Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Disagreements are healthy; personal attacks are not.

The republican speaker is a slippery little devil.

“Perhaps I should have considered other options.” (head-desk)

Incompetence, fear, or corruption? why not all three?

Give the craziest people you know everything they want and hope they don’t ask for more? Great plan.

Jesus, Mary, & Joseph how is that election even close?

Giving up is unforgivable.

“Loving your country does not mean lying about its history.”

Republicans choose power over democracy, every day.

Trump’s cabinet: like a magic 8 ball that only gives wrong answers.

The world has changed, and neither one recognizes it.

One lie, alone, tears the fabric of reality.

That’s my take and I am available for criticism at this time.

I am pretty sure these ‘journalists’ were not always such a bootlicking sycophants.

It may be funny to you motherfucker, but it’s not funny to me.

It’s easy to sit in safety and prescribe what other people should be doing.

“Jesus paying for the sins of everyone is an insult to those who paid for their own sins.”

I might just take the rest of the day off and do even more nothing than usual.

When you’re a Republican, they let you do it.

You can’t attract Republican voters. You can only out organize them.

Impressively dumb. Congratulations.

rich, arrogant assholes who equate luck with genius

Republican speaker of the house Mike Johnson is the bland and smiling face of evil.

This must be what justice looks like, not vengeful, just peaceful exuberance.

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I know you all love the name Mongo, but I have dropped it. This is no dumb cat and he deserves a far more regal name. It simply does not fit.

At any rate, spent about 15-30 minutes just sitting quietly in the room with him, and after a little bit he started to peek his head out from under the bed, and then i dangled my fingers and he came right out and starting rubbing his cheeks all over me. I didn’t have my camera, but I grabbed it and got a couple shots. Right now, making him feel like he is at home is more important than taking pics, so this is the best I could do. He’s only been here a few hours, so I am kind of shocked he is this outgoing already. At any rate, here he is making a beeline for the food bowl:

beelinetothefood

NOM NOM NOM!

nomnomnom

If you look closely at that one, you can see the thinning hair which may be from nerves, overbrushing, or maybe flea season. I’ll have my vet check. You can probably also see the matting. Here is a good pic of one of his ginormous mitts:

bigpaws

Here he is just sauntering around in that special way only cats can:

prowling

Here he is sniffing and checking me out some more:

Isniffyou

He’s got these big fleshy cheeks, which I have never seen before, and other than his belly, under his chin and those cheeks seem to be where he likes skritched the most:

yeahbabyunderthschin

Bonus- as a cat with an extra toe, he appears to be sensitive and unafraid of my mangled meat hooks that pass for hands. I don’t know how others do it, but with new animals I just stick my mitts out there and let them come to it and rub on it at their leisure. Also, like Tunch, has a thing for toe-licking:

Iliketolicktoestoo

He’s going to be just fine. He’s a little sketched out and there is going to be some trauma getting used to a new home and having his boys removed and some grooming, but he really does not recognize yet that he just hit the kitty lottery and this was probably the best day of his life so far.

Reader Interactions

231Comments

  2. 2.

    MathInPA

    If you’re going for regal, I once again vote for Tulkas. Who could be more awesome than the Champion of the Valar?

    Other than Tybalt, of course, named after Seanan McGuire’s King of Cats for the Bay Area in her October Daye series. It’s worth noting that the first book is Rosemary and Rue.

  3. 3.

    Gex

    I propose Simon for a name. I’m certain you aren’t taking submissions, but I still want to put it out there.

    And yes, putting your hand out, but letting them approach is a great way to do it. Open yourself up, but don’t approach or look aggressive. They get to call the shots.

  6. 6.

    Bobby Thomson

    Khal Drogo.

    ETA: Mance Rayder would also work and flows off the tongue more easily.

  7. 7.

    CS

    If Mongo isn’t regal enough, how about Ming? Emperor of all he surveys, and all that.

  8. 8.

    Yatsuno

    D’awww. :)

    It almost looks like a hot spot on his back, which is a bit unusual for them to be there. I bet he bounces back just fine and he takes his rightful place on the Iron Throne. With no Red Weddings please.

  9. 9.

    Violet

    Such a pretty kitty! He really has hit the kitty lottery, coming home with you. Lucky boy!

    Good luck with the naming. Plenty of good suggestions downstairs. Maybe he’s Henry VIII.

  10. 10.

    Princess Leia

    I think the big cheeks are because he still has his “boys”! But adorable as can be! I vote for Max- since he has just begun the max life possible :)

  12. 12.

    max

    I know you all love the name Mongo, but I have dropped it. This is no dumb cat and he deserves a far more regal name. It simply does not fit.

    Fair enough.

    Regal huh? Well, to roll off the other thread: Justinian. Or hey: Alfred. (Granted, everyone will think that refers to batman’s butler.) Or, aha! Aegon! Eddard Stark!

    max
    [‘Scipio!’]

  13. 13.

    dr. bloor

    he really does not recognize yet that he just hit the kitty lottery and this was probably the best day of his life so far.

    If he’s already out from under the bed and claiming you, I’d say it’s dawning on him.

  14. 14.

    aimai

    I like Tybalt, too. The Tybalt Star is an award for valor given to mice in Margery Sharp’s Miss Bianca books, for courage in the face of cats. Also, what about Tycho Brahe, that’s a good name for a smart cat.

  17. 17.

    WereBear

    Maine Coons have such enormous hearts. They just want love.

    Since I posted on a long past thread, our own Reverend Jim.

    Who is a big awesome heart.

    Congrats on an awesome choice who is already choosing you!

  19. 19.

    Keith G

    @CS: Along that line, there is always Shere Khan. Which means during times of tension Cole can howl, “Kaaaahn!!”

  20. 20.

    Violet

    And since you have yet to introduce the pups to the new addition, I thought this video of a dog meeting a kitten might crack you up. The dog won’t even look at the kitten–hysterical. The owner commentary along the way made me laugh–they know their dog.

  26. 26.

    asiangrrlMN

    Awwwwwwwwwww! He’s beautiful! I’m so happy you found a new buddy, Cole, and that he is making himself comfy. He’s hit the kitteh jackpot, and I look forward to demanding pictures of him for many years to come. Name suggestion: Sir Sylvester Whiskertons III.

  27. 27.

    Yatsuno

    @max: I’m still holding out for Hemingway. I think no matter what he’s going to be a Hemingway to me. :)

    @gogol’s wife: My cats used to get them on their legs and tummies. Pain in the tuchas to treat but fortunately they are mostly just uncomfortable.

  28. 28.

    MomSense

    Yay! My youngest just looked over my shoulder and said “cool, John got a cat”. You have become a household name here. My little guy agrees with me that he is a Baxter after Baxter State Park here in Maine.

  29. 29.

    A Ghost To Most

    We had a cat named Hobbes before Polly; that worked pretty well.

    I’m sure you will find the proper name in time.

  30. 30.

    donnah

    What a handsome boy! He has beautiful features and if he’s like our longhair cat Fiona, who was rescued from our front porch, his fur will thicken up again and be lustrous.

    Enjoy this getting-to-know-you phase. It’s going to be fun for both of you, and hopefully for the dogs, too.

  31. 31.

    elisabeth

    I like Conor; maybe Con for short.

    Looks like a really sweet boy. Hope things continue to go well for all of you.

  32. 32.

    RoonieRoo

    The big cheeks are because he wasn’t neutered. Boy cats that keep to keep their danglies develop a different head/face shape than what we are used to in our kitties that mostly get neutered before the testosterone determines their development.

    Okay, I’m going to be just a tad mean here. I want you to look at that picture you have at him from the top. See that waist he has. You can see his rib cage and then a swoop in to the butt. Don’t overfeed him Fat Man! I love you Cole, but you overfeed your kids. In your small dogs and somewhat in Tunch, I don’t think it was a big deal as your vet didn’t/doesn’t give you grief over it. But in a big cat like a Maine Coon who he is 6 years old and about to be neutered it could have a more detrimental affect.

    Sorry. Don’t mean to be mean.

  34. 34.

    Riggsveda

    That’s so true. They are also so laid back. We used to have a sweetie we named Nudge, because he was so insistent on attention. Looks like a good pick, John. @WereBear:

  36. 36.

    Tomolitics

    Awesome. Whatever you name this fine lookin fella, I hope the transition period keeps going smoothly. Adopted kittehs iz da best kittehs!

  37. 37.

    Emerald

    I’m so glad you didn’t wait, but jumped back on the horse and got yourself another kitteh!

    It takes nothing from Tunch, but it really will help you get back on track emotionally.

    And Maine Coons are nothing if not smart! I like the name Mongo too, but if it doesn’t fit him, then wait for the proper inspiration to hit.

    And I’ll keep asking if MARC can save sweet little Snowbell, who was the kitteh you originally went to see at that shelter. At age 12, she doesn’t have much time. Nobody adopts 12-year old kittehs.

    She a Balloon-Juice identified kitteh. She deserves some effort to save her!

  39. 39.

    La Caterina (Mrs. Johannes)

    @Princess Leia: You are correct- he has testosterone head. He’s a 6 year old Tom! That’s a lot of testosterone.

    He looks like a lovely boy, now get him FIXED, Cole.

  40. 40.

    tominwv

    Justinian??? How about Justin, the last pagan emperor in Constantinople. He followed Justinian and reopened the old temples. Didn’t last long though.

  43. 43.

    Honus

    I’m thinking Eugene after Steelers DT Big Daddy Lipscomb. Or Ernie, after Fats Holmes. Or you could call him Frenchy, after the guy who deflected the Immaculate Reception. There’s a wealth of names with the Pirates, but like most youngsters from the area, you don’t seem to care about those guys as much. One word: Dock.

  47. 47.

    opiejeanne

    He’s a beauty and soon he will own the place.

    We do the same with cats we are getting to know, just sit quietly with an arm hanging down that they can sniff if they want to. Cats seem to get comfortable quickly with us.

    The current Queen of our house ran around like a mad thing when we first brought her home. She was 3 months old and wasn’t having any of this cuddly kitten stuff, she was off like a rocket, zooming through the house and exploring for a good 15 minutes while we just sat and talked downstairs. Then there she was, climbing up into my lap to sniff at my face and hands, then off she went again and it became a game, bouncing from one person to another, then out into the hall, then back. She was so busy we thought we’d made a large mistake, long about 4am. We are in our 60s and she was wide awake. Wheeeee!

    She’s ok now, lets us sleep most of the night now. Sleeps on my feet until about 4am when she gets hungry, then she sticks her whiskers up Dave’s nose, which is quite a talent. So he mutters and goes downstairs to feed her, watches a little tv, then they both come back up to snore at me for a couple more hours.

  48. 48.

    Josie

    He is a sweet looking kitty and will just look better and better with good care and love. What a lucky day for him and for you.

  50. 50.

    Nate Dawg

    At some point, John, you have to start wondering if it’s the cats that are special, or your toes.

  51. 51.

    Citizen_X

    I kind of like Strzelczyk, because Tradition, and because it’s impossible to say or spell. But that’s just me.

    @Keith G: Shere Khan would be a awesome name. My favorite villian as a kid. (He both scared the crap out of me, and had a cool name.)

  52. 52.

    Chris

    @MathInPA:

    Other than Tybalt, of course, named after Seanan McGuire’s King of Cats for the Bay Area in her October Daye series.

    It’s also the name of the cat in the medieval Reynard stories (it usually doesn’t go well for him). And that douchebag from Romeo and Juliet. The name sounds nice, though.

  60. 60.

    Schlemizel

    I believe every cat should have 2 names, a fluffy one and a tough one. Since the little guy had the extra toe how about Lord Fauntleroy Blood Claws

    you can call him Roy, Claude, Claws or Lordy for everyday use depending on his personality

    Alternate Clawdius Maximus Snuggle Buddy

    everyday, Max, Buddy, Claude, Snug

  61. 61.

    gogol's wife

    Russian cats in fairy tales are always called Timofey, with the stress on the last syllable. I kind of like that (it’s Russian for Timothy).

  62. 62.

    beltane

    My 7 year old son approves of the new family member, who happens to look like a cross between our two sister cats Blossom and Duchess.

  63. 63.

    Comrade Mary

    He is GORGEOUS.

    Something regal, eh? These all pass my “not embarrassed to shout out to the neighbourhood” test, although some may be iffy for you.

    Alfred

    Charlemagne (you can try Chuck for short)

    Cyrus (“Warriors! Come out and play-ay!”)

    Darius

    Gustavus (aka Gustibus aka Gus aka Gus-Gus, I bet)

    Gerhard

    Hugh Magnus

    (Hell, just try Magnus!)

    Humphrey

    Ivan (a John for a John)

    Justinian

    Otto (Otis as a nick)

    Taksin

    Theobald (Theo when his hair grows back)

    Theodoric (of Yoric if you’re feeling nasty)

    Vladimir

  64. 64.

    gogol's wife

    I mentioned my cat Buddy on the last thread. He was supposed to be named Begemot (pronounced byee-gyee-MOHT), after the giant black cat in The Master and Margarita. But the first time we took him to the vet and tried to get the person behind the counter to write down his name, we switched it to Buddy.

    All of which is to say, you can’t get too fancy here. (It’s always my first impulse.)

  65. 65.

    SG

    Like RonnieRoo said above, the cheeks are because he’s a tom cat.

    I also have to agree, even though I think your Zen-like approach of lots of love and food makes for mellow companions, do this new guy a favor and don’t let him get too heavy. He’s older, he’ll be dealing with quite a hormonal change, and he doesn’t need big stress on his joints.

    As many of us know all too well, it’s easy to gain the weight and hard as hell to lose it.

    Oh yes, I forgot to say: he’s gorgeous and I wish you all happiness together.

  67. 67.

    raven

    @Schlemizel: We were at a yard sale years ago and a little lady asked us what Raven’s name was? I said “Well, his name is Raven, we call him boo-boo and he’ll answer to Stinky”! She said “My vet said if a pet has more than one name it is truly loved”!

  69. 69.

    punkdavid

    That’s almost exactly what my cat looked like when I was a kid. Part Maine Coon, part something else with a mane like a lion and a REALLY long bushy tail. His name was Dudley.

  71. 71.

    Odie Hugh Manatee

    Beautiful kitteh! Maine Coons are very social cats and love attention. Our Tommy loved attention and we lavished it on him. The big cheeks make the face look the way it does (cute) and the big paws fit the breed. The temperament of the males is rather kittenish when they play and it goes well into their late adult years. which ought to keep you busy for some time. :)

    It looks like he is adapting well and it’s good to see that you have a new family member to love and care for. Like our Stewie will never replace Tommy nor was he intended to, you have started a new ‘adventure’. Tunch will live on in your memories, never to be forgotten.

    Good luck and best wishes to you and the new addition to your pet family! :)

  72. 72.

    LT

    Ohhhh – damn good kitty right there. I was a bit aghast at first when I saw you were getting another cat so soon, frankly – and I wouldn’t be telling you that, except I’ve already come around. One only has so much time to help da kitties of the world out, and I salute you for jumping right back in to help so soon after the Great Hurt.

    I had/have (in another country) a cat who looks a bit like her. His name is “Montanta.” Regal as all fuck, yeah?

  75. 75.

    kideni

    Gorgeous! Maine Coons are great. That coat is going to be gorgeous once you figure out what’s going on with the thinning and take care of the mats. He seems to love you already.

  78. 78.

    Emerald

    I’ve seen those fat cheeks once before–also on an unfixed tom. This is (or possibly, alas, was) Mott, the feral porch kitteh of a guy called NormAl on DKos.

    Mott disappeared after floods. We all hope he’s just wandering around making new kittens, but as far as I know he has yet to return. He lived on that porch for at least two years. NormAl tried to catch him to get him fixed, but never could.

    But LOOK at that FACE!

  79. 79.

    Rich C.

    He still looks like a Hemingway to me. I can just picture him in a WWI dough boy outfit driving ambulances, smoking a pipe the whole time.

  80. 80.

    Sister Rail Gun of Warm Humanitarianism

    @Cassidy: Yeah, we call Miles the Fuck This cat when he gives in to his urge to have all horizontal surfaces in the house cleared.

    I really like Fezzik for a name. I think John should at least give offer it to the new boy, see what he thinks.

  81. 81.

    BigHank53

    Maybe he has a rank. Major? Colonel? How often do you get to yell at an officer for missing the litter box?

  82. 82.

    tominwv

    Nick T @45 I’m thinking you’re right.

    I did a wiki after I opened my pie hole and came a cropper, then searched for the right answer and gave up. I returned to comments because I knew some one would set me straight. :)

    Julian isn’t a bad name though.

  83. 83.

    Schlemizel

    @raven:

    My recently departed guy was Edward Wellington Mouse Ripper III – The kids hated the name but couldn’t agree on anything. When it started ripping around the house at a hundred miles an hour playing tag with them it became “Ripper” a name that fit so well you’d think I’d planed it.

    Some times it takes a while before their personality comes out so I like to have options.

    The daughters cat (which we ended up with when a job move put her in a place that didn’t allow cats) started life as Puck, as she thought it was impish. But she never liked that name & changed it to Muffin but I tend to call her Topper (as in muffin top) because the poor thing hardly eats but is extra floofy.

  84. 84.

    marianne19

    This auto correct keeps changing “M I N G” as in “the Magnificent” to “ling” (thus the spaces). How is ling better? Please explain, auto correct….!

  87. 87.

    Wayne t

    How about Augustus…. Gus (or Gust) for short. Both regal and redneck.

    Or Waylon, bc Waylon Jennings was boss.

  92. 92.

    RobertDSC-PowerMac G5 Dual

    I vote Magnus.

    But I’m not a big fan of his coloring. It’s going to take some time.

  93. 93.

    peej

    Beautiful kitteh! I especially love the “sniffing” picture..it reminds me of my own 2 guys. I seem to be the only person here who has the cat names picked out before I get the cat. I already have the name of my next cat picked out.

    My mother wanted me to name my current two “Shredder” and “Shedder”. Oddly enough, one of them is in fact a feline paper shredder.

  97. 97.

    seaboogie

    Jasper, maybe? Bonus, I googled the name and the third or fourth link was to your post of “Almost $12K. Also, Jasper Johns has kind of lumpy head and cheek area too.

    FYI, I was going to suggest Zsa Zsa before you selected it, so we’ll see if we are in a cat naming mind meld or not. I went to the garden to consider a name for this kitty, and that’s what popped up.

  98. 98.

    Lavocat

    “Dr. Evil” didn’t make the cut?

    How are his hunting skills?

    Maine Coons usually like to hunt all sorts of varmints.

    How ’bout “Killer”?

  100. 100.

    Mystical Chick

    Toe Lickin’ FTW!! :)

    I’m so happy to meet your new little man. (And I like Simon for a name – British but not stodgy!) Yeah, he totes won the kitty lottery, JC.

  101. 101.

    OGLiberal

    No name suggestions but wanted to note that Maine Coons are the best. Lost mine earlier this year at 16+. Not the brightest guy but nothing but lovable. Always talking, always rubbing his head on my hand. Rescued him at about 1-year old as a “stray”, although he was clearly pre-owned because he was completely tame, neutered, and wanted to be rescued. (Maybe lost, more likely dumped because he was outside for at least a month) My fat mutt cat has more personality but the MC was more handsome, more loyal, and more loving. (Fat boy is very snuggly but it’s all about him…MC seemed to be more about making me happy, even if I didn’t ask.) Lucky guy, you.

  103. 103.

    Pogonip

    Maine Coon only pawn in game of life.

    King, perhaps, after Maine’s most famous son?

    And I still like Pookie. Although I also like John running through screaming “Khhhhhaaaaannnnnn!”

  104. 104.

    raven

    @Schlemizel: We have a friend with a developmentally disabled child who loves dogs. His best pronunciation of Lil Bit is WeeBee and that has become her second name, WeeBer is the third!

  105. 105.

    Litlebritdifrnt

    @A Ghost To Most:
    Ha, that reminds me of that Doctor Who episode where the father calls his kid one thing and The Doctor says he likes to call himself “something master of the universe” or something like that. I have a litter of kitties that I am trying to name right now and apart from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 I am at at loss, except for one particularly snuggly tabby who is just the sweetest thing that I think will be known as snuggles from now on.

  108. 108.

    ThalarctosMaritimus

    @Nate Dawg: Maybe they smell like cinnamon.

    Maybe “Cole” is a pseudonym for “Tole”, which is an anagram for “Leto”.

    It tracks.

  110. 110.

    gnomedad

    “Tunch” was such a great name. So hard to even come close.
    Rincewind?
    Radagast? I’ll bet he’d like a rabbit sleigh.

  112. 112.

    MomSense

    @Pogonip:

    Our most famous son is probably Joshua Chamberlain. Either name would be great for an honorable Maine Coon.

  122. 122.

    scav

    Somehow those last two photos (and the streaks off the eyes) makes me think of Pharaohs. Well the hints of kohl (cole!), the regal and the whole cat worship thing. They’re pretty much impossible to say though, not without help. wikilist

    I keep misreading Userkaf which makes me laugh.

    probably a dead end. some of them might make grand and confusing computer names though (Netjerkare! Userkare! that last usurped the throne at the expense of Teti which somehow only increases the giggles. I think the heat is kicking in.)

  123. 123.

    Emerald

    @Pogonip: I thought of that earlier, just tying to think of names from Maine, but then it hit me:

    King Cole.

    It’s obvious.

  126. 126.

    SIA

    When any of our critters have skin issues we feed them virgin coconut oil (health food store or amazon). When they need it they will eat a lot of it, when they don’t they leave it in their bowls.. Both my cats have some every day and their coats are gorgeous.

    ETA Rex or Leo.

  129. 129.

    dance around in your bones

    @Lavocat:

    Maine Coons usually like to hunt all sorts of varmints.

    How ’bout “Killer”?

    Hence, where Dexter comes in :)

  130. 130.

    Ajii

    Rhaegel. The green and bronze dragon in Game of Thrones. Green for his eyes; bronze for his coat; Rhaegel for “regal.”

  131. 131.

    Mrs. WhatsIt

    One of the best cats I ever lived with looks just like your new guy. His official name was “Nuisance” (because we knew our neighbor would think he was, but even she came around to like him), but we only ever called him Kitty. He lived to 19 and I STILL miss him. I think you made a great choice. ;)

  133. 133.

    Chat Noir

    He’s gorgeous. Good on you, John, for adopting him. Look forward to more pix and stories as he gets acclimated to his new home and to the girls. You’re a good man.

  135. 135.

    PurpleGirl

    He really does look like Rowdy. I’m in love.

    May he have a long, healthy life with you John.

  137. 137.

    Mj_Oregon

    Bismark
    Brewster
    Dozer
    Jammer
    Kaos
    Mojo
    Rum Tum Tugger
    Puck
    Smitty
    Mucho Clawse

  138. 138.

    mai naem

    He looks like he’s gonna fit right in.

    Here’s my suggestions – you want regal? How about Kaiser? Kaiser Rolli Fingers. Also too, Brenin(means king in Welsh) or Raja(King in Hindi) and if you want Prince there’s tywysog which is prince in Welsh. I also like Chaplin, Clarence and/or Oliver.

  141. 141.

    beltane

    @Emerald: King Cole does have a nice ring to it.

    Around here, what everyone is calling Maine coons are simply referred to as “barn cats”.

  142. 142.

    anonymoose

    John, you will have to keep an eye out for the matting. Our Maine Coon, Reggie, goes through a horrible period of matting in the spring (the matting on him is usually on the belly side though). If you don’t keep on top of the matting, it can form a really tight ball right at the skin.

    There is the possibility that the thinning area on the back once used to be a really tight spot of matting that may have gotten ripped off and took the good hair with it.

    With Reggie, he hates being brushed but I can catch the mats early and work them out with my fingers. If they get too tight I have to cut them off.

    Another thing to keep in mind, DO NOT get a lion cut. The cat will kill you for it..

    qkme.me/3v7ss3

  144. 144.

    YellowJournalism

    It may be cliche, but I don’t get why John doesn’t just channel his inner Deadhead and call the cat Jerry Garcia. He seems mellow and comforting enough. Jerry was pudgy and furry, too.

  145. 145.

    SIA

    @WereBear: And a few drops of apple cider vinegar in their water or food keeps PH balanced and also helps with skin problems. It seems to help prevent UT infections in our boy cat Angel, who was prone to them and peed in all the wrong places for a while.

  147. 147.

    OGLiberal

    For what it’s worth, my kids saw the pics and chimed in with name suggestions:

    Son: Kiko
    Daughter: Mister Dot (spelled Mr.)
    Combined: Mister Dot Kiko (spelled Mr. Kiko)

    If the latter, could be Mr. K, a la The Beatles.

    Alternate name…Mr. Kiko Pants. (Also from kids..combined effort)

  148. 148.

    Aji

    Okay, trying this again, because WP.

    Rhaegal. Dany’s green and bronze dragon from Game of Thrones. Green for his eyes; bronze for his coat; Rhaegel for . . . well, “regal.”

  149. 149.

    SiubhanDuinne

    I am so late to all these threads, but may I suggest Augustus?

    My thinking is that he’s a Maine Coon, and Augusta is the capital of Maine and Augustus is just the male version of the name. Also, it is a regal name (Roman Emperors, yo). You could call him Gus (or Augie, I suppose) for everyday. I think it suits him.

    But whatever he ends up being called, he is one lucky boy. As are you.

  152. 152.

    seaboogie

    @seaboogie: Was wondering why the name Jasper popped into my head, and decided to do a little more googling, especially keeping in mind that Jasper is a semi-precious stone that can appear in many colors, including those of your new kitty.

    Okay, so I’m not a Xian, but this biblical reference to the Thone in Heaven (where Tunch surely sits) was pretty cool (and regal to boot): biblehub.com/revelation/4-3.htm Notice the reference to sardine, if only the stone.

    And then the feng shui of the meaning of bringing jasper into your home: fengshui.about.com/od/Crystals/f/what-is-jasper-stone-meaning.htm
    Nourishing, warm and protective sound pretty good, no?

    Sure we’ll all love whatever moniker you select, as much as your new feline will adore you.

  155. 155.

    Lokahi

    Hearty congratulations to you, sir…and also to Cole as well.

    When a rescue cat gets a home, my heart is happy.

    No name suggestions here, because I’m so jaundiced about names for cats. We for instance got a beautiful female in this week with the horrible moniker “Pickles.” And earlier, a sleek black panther guy…named “Tinkles”. As well as a cute tabby male kitten named “Greta”.

    Love those intact-male-hormone-driven puffy cheeks, too :)

  158. 158.

    Ann Marie

    I suggest a name that starts with B. If I change a cat’s name, I like to keep some of the first name’s sound, so my “Who Done It” became “Hugh”. You gave your girls flower names, so how about Briar, for his extra claws? If you want something more regal, how about Boris (Godunov, not Badenov!), or Bran (an Irish king’s name). For a Maine Coon, try a Maine name — Bangor.

  159. 159.

    Daffodil's Mom

    Trying to think of a name that’ll go with Rosie and Lily… Sid, maybe, or thinking of extra-large, masculine (or at least non-feminine) plants, how about Horseradish?

  160. 160.

    tanman

    He looks beautiful! Kitty lottery indeed, and I think you are going to give each other a whole lot of happiness going forward.

    As for a name, I suggest Count Rugen. :)

  162. 162.

    Andre the Defiant

    Just a suggestion: If you are going to shave his back, have the vet techs do it while he is under before they “update” him. Less trauma for everyone involved.

  163. 163.

    Redhead Redemption

    Winston. It’s very dignified:) Also like the supervillain names like Ming and Khan and, say, Vigo (also known as Vigo the Cruel, Vigo the Torturer, Vigo the Despised, and Vigo the Unholy).

    Congrats on the kitty! He’s beautiful.

  165. 165.

    JWL

    I overlooked the “regal” bit in your criteria for the cat moniker.

    I therefore amend my suggestion to read: ‘King Lucked Out’ (aka ‘KLO’).

  169. 169.

    Keith

    Toonces (I suspect polydactyls can drive)
    Tyrion (there’s my GoT suggestion, and that cat will probably end up about the same size as Dinklage)
    Shi’thead (always wanted to name a pet that)
    Fatty Magoo
    Destro

    That’s all I got.

  170. 170.

    Jebediah

    @MomSense:

    Our most famous son is probably Joshua Chamberlain.

    Is that the guy from the Steve Earle song “Dixieland?”

    (Bonus – the pre-song patter includes some of Earle’s views on the Civil War and war in general)

  171. 171.

    K488

    Extremely late to the thread (moving day is tomorrow, and the truck picks up an embarrassing number of boxes to whisk me and the fam to Bloomington), but he reminds me of my old cat Tim, as in “There are those who call me…Tim.” Tim lived to 19, and was regal as the day is long. Warmest wishes to you, John, and deepest sympathies for Tunch. Edit: I have not read all 400+ comments above and in the previous thread, so I fully expect I’m not the first with the suggestion.

  174. 174.

    seefleur

    Been lurking for ages here – just wanted to say that this kitty has totally hit the jackpot and Mr. Cole is a very lucky man to have brought a Maine Coon into his household. We’ve had quite a few cats and dogs, and I have to say that the Maine Coon we had was one of the most lovable, well-spoken kitties to ever exist. She was named Cat Tse Mao, Mao for every day use – mostly because she said “mao” rather than “meow”. Fortunately for us, our vet was a very intelligent and erudite man and he always called her “Chairman”. I salute you John Cole for being such a mensch. And I hope the pups and this new addition have a long and happy life with you.

  175. 175.

    Pogonip

    Khat Drogo?

    Or, if you don’t like Stephen King but do like the Maine theme: Hawkeye? Crabpot? Bangor?

  176. 176.

    CaseyL

    Very handsome fellah! I really like the bold stripes running from his forehead to the nape of his neck. And the plumed tail; I’m a sucker for a plumed tail.

    No more name suggestions from me; I look forward to your finding out what his name is by communing with him.

    Congrats to Mr. X for finding a great home; to John, for making the great leap; and to Lily and Rosie, who are probably going out of their minds with curiosity.

  178. 178.

    YellowJournalism

    What about Sweet William, to continue the flower theme?

    (I’m spending way too much time on this.)

  180. 180.

    xane

    Kind blessings on the new arrangements! He looks like a Malcolm to me. Or Hemingway–that’s really good, too. Have fun learning who he is!

  183. 183.

    Elie

    Great lookin Brown Tabby, John. Just like my Bill (may he rest in peace). He was the KING in my household.
    He has all the Brown Tabby outgoing traits which I adore. Whatever name you pick will be ok…

  185. 185.

    daize

    @Daffodil’s Mom: Bunches of Love? :-) Or maybe just Bunch.

    We have a part Maine Coon female kitty who’s named Boots, since her fluffy legs resemble the boots worn by Puss-N-Boots in the Shrek movies. One of her nicknames is Boop, since she makes more of a tweet/boop/mrrr sound rather than a “Meow”. She’s just a joy; a “jewel” as opiejeanne coined earlier in these threads.

  186. 186.

    tesslibrarian

    I like Alfred.

    I’m also fond of Fergus, but works terribly with my last name and sounds like a pun. (which is why my husband refused to consider it when we brought home the beasties.) Angus is a good name, too.

    I also like Aeneas, a name I could never convince my husband to use. He was always wary that my family tends to have unusually large pets, no matter what type we get. (My “tiny boy” is 11.7lbs.)

    He’s a beautiful boy, Cole. Can’t wait to watch him come out of his shell.

  190. 190.

    Just One More Canuck

    @Birthmarker: For Cole, Rocky would refer to Bleier/

    He could go with any number of Steelers (maybe “Rooney”) or Penguins

  195. 195.

    Mnemosyne

    I was only just able to get into the site, but if your dude is currently un-neutered, run out and buy some Feliway plug-in to prevent him from “marking” (ie spraying stinky pee) on anything before you can have it done (and for at least a month or two afterwards as the hormonal load subsides). And it’s probably not a bad idea to have some of the spray on hand, too — you spray it on flat surfaces that he might find attractive to spray on.

    Other than that, congrats!

  196. 196.

    tesslibrarian

    @WereBear: Does that work with dandruff?

    Our Malcolm has dandruff on his back and his fur is a little rough. Our vet says he’s healthy, but I worry–none of my other cats have had this issue.

  198. 198.

    tesslibrarian

    @raven: Construction is over. There are other things proving a little disruptive, but I’m glad the patrons aren’t noticing.

    I actually left in February and am working on my own research project and doing some editing for a book about Athens houses that will be published in the late fall. Eventually I’ll get another blog going like the one I used to write for the Heritage Room, but this summer has been surprisingly busy.

  200. 200.

    SiubhanDuinne

    As a fellow Oak Parker, I could go for “Hemingway.”

    (Fun fact: long before Hemingway’s birthplace became a tourist attraction, it was just a house where ordinary people lived. When I was a little girl, my best friend from grade school lived in that house, which was half a block from where I lived. I spent hours and hours there, and remember it fondly.)

  201. 201.

    JCT

    I’m a little partial to people names and you already have such pretty names for your girls, maybe a good guy name like “Ben” ?

  202. 202.

    Jennifer

    Vlad.

    Also, not to pee on your parade, but do be aware: cats that are neutered this late in life have a tendency to continue to spray, as it’s already become part of the behavoiral repertoire.

  203. 203.

    Tomolitics

    Just because I am getting nudged by my wife: She would like “Tank” thrown into the hopper. YMMV. Thank you & good night.

  204. 204.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @daize: I loved Jacques and Gus-Gus!

    The cat was Lucifer. Just about the only time in my life I’ve rooted against the cat and for the mice :-)

  205. 205.

    MathInPA

    @Chris: Oh, it’s pretty clear that he’s named for the R&J guy, though he’s a much more honorable fellow in the long run. The series is full of references to Shakespeare. Didn’t know about the Reynard-series name; now I “have” to “go back and do homework” on one of my favorite briar patches. I mean, series.

    @aimai: Clearly named for their most devastating enemy.

  207. 207.

    erlking

    Haven’t read/ won’t read comments but:

    Fuck you. That is boy is adorable. Enjoy hanging out.

  209. 209.

    MathInPA

    I’m having problems finding quotes about/from King-of-Cats Tybalt that don’t make him sound like a stalker for Toby out of context, because, well. King of Cats.

  210. 210.

    K488

    @raven: Indiana. New job (late in life! Who knew?) at IU. After 30 years in my previous position, it’s a new lease on life.

  211. 211.

    tesslibrarian

    @WereBear: Thanks. I might give that a try.

    And I know I need to change their food from Royal Canin, since Mal has weight issues, too, and it has brown rice and corn. That’s the plan for the fall, when we won’t be travelling quite so often. His skinny brother has no weight issues, but really handles change poorly. The trip with all my inlaws is going to be stressful enough without frantic texts from our house sitter about Dunc not eating. :-/

  215. 215.

    Valdivia

    handsome handsome boy. I am sure soon enough you will have his name. I am still hoping for Hemingway or something akin to that as it feels regal like he is.

  217. 217.

    MathInPA

    Ah, here we go:
    “I would love a sandwich,’ said Tybalt, with enough gravity to make it sound like a formal proclamation. Resolved: that we will have ham and cheese sandwiches.”
    ― Seanan McGuire, Ashes of Honor

  220. 220.

    MomSense

    @Jebediah:

    Yes! My little town of Brunswick was quite the hotbed of abolitionists! Harriet Beecher Stowe lived here and wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

  226. 226.

    chris y

    Lovely cat. Polydactyls can make themselves useful too. We had one who used the extra stability from her broad back feet and the width of her forepaws to stand up on two legs and knock flies out of the air in mid flight. Very good to have around in summer.

  229. 229.

    Lurker

    @Jennifer:

    Yep! John needs to get The Boss neutered ASAP, otherwise the kitteh will spray all over the place to mark his territory. Cat’s urine is really smelly and the smell is really tough to get out of fabric.

  230. 230.

    MathInPA

    @Paul in KY: If I remember correctly, at the very least, my excellent Cube of Lore (AKA, the Silmarillion on audioCD) had it pronounced as Ay-on-way, but I could be wrong.

  231. 231.

    Jason

    congrats, John. I’m glad you found your next toe-licker. :) I’ve got 4 and none of them lick toes. Well, one does if you let him, I guess…

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