A couple of weeks ago, a neighborhood stray starting hanging around our house. We found out from the woman across the street that one other neighbor had owned this kitten, but got “tired” of it, and tossed it out. He’d been living on the street ever since.
We have 2 dogs, and one really, really hates cats. My husband has been really lonely on the boat, and had talked about getting a cat. So, when he came home to drive me and my daughter to Baltimore for my dad’s funeral, he saw the kitten and decided it would be his new roomie.
The cat has adapted to boat life. He has the run of the vessel, with its hidey-holes and comfy cushions. His litter box has been labeled “Poop Deck” and Kitten Chow is plentiful. He’s affectionate and playful, white and gray with a prominent nose. And he farts something awful.
He has not yet been named. Suggestions have included Ahab, Quee Queg, Cyrano, Gas Ass (Well, I thought it appropriate) Bosun, Captain Flatulence, Sarin… well, we’ve had no luck agreeing on anything. So, if you have any clever ideas, I’ll share them with my husband. Tho when you come right down to it, what does it matter - cats don’t come when called anyway.
They may not come when called (though of course “pss pss pss” works pretty well) – the other problem is that I’ve never had a cat who ends up being called his (can’t do female cats) “official” name. Current cat is Elvis, but I usually call him “Pooter” – which, come to think of it, would work for you, though in his case it’s short for “cutie patootie.”
Being a cat, this cat will do what cats always do and take over the place. I say go with Captain and admit from the start that he’s the true owner of the boat now.
P.S. Welcome back FairyChatMom. Hope you’re coping ok.
FairyChatMom, we just got a kitten a month or so back, and she has the same problem. We named her Peanut, but her nickname quickly became “Stinkerbell”. Wow, can she clear a room!
But I like “Jupiter” better; it’s subtle, and it fits with the boat name.
Oh man! Hammy took mine! (“Miltown Jupiter”! Ha!) I wanted to say “Jupiter” first! But I’m late (as usual). Poor me.
When one of the boys is being… noxious, we call him “Jupiter”. Ever since the first one was just a wee baby. This has nothing to do with your cat, I’m just sharing.
-Rue.
Whoops. I see Stinkerbell has already been suggested. Crap!
My long ago ex and I had a stray that was very gassy when we first got her (rich new diet) we named Tinkerbell, or Tink, but often called Stinkerbell. The ex still has her.
