Does it no longer resemble its original form? "Cat lover common experiences": how the way you call your beloved cat changes as you live together

A cat's name is a once-in-a-lifetime gift, so owners agonize over it, naming their cats with great seriousness. However, a name imbued with affection can gradually change as you live together, sometimes turning into an unrecognizable moniker. In our home, our beloved cat's name also changes frequently, losing its original form.

Jiji the Tortoiseshell Cat, with 10 Years' Worth of Nicknames

The cat we've had the longest in our family is Jiji, a tortoiseshell cat (Munchkin/10 years old/female). Because we've spent so much time together, Jiji has many nicknames. (Annoying)

Originally, the name "Jiji" was given by my ex-husband. Even though she was only three months old, she had a charming look that somehow made her seem like an "old man," so she was lovingly named "Jiji."

As the adorable kitten, who looked like an old man, grew up, she strangely transformed into a raccoon dog-like appearance. Her somewhat un-cat-like figure was very charming, so I started calling her "Tanutanu."

However, being called "Tanutanu" seemed to be upsetting to her, and she wouldn't respond. Feeling sad despite it being my own fault, I started creating an original theme song and wandered off track trying to get her to remember the name "Tanutanu."

♪Jijipon, Jijipon, Tanu-tanu! You're Tanutanu too! Your whiskers curl, Tanu-tanu! You're a very cute Tanu-tanu!

It must have been quite frightening to see a woman in her late twenties grinning and singing such a song in front of her. But on my part, I thought, "Oh? 'Jijipon' might be a good nickname too!" and got a random flash of inspiration from my self-made theme song. And just like that, the nickname "Jijipon" was born.

I liked the soft sound, so the "Jijipon phase" continued for a while, but then something happened that changed her name again.

After the "Sabisabi Phase," a Girly Nickname Sticks

It started when my partner asked, "Jiji's fur color is beautiful, what's it called?"

As the self-proclaimed chairman of the Tortoiseshell Cat Charm Promotion Committee, I lectured at length on the appeal of tortoiseshell cats, even though I wasn't asked, saying, "It's tortoiseshell! You know, the tortoiseshell pattern is..."

My kind partner seemed to interpret it as "oh, she's gushing about cats again," and with an open heart, accepted my love for tortoiseshell, saying, "Tortoiseshell is nice! Okay, you're Sabisabi!" and stroked Jiji, revealing a novel way of calling her.

What's that name...? That's so good...! My eyes sparkled as I discovered an unexpected nickname. Alright! I'll call her that too! I'll make another original song and have Jiji remember it! ...And so, the "Sabisabi phase" continued for a while in our house.

So, what is Jiji called now? (Sudden quiz) ...The answer is "Lily." This happened when I was holding her one morning and talking to her in a sweet voice, and the name "Jiji" sounded like "Lily" to my own ears.

I'm sure she just thinks, "Whatever, just give me food," but I quite like this girlish nickname, so the "Lily phase" seems likely to continue for a while.

A Handsome Name Changes! Kotaro Always Responds

Kotaro (9 years old/male), who loves to talk, is a dog-like boy who always responds no matter what name he's called. Taking advantage of this, I enjoy daily exchanges like, "You like me, don't you?" "Meow!" "Ah! You've even surpassed the dimension of liking me, haven't you?!" "Woof!"

Kotaro's name was also devised by my ex-husband. Since he was small, he grew up to be mischievous and strong, so he was named Kotaro in katakana with the reason "a strong-sounding name."

Kotaro is a baby who only opens his heart to me (and cute women). In contrast to his strong-sounding name, as we lived together, I saw his affectionate side more and more.

Every time I saw him like that (sometimes feeling jealous of someone else), I would gush, "Kota~! I love you!" and "Kota~! Want a kiss?" As the short nickname "Kota" started to stick, I suddenly felt an urge to flip his name and call him "Tako-chan."

Kotaro, being an honest and good boy, would respond with a cute meow even when called "Tako-chan," as if to say, "I'll respond to any name." Since then, this nickname has stuck.

On Days He Has an Accident, His Nickname Becomes "Omorashi Taro-sama"

Kotaro seems to get lonely when my partner and I stay overnight elsewhere, and upon our return, he invariably pees on the sofa or scratching post. On such days, his name changes to "Omorashi Taro-sama" for just one day.

I'd love to ask Kotaro what he thinks of this annual event, where my partner and I repeatedly use confusingly reverent names like, "Omorashi Taro-sama has arrived!" and "Omorashi Taro-sama, we offer you food, please forgive us," as we worship him.

Our Tabby Cat I Somehow Want to Call "Sama"

Leon (8 years old/male), the youngest of the three, is a cat with a mysterious charm. When I'm in front of him, I inexplicably contract a condition where I feel I must address him with "sama."

Perhaps it's his clear, marble-like eyes, or his dignified fur that reminds one of a lion. When we first got him, I casually called him "Leo," but as we spent more time together, my "desire to revere" was stimulated, and I started calling him "Leo-sama."

I am but a humble servant. In the past, I even dared to call him "Leo-chan." However, on those days, he would inexplicably react slowly when called, or suddenly jump from behind in a surprise attack...

There was no way I could defy his practical appeal, as if he were saying, "I am Leo-sama. Remember that." That's why (?), Leo-sama's name cannot be easily changed.

However, sometimes curiosity gets the better of me, and I try calling him "Chato-chato," the name he was called at the rescue cat cafe. Then, Leo-sama makes a profound face as if to say, "How do you know that name...?"

When that happens, I tell him, "You are who you are because of your past," and try to empathize with his cat feelings.

The nicknames also gain individuality depending on the cat's character. May the heavy and persistent love of the owner, embedded in these unique nicknames, reach their esteemed feline excellencies.