BASIC TRAINING

A firm foundation for selecting a great name

“I am one of the most fanatical cat lovers in the business. If you hate them, I may learn to hate you.” -- Raymond Chandler, author

THERE ARE NO RULS
Unlike naming a child, naming a cat or kitten doesn’t need to be about remembering a favorite aunt or uncle or preserving a family tradition. All you need to do is find a name that you’ll enjoy using and that your cat will enjoy responding to.

So below, you’ll find some suggestions, ideas and tips for naming your new furry friend, but NO RULES.

KISS (KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET)

Many animal experts say the name is two-syllables ending with a vowel sound: Bootsie, Altoona, Bonsai, Jerry

All animals seem to respond best to single words and commands. Although it’s unlikely that you’ll be “training” your cat to obey commands – you’re more than welcome to try! – you WILL be teaching him/her words like “No” and “Dinner” (as opposed to “Don’t do that” and “Time to Dine”)

The same philosophy applies to cat names. Sure, some purebred cats like to show off their good breeding with a fancy name like Grand Champion Fullmoon’s Mark Antony . (In fact, purebred cats MUST have registered names as part of their proof of identity and that name must include their cattery, among other things). But away from the show ring or breeding books, Grand Champion Munchkinlane’s Chinese Chippendale is probably just called Chipper.

AVOID SOUNDALIKES
Cats have a limited vocabulary and just like us, they can sometimes confuse words that sound like other words. Therefore, the name you choose for your kitten should be distinct and unlike command words that you may be using in training and everyday life.

For example: Your white Persian may hear his name Ghost as “Go;” little Stacey may confuse her name with “Stay” and poor Pooh Bear...you can just imagine the problems that could cause!

Stay away from words that sound like: No, Stay, Come, Food

WILL THE NAME YOU PICK GROW WITH YOUR KITTEN
One of the reasons that some names have been so popular through the years is that they speak to an unalterable aspect of a cat’s appearance or personality. Names like Fluffy, Sphynx Face, and Midnight are appropriate to both a frisky kitten today and the mellow elder statesman he’ll become tomorrow.

A GOOD VERDICT IN THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION
Although you’ll probably only be using your cat’s name at home, there may be times when other people are in earshot and you don’t want to be offensive, or give you cat a bad reputation.

Stay away from “toilet humor” and other vulgarities. If you must, reserve these “pet names” for occasional use only.

NO NAMESAKE FOR GOODNESS SAKE
While you may think of it as the ultimate compliment to name your new kitten after Uncle Max or Aunt Rita, think how THEY’ll feel when they hear you say things like: “Oh yeah, we had Max castrated last week” or “Rita’s in heat and she’s been out prowling all night.”

DOES THE NAME ROLL OFF THE TONGUE?
Are you the only person who will be calling out your cat’s name? Will it be used by other adults? Children? A name that’s just right coming from YOUR mouth may seem awkward or pretentious (or even vulgar) when spoken by a child.

Try and select a name that seems right for everyone who’ll use it. And again, remember that nicknames can be a special secret between you and your cat..

NEW TRICKS, YES; NEW NAME, NO
If you’re adopting a mature animal, rather than a kitten, chances are your new cat has an old name that’s been around awhile. To help facilitate your cat’s adjustment to new people and new surroundings, you might choose to keep his/her existing name.

ANCESTRAL HERITAGE
Your kitten’s breed heritage can provide some useful inspiration in finding a great name. Asian names are likely to be more appropriate for Siamese or Burmese cats, then for American shorthairs; Scandinavian names might be better for a Norwegian Forest Cat than a Bombay, and Alexander the Great will likely work better for a Russian Blue than for a Turkish Angora.

KNOW WHO YOU’RE DEALING WITH
In order to find the very best possible name for your kitten, you need to get to know him/her inside and out.

You won’t want to wait too long before making your decision, but you can spend some time playing together, enjoying a tidbit, even “bonding” over a little TV-watching. You may find out quite a bit in a day or two...even in just a few hours.

Start with the physical – color, size, overall appearance. Consider things like overall fluffiness, markings, eye color.

What about personality? Is your kitten sociable and eager to make new friends? Watchful? Is there a glint of mischief in those eyes? Is anytime meal time?

GET NAMING!
Now that you've made a list of your kitten’s personality and physical traits and have considered the type of name that is most appropriate for you and your fur-producing friend, the fun really starts.

If you find your black Bombay mysterious, what famous names (real or imaginary) seem to reflect that? How about Houdini, Blackstone or The Shadow? Do you have mixed breed who seems like a natural comedian? Why not name him Carrot Top or John Candy. Is your fluffy Persian the most elegant lady you can image? How about calling her Princess Grace of Monaco...Gracie for short.

You get the picture.

Now let's go get a name > YOUR CAT'S ESSENCE

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