I am adopting a cat from the SPCA where I volunteer. She has been in the pound for 9 months and no one wants her, for several reasons. First, she was feral, so it took her a long time to like being touched and petted. She still can’t be picked up and will growl and bat at you if she gets overstimulated, which used to happen in about 15 seconds, or if you pet her anywhere but on her head. Second, she had very long, fine fur that looks really nappy and ratty when its not combed, and until recently, no one could go near her with the brush. In her picture she looks really good; IRL, she’s pretty ratty-looking and her fur is all clumpy, poor thing.
Last time I visted the pound, I was able to comb her, cut out some mats, and trim her two thumb nails that had gotten so long they were curled under and hurting her. She has really come a long way, was purring and rubbing on me, letting me pet her back and stuff. I fear no one else with want her with her weird, off-putting personality, so I figured I’d take her. She’s totally free, no fees, all vaccinations up to date, already spayed. She gets along OK with other cats, and there’s only me to deal with on a regular basis at my house. The dog knows her place and will stay away from her.
Here’s the problem: her name, given to her by the SPCA staff, is FANCY. How terrible is that? I want to rename her something that sorta sounds like Fancy but isn’t. Nancy is out b/c I know someone with that name that I hate; Francy just sounds ugly to me. Clancy is a maybe, but she just doesn’t look like a Clancy to me. Any ideas?
And now that I’ve looked at her picture, she strikes me as a Francine. I know you said you didn’t like Francy, but she really does look like a Francine.
Just go for it. 2 of mine were pound cats that I immediately renamed (their names became Kali and Durga) and it really didn’t confuse 'em. It’s not the name really, but the tone of voice, that registers, IMHO.
Cats don’t really know or care what their names are, in my experience – and most of the cats I’ve owned have ended up being called something totally different than their official names anyway. (My current cat, Elvis, is usually Pooter, Mr. Clever Kitty, Eeeeeeeevil Shithead, etc.)
Although I second twicks here. You’ll eventually give her a nickname that she’ll answer too. Marty hardly knows his name is Marty anymore, he’s just Boo.
By the way - serious karma points for adopting unwanted or abandoned cats. Good on you!
My new kitty has been very not bitchy today. She hasn’t growled at me once. She’s definitely scared and is hiding, but she purrs when I pet her. I’m going to wait until she feels comfortable with me, and then I’ll let her introduce herself to the other pets.
Reminded me a little of Maggie, until you described her temperament. Maggie was the most placid cat I’ve ever known. If she was asleep in your lap, you could pick her up, stand up, and put her back where you were sitting without waking her up.
I was considering this too. One of my friends said she didn’t like it for cat, but she kind of looks like an Annie to me.
Whatever her name is, she has shown herself to be much nicer in my house than she was at the pound. She has been purring, rubbing, and even let me pet her belly, which she never did at the shelter. She’s still pretty skittish but I think she will prove to be an excellent friend given some time to adjust.
