To think that a cat doesn't actually need a name?

[moussakka]

I've unintentionally adopted a stray kitten recently, who is lovely. I thought about giving him a name, but actually on reflection, it seems silly. He doesn't care or know the difference, and it just means that I have to call out something when letting him in. People have told me that I should name him, but it seems silly. He doesn't care. I would actually feel ridiculous calling out 'Harry' or whatever, from my doorstep. It's a cat. I don't have kids btw, so this doesn't impact any little people. (If I did, I'd let them decide on one). AIBU?

hahaha @sallysparrow, love your post! All of it!! :)

My parents had a cat called cat before I was born, it's normal enough!

Puss Puss it is then

Yes all cats have names it sounds like he just isn't sharing with you!

@vixsatis, brilliant! :)

@RJnomore and same :D

My cats mainly answer to "little stinky" and "big stinky" respectively, I think it's more about the tone than what you actually say with cats. But what is he registered as at the vet if he doesn't have a name?

It sounds mad but our cats know their names. Each has two syllables and ends with an "ee" sound, but each cat knows it's individual name. We've 4 and they definitely respond when you speak to them.

If it doesn't have a name how will you register it at the vet?

Not a problem for vets, my last rescue cat was known as male ginger tabby 'my surname'. He did eventually get a name but it wasn't a problem for the vet.

I rehomed a cat I rescued as 'Spare Cat' as we had so many she was a spare. The new owner I found gave her a proper name.

Enjoy your kitten, names are not a requirement.

One of mine is called Puss, she was originally Elvis but never answered to it.

I'm going to sound like a proper crazy cat lady now (which I am and proud of it) but my cats answer to their individual names and I don't care what anyone else says. So there

The naming of cats is a difficult matter
It isn't just one of your holiday games
You may think at first I'm mad as a hatter
When I tell you a cat must have three different names...

Indeed your cat does need a name.
just pick a nice one.

We took in a stray and she ended up as puss

Is he microchipped? As they will need a name for him?

I vote for Elvis

@Noelhead, he's really not called Puss Puss! :) I say that to all cats. It's just like a generic cat call (IYSWIM), isn't it? :)

Wonko, you beat me to it!

He won't know that though- he'll just think Puss Puss is his name

These responses are brilliant! @Wonko love it! :)

Vet appointment is this week. Interesting @thecoke!

And I believe all those with multiple cats who can differentiate their names!

@Noel haha, but I only make that noise when calling him in! Never any other time :D

I have four cats and they all know their names, they just don't give a fuck.

OP, are you Holly Golightly?

Of course, your cat already HAS multiple names; it's just that you're not party to them. See TS Eliot's Book of Practical Cats.

How long have you had him? Maybe a name will just suggest itself, organically.

Can we have a picture of him?

My sister's cat had a name, but eventually just became 'girl'. My brother's cat also started with a name but just became 'the queen' and that is all she is ever referred to as now. Other sister has 3 cats whose names seem to be fluid and change according to the season, but mostly just get 'little black cat' 'pretty cat' and 'mum cat'. All loved and well cared for cats, names just don't seem to stick to them very well.

My dog on the other hand has far more names than one animal could possibly need, and acquires more all the time. He does respond to his 'proper' name though.

I really think I could say anything in a certain tone, and he would just recognise my voice, and the intonation

But naming stuff is fun. Why wouldn't you want to?