Cat Name!
November 27, 2018 9:53 AM Subscribe
I am really stuck. I rescued this cat off the street, and she is kind of a hyperactive terror, but my older cat is totally Here. For. It. They're playing non-stop and having the time of their lives. But she's been living with us for a month and I am no closer to naming this tiny cat!
I just have no idea what to call her. Personality-wise, she gets into everything and climbs everything, is really kinda scrawny but apparently strong, is generous in keeping her claws retracted while playing, she likes digging through the trash, and weaving her way around fragile objects in high places. And she seriously loves playing and going for the jugular of my other cat in a fun, dramatic way. That's all I've got. Any ideas?
I just have no idea what to call her. Personality-wise, she gets into everything and climbs everything, is really kinda scrawny but apparently strong, is generous in keeping her claws retracted while playing, she likes digging through the trash, and weaving her way around fragile objects in high places. And she seriously loves playing and going for the jugular of my other cat in a fun, dramatic way. That's all I've got. Any ideas?
Gizmo
posted by Elly Vortex at 9:56 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Elly Vortex at 9:56 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
CHICKEN
posted by something something at 9:58 AM on November 27, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by something something at 9:58 AM on November 27, 2018 [4 favorites]
Sock or Stocking (singular)
Bandit
Mercury
What's your other cat's name, though?
posted by Occula at 10:00 AM on November 27, 2018
Bandit
Mercury
What's your other cat's name, though?
posted by Occula at 10:00 AM on November 27, 2018
Knuckles
posted by Dr. Wu at 10:00 AM on November 27, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by Dr. Wu at 10:00 AM on November 27, 2018 [3 favorites]
She looks like she’s wearing half a mask to me. Phantom? She’s totally adorable.
posted by eirias at 10:04 AM on November 27, 2018 [9 favorites]
posted by eirias at 10:04 AM on November 27, 2018 [9 favorites]
domino
posted by pinochiette at 10:04 AM on November 27, 2018 [14 favorites]
posted by pinochiette at 10:04 AM on November 27, 2018 [14 favorites]
Gremlin
Gidgit
But we really need the other cat’s name/picture to answer well.
posted by Weeping_angel at 10:05 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
Gidgit
But we really need the other cat’s name/picture to answer well.
posted by Weeping_angel at 10:05 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
my beloved BELOVED rescue cat was called Chaos. It really suited her, and it went well with her last name (Callahan) which made calling her by her full name, or full name plus title (Lady Chaos Callahan) very satisfying.
posted by kate blank at 10:06 AM on November 27, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by kate blank at 10:06 AM on November 27, 2018 [3 favorites]
I LOVE HER SOOOOOOO MUCH.
Because she's curious, Curio. And then you can call her Marie Curio. Or Madame Currypants.
posted by cooker girl at 10:07 AM on November 27, 2018 [3 favorites]
Because she's curious, Curio. And then you can call her Marie Curio. Or Madame Currypants.
posted by cooker girl at 10:07 AM on November 27, 2018 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: I didn't name the other cat, its previous owner did, and I still feel low-key weird about it! So I kind of want to avoid taking the other cat's name into account (but it's from an anime film.)
posted by thegreatfleecircus at 10:08 AM on November 27, 2018
posted by thegreatfleecircus at 10:08 AM on November 27, 2018
Frisco.
posted by deezil at 10:08 AM on November 27, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by deezil at 10:08 AM on November 27, 2018 [3 favorites]
Pandora.
posted by heldincontempt at 10:09 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by heldincontempt at 10:09 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
Spice
posted by soelo at 10:09 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by soelo at 10:09 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
Flecha - Spanish for arrow.
posted by 26.2 at 10:11 AM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by 26.2 at 10:11 AM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
Moxie
posted by carrienation at 10:11 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by carrienation at 10:11 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
She looks like an M-name cat - Mirka, Malia, Melinda, Malka
posted by Frowner at 10:11 AM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Frowner at 10:11 AM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
Rini, after Maria Spelterini, the only woman to cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope.
posted by mochapickle at 10:12 AM on November 27, 2018 [6 favorites]
posted by mochapickle at 10:12 AM on November 27, 2018 [6 favorites]
Puck!
posted by astapasta24 at 10:13 AM on November 27, 2018
posted by astapasta24 at 10:13 AM on November 27, 2018
Penelope
posted by sugarbomb at 10:16 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by sugarbomb at 10:16 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
Stripe
posted by jgirl at 10:23 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by jgirl at 10:23 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
What a fantastically beautiful cat!
Kaleidoscope
Maelstrom
Shimmer
Chimera
Mirage
Mosaic
Pollock
posted by jamjam at 10:24 AM on November 27, 2018
Kaleidoscope
Maelstrom
Shimmer
Chimera
Mirage
Mosaic
Pollock
posted by jamjam at 10:24 AM on November 27, 2018
Fudgie
posted by supermedusa at 10:30 AM on November 27, 2018
posted by supermedusa at 10:30 AM on November 27, 2018
Roxie!
(She is adorable! Congratulations on your new family member!)
posted by bookmammal at 10:31 AM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
(She is adorable! Congratulations on your new family member!)
posted by bookmammal at 10:31 AM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
Louise.
posted by notquitemaryann at 10:34 AM on November 27, 2018
posted by notquitemaryann at 10:34 AM on November 27, 2018
I mean, she sounds like Trouble.
posted by Saminal at 10:34 AM on November 27, 2018 [9 favorites]
posted by Saminal at 10:34 AM on November 27, 2018 [9 favorites]
Kitsune.
posted by Too-Ticky at 10:35 AM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Too-Ticky at 10:35 AM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
Lot of great ideas above. But if you can't find a 'real' name that appeals to you, you can always make one up out of the words that best describe the cat. E.g., Tiny Terror -> Tinterror -> Tinterrorino -> Tintory, and so on.
posted by Transl3y at 10:37 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Transl3y at 10:37 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
That cat's name is P.J. Friscus, either P.J. or Friscus for short. The P.J. stands for Pounce Jumpington.
posted by saladin at 10:39 AM on November 27, 2018 [13 favorites]
posted by saladin at 10:39 AM on November 27, 2018 [13 favorites]
She's gorgeous! Starla is what popped in my head when I looked at the pictures. Maybe Starlet, or Scarlett ?
posted by Fig at 10:40 AM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Fig at 10:40 AM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
That lovely creature right there is an Eris -- seems like trouble, but the very best kind of trouble. From Hesiod:
So, after all, there was not one kind of Strife alone, but all over the earth there are two. As for the one, a man would praise her when he came to understand her; but the other is blameworthy: and they are wholly different in nature. For one fosters evil war and battle, being cruel: her no man loves; but perforce, through the will of the deathless gods, men pay harsh Strife her honour due.
But the other is the elder daughter of dark Night (Nyx), and the son of Cronus who sits above and dwells in the aether, set her in the roots of the earth: and she is far kinder to men. She stirs up even the shiftless to toil; for a man grows eager to work when he considers his neighbour, a rich man who hastens to plough and plant and put his house in good order; and neighbour vies with his neighbour as he hurries after wealth. This Strife is wholesome for men.
posted by halation at 10:44 AM on November 27, 2018 [4 favorites]
So, after all, there was not one kind of Strife alone, but all over the earth there are two. As for the one, a man would praise her when he came to understand her; but the other is blameworthy: and they are wholly different in nature. For one fosters evil war and battle, being cruel: her no man loves; but perforce, through the will of the deathless gods, men pay harsh Strife her honour due.
But the other is the elder daughter of dark Night (Nyx), and the son of Cronus who sits above and dwells in the aether, set her in the roots of the earth: and she is far kinder to men. She stirs up even the shiftless to toil; for a man grows eager to work when he considers his neighbour, a rich man who hastens to plough and plant and put his house in good order; and neighbour vies with his neighbour as he hurries after wealth. This Strife is wholesome for men.
posted by halation at 10:44 AM on November 27, 2018 [4 favorites]
Mabel or Trixie!!!
posted by Hermione Granger at 10:45 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Hermione Granger at 10:45 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
Was just coming here to suggest Eris, but halation beat me to it!
If you like fancy names, I also suggest Chiaroscuro (defined as “an effect of contrasted light and shadow especially in drawing or painting—her coat reminds me of this). Kia or Scurry for short.
posted by Illuminated Clocks at 10:47 AM on November 27, 2018 [4 favorites]
If you like fancy names, I also suggest Chiaroscuro (defined as “an effect of contrasted light and shadow especially in drawing or painting—her coat reminds me of this). Kia or Scurry for short.
posted by Illuminated Clocks at 10:47 AM on November 27, 2018 [4 favorites]
My first kitty was a spunky calico named Sheena, reminds me of her.
Mitzi
Meena
Minka
posted by lafemma at 10:48 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
Mitzi
Meena
Minka
posted by lafemma at 10:48 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
Also coming in to suggest Eris. Gorgeous kitty!
posted by The otter lady at 10:49 AM on November 27, 2018
posted by The otter lady at 10:49 AM on November 27, 2018
That's harlequin (look at her lovely patterning!), aka Harley (think motorcycle mama...rom rom) *sings....looking for adventure....*
posted by mightshould at 10:57 AM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by mightshould at 10:57 AM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
Madeline
posted by DoubleLune at 11:11 AM on November 27, 2018
posted by DoubleLune at 11:11 AM on November 27, 2018
"Melismata" popped into my head when I saw her. No idea why but there it is.
posted by fingersandtoes at 11:12 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by fingersandtoes at 11:12 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
Banana.
Trust me on this. That cat is named Banana.
posted by seanmpuckett at 11:19 AM on November 27, 2018 [6 favorites]
Trust me on this. That cat is named Banana.
posted by seanmpuckett at 11:19 AM on November 27, 2018 [6 favorites]
She looks like a genetic mosaic, too. Beautiful kitty.
posted by seanmpuckett at 11:21 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by seanmpuckett at 11:21 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
Molly.
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 11:25 AM on November 27, 2018
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 11:25 AM on November 27, 2018
She looks like a Diana to me.
posted by mhum at 11:27 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by mhum at 11:27 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
What a beautiful lady! I love how her whole nose is dark black, like she has no nose! NoNose!
posted by jillithd at 11:28 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by jillithd at 11:28 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
When I clicked "more inside" I briefly misread "jugular" as "jaguar". You should call her Jaguar.
posted by jeudi at 11:32 AM on November 27, 2018
posted by jeudi at 11:32 AM on November 27, 2018
I had a calico terror named Piper, nicknamed Pip or Pippi. Congrats on the new addition!
posted by mogget at 11:37 AM on November 27, 2018
posted by mogget at 11:37 AM on November 27, 2018
Slinky
posted by DarlingBri at 11:49 AM on November 27, 2018
posted by DarlingBri at 11:49 AM on November 27, 2018
Allegra or Roxy
posted by MadMadam at 11:54 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by MadMadam at 11:54 AM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
Minou maybe? (Our calico was Halloween, quickly nicknamed Weenie.)
posted by gudrun at 11:57 AM on November 27, 2018
posted by gudrun at 11:57 AM on November 27, 2018
Millefiori, perhaps, Millie for short. Along the same lines I second Mosaic (Mo for short) or Chiaroscuro.
Our household has a fanciful story about how cats get their markings - they get dipped in Cat Paint at the cat factory, and you can tell how they were held for the application by what parts are which color. It looks like your new acquisition was done at the end of a shift after they'd already poured together everything remaining in the various tanks.
posted by jocelmeow at 12:06 PM on November 27, 2018 [6 favorites]
Our household has a fanciful story about how cats get their markings - they get dipped in Cat Paint at the cat factory, and you can tell how they were held for the application by what parts are which color. It looks like your new acquisition was done at the end of a shift after they'd already poured together everything remaining in the various tanks.
posted by jocelmeow at 12:06 PM on November 27, 2018 [6 favorites]
Mabel
Whatever you name her, I just want to say that those pictures are "A+++++ would pat again."
posted by slkinsey at 12:11 PM on November 27, 2018 [3 favorites]
Whatever you name her, I just want to say that those pictures are "A+++++ would pat again."
posted by slkinsey at 12:11 PM on November 27, 2018 [3 favorites]
Feist
posted by Etrigan at 12:13 PM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Etrigan at 12:13 PM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
Small cats need big names
Baroness Marmalade
Archdeaconess Patchwork
President for Life Crazyquilt III
posted by GenjiandProust at 12:15 PM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
Baroness Marmalade
Archdeaconess Patchwork
President for Life Crazyquilt III
posted by GenjiandProust at 12:15 PM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
Pippi Onestocking!
posted by corey flood at 12:23 PM on November 27, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by corey flood at 12:23 PM on November 27, 2018 [3 favorites]
She looks like (and sounds like!) my tiny calico cat I had as a girl, named Sprocket. It's a good name.
posted by fiercecupcake at 12:27 PM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by fiercecupcake at 12:27 PM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
That kitty is a Jenna.
posted by easy, lucky, free at 12:28 PM on November 27, 2018
posted by easy, lucky, free at 12:28 PM on November 27, 2018
She looks like an M-name cat - Mirka, Malia, Melinda, Malka
Minxy.
posted by holgate at 12:29 PM on November 27, 2018
Minxy.
posted by holgate at 12:29 PM on November 27, 2018
Tycho.
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 12:33 PM on November 27, 2018
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 12:33 PM on November 27, 2018
Myrna
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:53 PM on November 27, 2018
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:53 PM on November 27, 2018
She could be the sister to my own Minifer, Min for short. I'll share that name with you!
Please, please tell us what you name her!
posted by LaBellaStella at 12:53 PM on November 27, 2018
Please, please tell us what you name her!
posted by LaBellaStella at 12:53 PM on November 27, 2018
Sweetie
posted by ewok_academy at 1:00 PM on November 27, 2018
posted by ewok_academy at 1:00 PM on November 27, 2018
Daffy, after the way the loony tunes character looks when dynamite explodes close by.
posted by BeeDo at 1:02 PM on November 27, 2018
posted by BeeDo at 1:02 PM on November 27, 2018
Crikey. Hippolyta, as in the Amazon queen (which will change to Hippo because let me tell you about small cats who learn about indoor food).
posted by theweasel at 1:08 PM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by theweasel at 1:08 PM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
Phantom: as in "of the opera", because of her half-mask, and also her stealthy and mischievous ways.
Otherwise: perhaps Poltergeist (Polly, for short).
posted by Pallas Athena at 1:34 PM on November 27, 2018
Otherwise: perhaps Poltergeist (Polly, for short).
posted by Pallas Athena at 1:34 PM on November 27, 2018
I'll second Diana.. but then I've always been a sucker for overly sophisticated human names for kitties.
posted by elgee at 1:40 PM on November 27, 2018
posted by elgee at 1:40 PM on November 27, 2018
Miranda
posted by sciencegeek at 2:34 PM on November 27, 2018
posted by sciencegeek at 2:34 PM on November 27, 2018
Lissie
posted by matildaben at 2:46 PM on November 27, 2018
posted by matildaben at 2:46 PM on November 27, 2018
Caper
Whirlygirl
Timber
Jackalope
and an enthusiastic second for Chaos!
posted by esoterrica at 2:54 PM on November 27, 2018
Whirlygirl
Timber
Jackalope
and an enthusiastic second for Chaos!
posted by esoterrica at 2:54 PM on November 27, 2018
Maisy!
posted by bananacabana at 2:56 PM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by bananacabana at 2:56 PM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
Taffy. Gets all over everything, very sweet, high maintenance yet still welcome.
posted by Temeraria at 3:17 PM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Temeraria at 3:17 PM on November 27, 2018 [2 favorites]
Moxie Paws the Fearless
posted by annieb at 3:50 PM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by annieb at 3:50 PM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: I am LOVING these! You guys are the best. I will def let you know what I choose, and I am absolutely picking one of these (maybe two or three of them): Frisco Triscuit? Eris Banana Millefiori? So many options! Please keep 'em coming :)
posted by thegreatfleecircus at 4:10 PM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by thegreatfleecircus at 4:10 PM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
Immediate reaction is 'Spar' ... which could be a lazy 'Scar', it could be 'Spartacus' or it could be me mispronouncing 'Star'. But she's definitely a 'Spar' - maybe a middle name?
posted by ewan at 4:17 PM on November 27, 2018
posted by ewan at 4:17 PM on November 27, 2018
Marnie
posted by book 'em dano at 5:02 PM on November 27, 2018
posted by book 'em dano at 5:02 PM on November 27, 2018
Black warpaint and that gorgeous left arm... looks like a Furiosa to me!
posted by spaet at 6:38 PM on November 27, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by spaet at 6:38 PM on November 27, 2018 [3 favorites]
Smudge.
posted by christinetheslp at 6:44 PM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by christinetheslp at 6:44 PM on November 27, 2018 [1 favorite]
Strong. Dramatic. Goes for the jugular. A black side with tawny orangey brown on the other. That cat is Slade.
posted by sardonyx at 6:54 PM on November 27, 2018
posted by sardonyx at 6:54 PM on November 27, 2018
Mosey or Motmot
posted by ball00000ns at 7:44 PM on November 27, 2018
posted by ball00000ns at 7:44 PM on November 27, 2018
spaet might be right, Impurrator Furiosa
posted by doift at 8:09 PM on November 27, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by doift at 8:09 PM on November 27, 2018 [3 favorites]
I like saladin's P.J. suggestion, but i think she looks likes like a Mustard, so I'm half stealing for a combo of P.J. Mustard
posted by keame at 8:27 PM on November 27, 2018
posted by keame at 8:27 PM on November 27, 2018
Ursula
posted by bibliotropic at 8:39 PM on November 27, 2018
posted by bibliotropic at 8:39 PM on November 27, 2018
Gauntlet (that one dark paw and foreleg!)
Phantom (of the Opera, natch)
Taika (Finnish girl's name meaning magic)
Maija (Finnish girl's name meaning obstinacy, rebellious)
Puck (from Shakespeare)
Maeve (intoxicating)
Sofia
posted by LeftMyHeartInSanFrancisco at 9:51 PM on November 27, 2018
Phantom (of the Opera, natch)
Taika (Finnish girl's name meaning magic)
Maija (Finnish girl's name meaning obstinacy, rebellious)
Puck (from Shakespeare)
Maeve (intoxicating)
Sofia
posted by LeftMyHeartInSanFrancisco at 9:51 PM on November 27, 2018
Jet-Jet
Jet because of her jet-black parts, doubled because that's more fun to say, and because it reflects her frenetic personality.
posted by kelper at 3:12 AM on November 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
Jet because of her jet-black parts, doubled because that's more fun to say, and because it reflects her frenetic personality.
posted by kelper at 3:12 AM on November 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
Spinx.
posted by flabdablet at 4:14 AM on November 28, 2018
posted by flabdablet at 4:14 AM on November 28, 2018
Seconding Spice, for two reasons: 1. Her coat looks like someone took your spice rack and dumped its contents onto her; 2. Spicy, energetic, kicky - goes with her purrsonality.
posted by Lunaloon at 4:25 AM on November 28, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by Lunaloon at 4:25 AM on November 28, 2018 [3 favorites]
Just to repeat my usual advice about calico cats: they're extra feisty because they're really two cats in one body.
The more I look at her, the more I think of a mischievous redhead in a black dress and one long black glove. Which, of course, makes me think of Rita Hayworth singing "Put the Blame on Mame" in Gilda.
So, Rita, Mamie, Gilda.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 8:54 AM on November 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
The more I look at her, the more I think of a mischievous redhead in a black dress and one long black glove. Which, of course, makes me think of Rita Hayworth singing "Put the Blame on Mame" in Gilda.
So, Rita, Mamie, Gilda.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 8:54 AM on November 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
pinochiette is correct. The cat is clearly a Domino.
posted by Kreiger at 9:14 AM on November 28, 2018
posted by Kreiger at 9:14 AM on November 28, 2018
I once had a cat that looked very much like yours. I named her Claude, after Claude Cahun, and it suited her very well.
posted by Junker George at 10:16 AM on November 28, 2018
posted by Junker George at 10:16 AM on November 28, 2018
Ray, short for "DANGER Death Ray!"
posted by orrnyereg at 10:30 AM on November 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by orrnyereg at 10:30 AM on November 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
Well, she’s a calico, so the obvious name is Callie.
Or Siayti. Which is pronounced C-A-T.
posted by SLC Mom at 4:38 PM on November 28, 2018
Or Siayti. Which is pronounced C-A-T.
posted by SLC Mom at 4:38 PM on November 28, 2018
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by overeducated_alligator at 9:55 AM on November 27, 2018 [11 favorites]