Charlie’s New Housemate

When son Charlie called the other night to say he had a new kitty, I wasn’t surprised to learn that he hadn’t named her yet. Over the last forty years or so, most of his cats have had names like “Big Kitty” and “Happy Kitty.” In fact, I think only Frankie had a ‘real’ name and that was because the people at the shelter had named him for his beautiful baby blues – after ‘Old Blue Eyes’ aka Frank Sinatra.

This new little kitten also came with a name – “Sassy.” But Charlie doesn’t much like it although, I must say, when he posted her picture on FaceBook today, I think it might be a perfect fit. For the record, Nyel doesn’t like “Sassy” either. Maybe it’s a guy thing. I wonder if she’ll eventually be known as “New Kitty.” It wouldn’t surprise me.

Of course, the FaceBook post is already clotting up with name suggestions, though I doubt if any will be taken seriously. Charlie told me he wants to “wait and see” what occurs to him when she gets to feeling comfortable in her new surroundings. From what he said, however, and from her looks in the photograph, that happened almost immediately. She is feeling right at home.

Poster

It all puts me in mind of Holly Golightly and her No Name Cat in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Remember when she said, “Poor cat! Poor slob! Poor slob without a name! The way I see it I haven’t got the right to give him one. We don’t belong to each other.”

I don’t think that’s Charlie’s reason. He’s one of the most caring and responsible cat-owners I know. I think he’s waiting for this pretty little kitty to give him some hints. (Which also puts me in mind of “A Thousand Clowns.” Remember when Murray’s no-name nephew wanted to be called “Chevrolet?”)

So… what’s in a name, anyway? I think Shakespeare probably had it right and this little kitty will be a perfect fit for Charlie’s household no matter what her name is!