MIL names her cat after our son

[JKT007]

Am I being unreasonable thinking it's very odd that my MIL named her kitten the same name as our son, her grandson?

Really depends on the background.

I don’t have grandkids as yet but am planning for the day I have an empty house and don’t work all hours. I will get some pets but not sure whether 2x dogs, 2 x cats, 1 x dog/1x cat and whether same sex or combination of sexes. I have 2 girl dog, 2 boy dog, 2 girl cat and 2 boy cat names already picked out. If any of my kids have kids before I am able to get my pets (50/50 probability) and name their kids any of the names I’ve already picked out then tough tits to them, I’ll be using my names. Let’s hope we don’t all have the same tastes😁.

Slight reverse. My parents had a cat called ' Bernard' .I loved the name so gave my second son the same name. The cat has been dead for years. Second son is 27. Its just a name. She isn't suggesting anything by using the name. She just loves the name

Some of the best advice I was ever given was ‘always take the best interpretation of other people’s behaviour’ - i.e. when there’s more than one way to interpret something someone’s said or done, don’t rush to take offence.

It’s a slightly odd thing to have done. But I don’t think it’s harmful and I would interpret it as affectionate behaviour. She adores your DS so much that she’s named her kitten after him.

In a years time there will be a lovely sunny day and you will all be in her garden. Your son and the cat will sit together and you will take a beautiful photo which you will title "the 2 Harrys, Charlies, Toms" and everyone will say how gorgeous it is. Its fine.

Have you considered that when she posted it that spellcheck changed the name to your DS name? There are loads of things I type in that get spellchecked to something completely different and if I’m on my phone I don’t always see 🤣

I wish you could too!

Not at all confusing. Your son is X , the cat is X cat. Harry and Harry cat. My exhusband had the same name as my new husband's dog. One was Tom the other was Tom dog.

😂

Really really odd.
I would’ve posted on Facebook, are you sure you want to name kitty after your 1 yo grandson.

My ds has the same name as a dcat my dm had years ago! Shall I ring her and apologise?

You’ve given me a great idea OP. I’m going to name my next chicken after my granddaughter. I have 6 chickens at the moment and tend to get a couple of new ones each year. 😂

Honestly, I think your son will love it when he’s a bit older and can play with the dog.

Some of the comments on here are odd too. "She just wants to say his name more".

Just give the kitten a different name.

Not the same.

It is odd but also quite funny.
id constantly call the cat… feline NAME or NAME the cat. I’d have said to her though cmon r u joking ? But tbf I have a good relationship with my mil so it wouldn’t be an awkward conversation

@JKT007
What does her son or daughter - whoever is your partner think of her naming the kitten after their child ?
I'd be perplexed.

It wasn't until we'd named our cat that I realised it was my brother and nephew's name too. They both go by the diminutive and DCat has the full name.

I named 2 of my chickens after my bff's dm and da. Bff was mortified.. Her relatives were very impressed and had a giggle. Nobody owns a name. .
And ds Fluffy Pants doesn't feel awkward whatsoever...

Is it literally the same name as you call your son or is it a derivative of his name? If your son’s called William and known as Will and she’s called that cat Billy I guess that’s not so bad. Similarly if your son is Charles but only known as Charlie and the cat is called and will be known as Charles again that’s not so bad. She might not have even considered that the name is the same as your son’s if your son isn’t using it and is using a nickname. But if your son is called and known as Eg: Alfie and now the kitten is also literally called Alfie then I agree, that’s very strange.

Although that said, how often does she see your DS? Does she live nearby? I guess if she lives far enough away she’s only seeing your son a few times a year and he’s not regularly in her life I can understand it more. Do you ever take DS to hers? If so it’s going to be odd when he is around the kitten. Definitely strange if she is someone you’d see regularly.

What does your DP/H think of it?

@LadyEloise10 He thinks its really odd too & just said that's just what shes like.

It is weird. I have no idea what you can say though. Maybe ask to change the kittens name?

Does she have other grandchildren ?

It’s odd! No doubt about it. But you’re taking the right approach being relaxed. Not worth starting a family rift unless there’s a lot more to this.

@LadyEloise10 No she doesnt.

That is very odd to name your pet after your only grandchild.

HNRTT but much loved child named after much loved cat/dog or much loved cat/dog named after much loved child would be fine for me, could be either a long standing choice or a sign of affection. Worked for Dr Jones and Dr Jones.