other ideas:
Hulk
Thor
Quest(love)
posted by rhythm and booze at 12:39 PM on September 17, 2015
Other ideas:
Hulk
Thor
Quest(love)
posted by rhythm and booze at 12:39 PM on September 17, 2015
hell yes Donut
posted by spinturtle at 12:42 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by spinturtle at 12:42 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
Edit: it seems Lampus is not a common Swedish name, just something we imagined it was. Still, it seems very cute to me.
posted by mumimor at 12:43 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by mumimor at 12:43 PM on September 17, 2015
Having a cat named after food is pretty great. But if you prefer to use the other data you provided: Lando.
Bah, too slow. Seconded!
posted by gnomeloaf at 12:43 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
Bah, too slow. Seconded!
posted by gnomeloaf at 12:43 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Saturn. Mythological. Has a ring. Sort of a colour match. Can be shortened to Sat or mutated to Satay and when the cat has crazy time you can call it Saturnalia.
posted by srboisvert at 12:44 PM on September 17, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by srboisvert at 12:44 PM on September 17, 2015 [3 favorites]
I think it's always good to let the kids name the pet, unless they want to name it something crude. Even and especially if it's really dorky. Not only is it a sweet gesture, in ten to fifteen years they'll be embarrassed by the name and learn that decisions have long-term consequences. So +1 to Chocolate Donut.
Last weekend I saw a cat available for adoption whose name was probably Dory, but whoever wrote her name down had sloppy handwriting so it looked like DORT. I regret that I am at cat capacity, because Dort is such a good cat name. Maybe Chocolate Dort. Run it by your kids, maybe?
posted by Metroid Baby at 12:47 PM on September 17, 2015 [7 favorites]
Last weekend I saw a cat available for adoption whose name was probably Dory, but whoever wrote her name down had sloppy handwriting so it looked like DORT. I regret that I am at cat capacity, because Dort is such a good cat name. Maybe Chocolate Dort. Run it by your kids, maybe?
posted by Metroid Baby at 12:47 PM on September 17, 2015 [7 favorites]
I'm the sort of person who would name a cat Chocolate Donut and call him "Cocoadono" for short, but I have no shame. But you'll definitely get more hits once you post a picture. He sounds like a total sweetheart.
posted by spelunkingplato at 12:49 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by spelunkingplato at 12:49 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
I also agree that chocolate donut is a great name. I'd end up calling him count chocula: do-nut cross him!
posted by Poldo at 12:55 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Poldo at 12:55 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
Also, as you probably know, polydactyl cats are also called "Hemmingway cats" after the famous writer's love of them. Maybe something related to that..."Ernie"? Except people will think he's named after the Muppet (maybe this is OK with your kids).
posted by spelunkingplato at 12:56 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by spelunkingplato at 12:56 PM on September 17, 2015
Lots of claws, name counter to his sweet disposition? Surely he's a 'Logan'.
posted by Kreiger at 12:58 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Kreiger at 12:58 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: I'm paying up!
Apparently my toes needed loving
More cuteness
He talks a lot, even at 4:30 a.m.
Extra toes for extra special biscuit-making
posted by tigerjade at 12:59 PM on September 17, 2015 [6 favorites]
Apparently my toes needed loving
More cuteness
He talks a lot, even at 4:30 a.m.
Extra toes for extra special biscuit-making
posted by tigerjade at 12:59 PM on September 17, 2015 [6 favorites]
My friend has been trying to rename my giant lovable tom Wilson, for Wilson Fisk.
If you want to stay in the realm of comics.
posted by politikitty at 1:00 PM on September 17, 2015
If you want to stay in the realm of comics.
posted by politikitty at 1:00 PM on September 17, 2015
His name has already been chosen, obviously!
And now you have the perfect excuse to make cat donuts (for people) for a party to celebrate his neutering, and buy him a donut catnip toy or two or three, and get yourself a cat donut cushion, and decorate his bed or carrier with these, and obviously he'll need a donut collar or collar with sprinkles on it in brown or white. Your kids might want a plush chocolate cat donut to cuddle, and you'll probably need to adorn the space near the litter box with some cat donut art. He can cuddle in his very own donut bed with frosting.
Plz post pictures of Chocolate Donut playing with plush chocolate donut. I would be SO PLEASED to mail you a chocolate donut toy for Chocolate Donut.
posted by barnone at 1:03 PM on September 17, 2015 [5 favorites]
And now you have the perfect excuse to make cat donuts (for people) for a party to celebrate his neutering, and buy him a donut catnip toy or two or three, and get yourself a cat donut cushion, and decorate his bed or carrier with these, and obviously he'll need a donut collar or collar with sprinkles on it in brown or white. Your kids might want a plush chocolate cat donut to cuddle, and you'll probably need to adorn the space near the litter box with some cat donut art. He can cuddle in his very own donut bed with frosting.
Plz post pictures of Chocolate Donut playing with plush chocolate donut. I would be SO PLEASED to mail you a chocolate donut toy for Chocolate Donut.
posted by barnone at 1:03 PM on September 17, 2015 [5 favorites]
Best answer: You likely already know this, but do keep in mind that if he is FIV positive he can still live a long happy healthy life (even with negative cat friends, as long as he's not incredibly violent). You may not want to take on an FIV cat, but if you find a good shelter they can have a chance of rehoming him.
What a beautiful little dude.
posted by you're a kitty! at 1:04 PM on September 17, 2015 [3 favorites]
What a beautiful little dude.
posted by you're a kitty! at 1:04 PM on September 17, 2015 [3 favorites]
Best answer: Donut Shape + Mythology = Ouroboros. ("Boo" for short??)
posted by jeffjon at 1:16 PM on September 17, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by jeffjon at 1:16 PM on September 17, 2015 [4 favorites]
yeah, I only see one cat in those pictures...
Hemingway? His house in Key West is overrun with polydactylic cats.
posted by Naberius at 1:27 PM on September 17, 2015
Hemingway? His house in Key West is overrun with polydactylic cats.
posted by Naberius at 1:27 PM on September 17, 2015
I really like not-so-common people-names for cats. Alistair, Gilbert, Sidney, Arthur, Frank, Milton, Chester, Hamilton, Oliver, Quincy, Rupert, George, Jasper, Mortimer, Stanley...
posted by trillian at 1:29 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by trillian at 1:29 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
I love Donut. I would shorten it affectionately to Dodo, but that's just me.
posted by dness2 at 1:32 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by dness2 at 1:32 PM on September 17, 2015
Homer? Mythology connection + "Mmm...donuts"
posted by castlebravo at 1:34 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by castlebravo at 1:34 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
HOMER! YES! That would also work :-) I think his full name would have to be Homer Chocolate Donuts.
posted by barnone at 1:39 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by barnone at 1:39 PM on September 17, 2015
DH wanted Han, since he was found Solo
What about just "Solo"?
posted by capricorn at 1:45 PM on September 17, 2015
What about just "Solo"?
posted by capricorn at 1:45 PM on September 17, 2015
Best answer: Okay, I was on Team Donut until I saw your pictures. Now I have to admit he's not really a Donut. But Biscuit, that's a pretty great name for a polydactyl cat. He's got good biscuit hands. Yes.
posted by HotToddy at 1:48 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by HotToddy at 1:48 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I too like Chocolate Donut. Perhaps a twist on the pastry theme: Eclair, Beignet, Berliner, Churro, Bear Claw, Fritter, Bomboloni, Timbits (TM), Cannoli, Profiterole, Strudel, Struesel, Petit Four, etc.
posted by melissasaurus at 1:49 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by melissasaurus at 1:49 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
Chocolate Donut, not even close. "Donut" if you're into the brevity thing. Or "Dodo", "Nutnut", "Choco", etc.
posted by ldenneau at 1:53 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by ldenneau at 1:53 PM on September 17, 2015
Fingers!
posted by HandfulOfDust at 1:54 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by HandfulOfDust at 1:54 PM on September 17, 2015
Yes. Chocolate Donut. Hello, Chocolate Donut!
Other awesome cats have been named after food! Grumpy Cat's name was originally Tardar Sauce, because she looked like Tartar sauce, and the children who named her couldn't spell the word 'Tartar' correctly.
posted by spinifex23 at 2:15 PM on September 17, 2015
Other awesome cats have been named after food! Grumpy Cat's name was originally Tardar Sauce, because she looked like Tartar sauce, and the children who named her couldn't spell the word 'Tartar' correctly.
posted by spinifex23 at 2:15 PM on September 17, 2015
I am firmly on team Donut. That cat is a Donut.
posted by sarcasticah at 2:43 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by sarcasticah at 2:43 PM on September 17, 2015
Best answer: Starbuck! And when the next one spots the sucker sign, you can call him Apollo.
(Seriously, we have sucker sign in our yard too. The third pregnant cat this year just made it her home.)
posted by 26.2 at 3:03 PM on September 17, 2015
(Seriously, we have sucker sign in our yard too. The third pregnant cat this year just made it her home.)
posted by 26.2 at 3:03 PM on September 17, 2015
He looks REALLY skeptical of you in most of those photos. Maybe (doubting) Thomas!
posted by kythuen at 3:08 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by kythuen at 3:08 PM on September 17, 2015
Donut is pretty cute, but if you're not feeling it, would the kids go for Duncan? (I can't believe nobody's suggested that yet!) Whatever he ends up being called, that is one adorable kitty.
posted by kate4914 at 4:08 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by kate4914 at 4:08 PM on September 17, 2015
Bigfoot? We had a cat with those markings my son named Blotto. He was a tough rescued tomcat.
posted by mermayd at 4:27 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by mermayd at 4:27 PM on September 17, 2015
He looks like my friend's cat who is named "Love". Because he's such a Love. No other name fit.
posted by TooFewShoes at 4:49 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by TooFewShoes at 4:49 PM on September 17, 2015
I'm team Chocolate Donut, only because cats have many names, and the ones you call him other than Chocolate Donut (Choconut? Chonut? Cruller-cat?) will fit, and the name he calls himself will be known only by him.
posted by holgate at 7:02 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by holgate at 7:02 PM on September 17, 2015
Best answer: Ooh, he has the most beautiful pattern of markings. Makes me think of silk Moire (mwah-ray). Double good 'cause it sounds a little like a cat talking. Moire!
posted by primate moon at 7:29 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by primate moon at 7:29 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
He's really less of a donut than some kind of chocolate - peanut butter brownie swirl.
posted by salvia at 1:17 AM on September 18, 2015
posted by salvia at 1:17 AM on September 18, 2015
Response by poster: I know, threadsitting is bad, but you guys rock in so many ways! In particular, my kids want to share how excited they were that so many of you liked Chocolate Donut (although they've already discarded that suggestion in favor of a few on this list :) ) and they were very proud that so many grownups thought they were clever. :)
Assuming he's disease-free (well...) and doesn't belong to someone else who is cool with letting him go out and starve without a collar and won't let us keep him, I'll follow up tomorrow with the name we all decided on. And hopefully a couple of pics of the others in the pack; I'm not sure I have a picture of Rogue, but if I can I'll get a picture of her stealing the bed from our ancient Newf. (It's even funnier when you can see her size; she's very petite, and I call her my little half-a-cat.)
posted by tigerjade at 8:02 AM on September 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Assuming he's disease-free (well...) and doesn't belong to someone else who is cool with letting him go out and starve without a collar and won't let us keep him, I'll follow up tomorrow with the name we all decided on. And hopefully a couple of pics of the others in the pack; I'm not sure I have a picture of Rogue, but if I can I'll get a picture of her stealing the bed from our ancient Newf. (It's even funnier when you can see her size; she's very petite, and I call her my little half-a-cat.)
posted by tigerjade at 8:02 AM on September 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I'm fixated on the big paws. I LOVE Tyrone or Rugen, first of all, but famous guys with big hands include Sergei Rachmaninoff, whose big hands made him a fabulous piano player before he was a composer, and Nikola Tesla.
Also, apparently there was a blues guitarist named Hound Dog Taylor who was born with extra fingers on both hands. I kind of love the idea of a cat named Hound Dog (especially a sweet lovey cat).
And, FWIW, in the original novel, Hannibal Lecter had six fingers on one of his hands. If you REALLY want to go contrary to the sweet loving nature.
posted by dlugoczaj at 9:33 AM on September 18, 2015
Also, apparently there was a blues guitarist named Hound Dog Taylor who was born with extra fingers on both hands. I kind of love the idea of a cat named Hound Dog (especially a sweet lovey cat).
And, FWIW, in the original novel, Hannibal Lecter had six fingers on one of his hands. If you REALLY want to go contrary to the sweet loving nature.
posted by dlugoczaj at 9:33 AM on September 18, 2015
My sweetest boy kitty growing up was rescued as a wee grey kitten with giant satellite dish ears and big paws. So clearly, his name was Tiny. :) (Hey, I was 6!)
posted by cardinality at 3:46 PM on September 18, 2015
posted by cardinality at 3:46 PM on September 18, 2015
Response by poster: We ended up going with Hannibal; the DD and I were *this* close to Jormangandr until the boys threw a fit. He's FIV & FeLK negative, no chip, and obnoxiously healthy (although still underweight). He rides in the car about as well as the rest of my cats (i.e., he horked on the way home :) ).
The vet estimates his age at about 10 months. They were SOOOOO in love with him that other vets and techs came to meet him, saying "We heard the SWEETEST CAT EVER is in here." He adored the attention, natch.
He's now been integrated into gen pop, with the rest of our fur kids. He is not interested in kindling a relationship with the dog, but he's getting along well with his brothers, and is learning to let Rogue move at her own pace. He's been trying to challenge Skywalker for dominance of the pack, but that'll probably change again after he gets snipped this Friday.
And didn't I promise y'all pics of the rest of the crew?
Skywalker TRIED to take Hawkeye's favorite nest on the sofa
Skywalker relaxing on Brobee
Hawkeye preparing to pounce on anyone coming in the back door, assuming that treats are on their person
Sorry, this is literally the only picture of Rogue on my photo stream that isn't blurry. She's a fan of parkour.
posted by tigerjade at 5:32 AM on September 21, 2015 [2 favorites]
The vet estimates his age at about 10 months. They were SOOOOO in love with him that other vets and techs came to meet him, saying "We heard the SWEETEST CAT EVER is in here." He adored the attention, natch.
He's now been integrated into gen pop, with the rest of our fur kids. He is not interested in kindling a relationship with the dog, but he's getting along well with his brothers, and is learning to let Rogue move at her own pace. He's been trying to challenge Skywalker for dominance of the pack, but that'll probably change again after he gets snipped this Friday.
And didn't I promise y'all pics of the rest of the crew?
Skywalker TRIED to take Hawkeye's favorite nest on the sofa
Skywalker relaxing on Brobee
Hawkeye preparing to pounce on anyone coming in the back door, assuming that treats are on their person
Sorry, this is literally the only picture of Rogue on my photo stream that isn't blurry. She's a fan of parkour.
posted by tigerjade at 5:32 AM on September 21, 2015 [2 favorites]
Hooray for great health! And fantastic name. I really wanted to name my son Hannibal (after the extremely clever Punic general, not the fictional serial killer) but was vetoed into oblivion because of the current popularity of the character. So I'm glad someone has that name! It sounds great.
posted by ignignokt at 6:05 AM on September 21, 2015
posted by ignignokt at 6:05 AM on September 21, 2015
Hey, I named a kitty! I think that's the first time I've triumphed in a pet-naming thread.
posted by dlugoczaj at 7:14 AM on September 21, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by dlugoczaj at 7:14 AM on September 21, 2015 [6 favorites]
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posted by Namlit at 12:08 PM on September 17, 2015