I've heard that ... a few times ... already, but the kitteh has yet to inform me. And, as "Old Possum" himself told us (and Andrew Lloyd Webber reminded):
T.S. Eliot, Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats
The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter,
It isn't just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I'm as mad as a hatter
When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.
First of all, there's the name that the family use daily,
Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo or James,
Such as Victor or Jonathan, or George or Bill Bailey -
All of them sensible everyday names.
There are fancier names if you think they sound sweeter,
Some for the gentlemen, some for the dames:
Such as Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter -
But all of them sensible everyday names.
But I tell you, a cat needs a name that's particular,
A name that's peculiar, and more dignified,
Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular,
Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?
Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum,
Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat,
Such as Bombalurina, or else Jellylorum -
Names that never belong to more than one cat.
But above and beyond there's still one name left over,
And that is the name that you never will guess;
The name that no human research can discover -
But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess.
When you notice a cat in profound meditation,
The reason, I tell you, is always the same:
His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation
Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name:
His ineffable effable
Effanineffable
Deep and inscrutable singular Name.
The first name that comes to mind (besides Li'l Bit, and as Jen points out, that name might sound odd if the kitten turns into a Big Ole Cat) is "Polly", because, well look:
This appears to be her favorite place, all things being equal. Although the back of the sofa (another up-high spot) is also good, it seems.More possibilities -- and hopefully a decision -- to come soon.
8 comments:
I'd just like to point out that my suggestion of Moxie Mocha Calliope Sockfoot meets those criteria.
(But Polly's nice too)
Just named ours Molly, previously our last too short lived was Little poo. Oh well
Congratulations on your new kitteh! And I love that poem by T.S. Eliot, one of my favorites! I think Polly might be a good name for her. I tend to like "real" or "people" names for pets. Our old cat who lived to be almost 20 was named Mathilda, for instance.
Congrats on the new baby and happy belated birthday blessings.
What about Pious Polly Perspicacious?
That's a tongue twister.
I really do have to agree with T.S.
Buzbeigh Longfellow Underfoot, who responds to 'Mu' or 'Bee' (go figure) took one look at your kitteh and said 'Ovid'.
I don't really understand why. Ovid, of course, on superficial countenance would appear to be a name for a male kitteh. Clearly the tortie you hold dear is not.
I am not going to discuss the merits of the case with Mu. Arguing with a cat is not terribly productive.
gabriella
Toronto
I really do have to agree with T.S.
Buzbeigh Longfellow Underfoot, who responds to 'Mu' or 'Bee' (go figure) took one look at your kitteh and said 'Ovid'.
I don't really understand why. Ovid, of course, on superficial countenance would appear to be a name for a male kitteh. Clearly the tortie you hold dear is not.
I am not going to discuss the merits of the case with Mu. Arguing with a cat is not terribly productive.
gabriella
Toronto
the big smile on my face is not near as big as you and the new kitties love for each other!
well done sir (and madam) well done
I look forward to meeting the new kitteh
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