Can an animal be degraded by a name that you pick for it, tell me how, will other animals laugh at it?

Question

i ask because we named our cat lunatic because of the crazy things she does, one guy on yahoo said it was degrading to name the cat that, my question is why, will other animals make fun of her, laugh behind her back at her name, will other animals poke fun at her, or do they really know at all,

Answer 1

Our cat's name is Spaz, for similar reasons. (he was a spaz when he was a kitten) Sometimes I wish he had a better name but I don't think he cares. He knows the sound and knows that its associated with him. I don't think he finds it offensive, and if he does, we sure make up for it by the way we spoil him all the time.

As long as people don't give cats names cursewords or anything like that I think its fine. So treat Lunatic well and Lunatic will love you!

Answer 2

No, animals have no concept of verbal language, and you can call them what you like without embarrassing them.

Animals respond to the way you say their name. You can call your cat a loony old scruffbag and she will hear only the love in your voice. You can reproach her in terms of extravagant compliments, and she'd only register that you're cross, because you sound cross.

Just as well, really!

Answer 3

This dude named his cat Chesscat:

http://www.bofads.com/stories/chesscat.h...

Answer 4

No other animals will not make fun of her only humans have that particular genetic defect.  Animals love unconditionally.  Not to say that if her behavior annoys the other cats they wont beat her up but it will have nothing what so ever to do with her name.

Answer 5

i quite like the name lunatic, i cant see that its degrading for her

Answer 6

Most cats can understand English perfectly...they just usually choose not to acknowledge it.  Cats are capable of reason and would probably get the reason for the name although I haven't known names to cause problems with other cats.  I know that despite one of my cats having an actual name that she clearly knows is hers, whenever I call her "Precious" she rolls over, meeps, and looks absolutely precious while doing so...she is very well aware of what is going on.

The derogatory part would be a human issue, both with others and within your household.  For example, if a cat is always referred to as a brat as an endearment, then that will subconciously color even your own view despite knowing better and you'll have a hard time thinking of him in any other way.

Answer 7

Um, they are animals. They dont have that ability to laugh or make fun of her. And as far as the name - I have good friends that have 4 cats: Sewer Urchin, Derfladermouse, The Tick, and Ickus......I wouldnt worry about it. :)

Answer 8

Animals do not care - HOWEVER - I'd never name an animal a word or name that I don't think is appropriate to yell out the back door or have my child/grandchild say.

Lunatic is fine but like s#!tbag would be inappropriate (in my opinion)

Answer 9

Pet names are highly personal.  I just adopted a four-month old kitten from the humane society.  His "name" was Sizzle - a very high energy kitten.  I named him Jeremiah as I feel pets should have "dignified" names.

Certainly names can have a Karmic-like association - like Stinky, Spaz or Lunatic for instance.  You do not want a pet to "live up" to that sort of name.

Luna is a nice name for a female cat.