Rumson Cat Lovers: Nicknames and Baby Talk ~ Are Cat People Just a Different Breed?

So, I will be the first to admit that I am guilty of both! I have four fabulous felines who probably have a dozen or more nicknames that they are called. I also talk in a range of “catty” octaves depending upon the kitty and the situation. I notice too, that when friends come over they participate in this same chatty behavior. It really is quite entertaining and I am often left wondering “Do my kitties think we’re all nuts”?

As some of you know I have been happily cohabitating with Brodie, Jonesey, Marlin and Finnegan for many years now and I have to admit that over these years the nicknames are increasing. The conversations are too! I have also found that much of the time, with exception of Finnegan, they will talk back to me and in great detail. I am not certain that this back talk is a good thing, but it certainly is happening. I have also become very aware to the fact that I am not the only one doing this. It will not be a huge surprise to share with you that most of my friends have cats too and that when I visit these friends I notice that they have nicknames for their cats and that like us they engage in conversations with them, sounding like Betty Boop or Marge Simpson.

So the question is why? Why do we talk so much and why in varying voices? Oh and why do we have 4, 5 and even as many as 6 nicknames per cat? The answer….

I have to say that I’m not really sure about the answer other than we love them and that it’s fun! I do know one thing for sure, the the crazier the voice the better the reaction! Oh and the nicknames, well, why not!

I mean why not call Marlin: Marly, Shmarly, Shrmarlin, Fatty and Fatty Magoo? Finnegan is also know as: Finn, Finnster, Finnster Baby and The Finnmeister. Jonesey is most commonly known as Mr. Jones, but also as Nugget and Fluffy Kitty. (credit to Elena) Last but not least is Brodie whose alias’ are The Brodester and Pukey Kitty. (The last one is not quite as elegant or endearing, but nonetheless true!)

As far as the different tones go, I am more of a baby talk and slightly squeaky girl. I think that is what you find to be the most common amongst cat people, especially women. My husband, well he’s a dead ringer for Marge Simpson when it comes to cat speak and I think men in general are less the baby talk types, but there all always exceptions. (You know who you are!)

So whatever nickname you choose or octave you reach, just know that you are not alone and that you do not need help! Just keep having fun and loving every precious, joy filled chit chatty moment you have with your “Fluffy Cat” or “Fatty Magoo ”!

“What greater gift than the love of a cat.”
― Charles Dickens

Contact Info:
The Contented Cat
1 Forrest Avenue
Rumson, NJ
07760
732-245-8321
tcc.behavior@gmail.com
thecontentedcat.net