Naming Dilema...

[Minai]

Hihi all, new here ^_^... Stumbled upon this forum from Yahoo and figured I'd get your opinions.

I'm having a little difficulty figuring out the perfect name for the newest addition to our family. Here's the backstory... a bit sad, so be warned...

About two weeks ago I was heading out to get lunch. Being May, and being in Texas... it was hot. Well, I got in my car, closed the door and started it up... A second later I looked up and saw Squishyhead (outside stray) look up at my car with wide eyes. I immediately shut off the car, knowing something was wrong.

I got out and noticed a little kitten limping away from the car. I thought he was just hurt... I hurried to catch him and picked him up. He was crying... so much. I never heard a cat make the sounds he was making. I didn't understand why until I felt something warm on my chest, then looked down at my shirt... it was covered in blood.

I turned the kitten over and noticed that his right back paw was gone. I was in shock, shaking like mad... and I ran into the house and woke my fiance to drive us to the vet. Before we left, I popped the hood on my car and noticed exactly what had happened... something I honestly had never heard of happening before -- His paw had got stuck in the fan belt... When I opened the hood, it was lying there. I grabbed it, my face white as a ghost.. and we rushed him to the vet a mile down the road.

The vet gave me three options.
1. Put him to sleep.
2. Stitch up the leg in its current state... but it would never properly heal if he were to walk on it.
3. Amutate the leg completely.

The next day he had surgery and had the rest of his leg amputated. I refused to let him put the cat to sleep. I told him to do whatever he had to do to save the cat. I'd pay anything.

The morning after the surgery we got to take him home.

We had decided to call him Lucky. But, about a week after the surgery my fiance went to check on him one morning... And noticed he was sick. He was shaking, and seemed to be in some pain. He immediately woke me up, and at 4:30am we called the vet and rushed him back to the office.

Turns out that when Pixel (my siamese) was playing with him, he had bitten him. And now the kitten's neck was getting swolen and he had a 106 fever.

Currently, I am giving him ice cold pedialyte in a syringe every hour, feeding him by syringe every three, giving him medicine every twelve... and all the while holding him and helping him get to the litterbox when he needs to.

It has been 2 days since we rushed him to the vet, and they have not yet been able to lance the swelling in his neck since they've been unable to find a soft enough spot to do it.

Long story, I know... but I wanted those to understand his story before tossing out name suggestions.

I'm at a loss. Lucky doesn't fit. He's not lucky... I feel like by what happened with the car that I've ruined his life...

Only other name I have come up with is Jonah. Everyone i know suggests Tripod, but I find that name mean so I refuse to call him that...

Any suggestions?

[Minai]

Ah forgot to include the few pics i have of him...

[Minai]

another pic

[Minai]

pic 3

[Minai]

last one

[Barbara]

He looks incredibly sweet and sad. Welcome to you and your cat herd. If he pulls through he will be a normal and fast running kitten.

I wish you so much luck. I like the name of Jonah;)

[Laura's Babies]

If that baby survives all that has happened to him, he IS the LUCKIEST baby on earth!! And NO! NO! NO! You did not ruin his life!! Had that been someone elses car, they would most probably kept on going and he would have bled to death, so he was LUCKY that it was YOUR car!! You best keep the name lucky for him, I BEG you to please, please keep that name for him as he is one LUCKY baby!!!

Not only is he the luckiest cat on earth, he is also a little doll baby too. As prescious as can be. I have to admit, I cried when I saw his pictures and I looked at all of them. He is a DOLL!!!

Please do not hit and run here, keep us posted on how he is doing and post pictures... PLEASE!! (You can save P.T. in your favorite places and come back often!)

I have a special need kitty to, Amy and she is the light of my life. She has overcome her handicap and I can promise you, you will worry about the loss of that leg more than Lucky does. He will be fine once all his wounds heal, then YOU have to heal.. God sent you that baby for a reason, as he sent Amy to me. My message from him was that even less than perfect animals are just as deserving of good, loving homes as perfect ones.. Your little doll with always be LUCKY to me!!

[catcrazylady]

Ok, first let me welcome you to PetTalk. I'm sure you will find it as addicting as the rest of us.
Second, that story brought tears to my eyes and broke my heart. I feel so sorry for that baby and so sorry for you. That must have been a horrible experience for you and I applaud you for doing everything you can to save the little one. A cat with three legs can function quit well and live a good long and happy life and I'm so glad you didn't let them put him down!
I'm guessing that there is no infection in the leg but an abcess from the bite? I volunteer at a shelter and currently they have several cats that have bad abcess's that are really nasty once they open up. They do usually heal ok but it takes some time if it is a bad and deep one.
I can only imagine how guilty you must feel because I know I would have just been sick! Unfortunately cats and kittens do get into bad places and it is common for them to be hurt in cars. I think you did a wonderful thing by helping him and especially for sticking it out with the little one.
I will have to think on a name but I just wanted to say welcome and let you know that prayers are on the way for a quick healing for this precious baby. I think you will find a fountain of information here and tons of support to help you get through this. He certainly is a cutie and I'm sure he will capture many more hearts than just mine.
What a little doll baby and please keep us posted on how he is doing. I will come back later with a name suggestion.
I'm in love with this little one already!

[kuhio98]

That is one lucky kitty. Lucky to have found you. No telling what his life would have been like if this hadn't happened. He might have had 4 legs, but he wouldn't have lived very long as a stray. Now he has a forever home with you.

Lucky is a good name. I thought of Tripod also, but you might like Trey or Tres (Spanish for 3) better.

[Minai]

Thank you all for the kind words. I will keep you all as updated as I can.

I just got back from the vet a minute ago... tried lancing it this time and nothing. sigh...

He's in so much pain, but he keeps on purring. He's such a fighter.

[rg_girlca]

OMG, poor little precious kitty, poor you for going through such a terrible experience. Here in Montreal, during the winter months, a lot of people bang real hard on the hood of their cars before they start them up in case there is a cat trying to keep warm under the hood. I'm surprised that he was under there is such hot weather.
Bless you for caring enough to help this kitty as others would have just driven away without a care in the world. You're an angel.
It definitely sounds like an abcess on his neck and I hope and pray it heals well.
I agree with keeping the name "Lucky" cause this adorable kitty would not have survived if it wasn't for you.
Good luck with him and please keep us posted.

[QueenScoopalot]

Welcome to PT. I have several three legged kitties, and one with both his hind legs missing part way down. They are birth defects however. I have an all black mischevious boy named "Impy" (sort of a take off on Limpy). Gabriel is my angel boy who is missing both his hind feet. Your new baby is very lucky indeed to have been found by you. But personally I think Lucky is a bit overused (OK everyone...yell at me :p ) and I'm sure with time the perfect name will come to you. I hope the kitten is on antibiotics to help him fight off infection not only from the abcess, but also the amputation. He is adorable, and we all want to hear more about the little sweetheart.:) http://img42.photobucket.com/albums/v128/QueenScoopalot/SillyGabriel.jpg Here's my sweet Gabriel! :)

[sirrahbed]

Wecome to PT Minai - what a touching story of little Lucky! I am with the others in that he is VERY Lucky, perhaps Blessed is a bietter word - to have been cared for by you. Yes, I hear the guilt you are feeling but it was not your fault!!! And, you have NOT ruined his life - you are trying to save it. Likely anyone one else would have left him to die. He is a dollbaby BTW!!! I like the name "Lazarus" - what do you think? :D
Oh and welcome agian, I have three kitties below in my siggy and
<-------there under my user name. Please keep us updated!!!

[catnapper]

Welcome to Pet Talk! I am sitting here in awe of your courage and how absolutely adorable he is!

I think perhaps you could get a bit more creative with the name since Lucky doesn't even begin to cover the challenges this little fella has started out with! Right off the bat, I was thinking Rocky because he's the underdog who in the end wins (or a Rocky beginning) Or maybe Angelo, since he's a special angel sent to you. I'll keep thinking! :)

You can also find websites that have name searches... you can perhaps find a Latin or Gaelic name that means "lucky"

[kimlovescats]

How sad for you and the baby ... but as fate would have it, you two were destined to be together. I think a wonderful name for him would be Chance?

[rosethecopycat]

Welcome to Pet Talk.

I've had your story on my mind all night.

Thank you for having the where-with-all to take care of that baby during such a crisis. (I know we tend to panic over even minor injury)

Here's my suggestions for naming that special baby.


Sera (with accent on a) -from: Que Sera Sera. What ever will be, will be. The future's not ours to see.


Serendipity- finding something of value not sought after.


Trooper


Phoenix- one that rises from adversity

[Minai]

just got back from the vet again...

Still not big enough to lance, but his fever went down to 103, and he's playing and happy... Doc thinks it's going down on its own. Whew. But we will see. Taking him back tomorrow...

He said he's not charging me for any of these visits... He's worried about him too. Vet is closed on Saturday and Sunday, but he took the time to see him. Found a wonderful doc for this lil guy.

Liking the name suggestions so far, but haven't picked anything yet.

Will keep all updated. ^_^

[sirrahbed]

What a terrific vet to help care for this little guy with no charge! Better keep him:D Great news that the fever is going down - good immune system perhaps? Thank you for the updates as I also woke wondering about him! What a cutie!!! With that white eyeliner - he reminds me of Lorraine's Chipper:D
See??
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid89/p7441f9612f208e8fbf6bc97ed3fc67a3/fa7c8d9a.jpg

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

I hope you stick around, as you will find this to be an endless source of advice, support and encouragement. Well done for keeping calm in such a crisis!

The name Pheonix sounds appropriate, as it does convey rising above challenges. (You can also go to www.babynames.com and search by meaning).

I hope that little kitty's neck and amputation wound are recovering. If it's any consolation, a cat actually copes better with the loss of a back leg than a front one. We have a three-legged cat at our shelter at the moment (back leg amputated after a car accident) and I wrote the attached info to go in her file, hoping that it would encourage people who were scared to adopt her. I am attaching it here. Most of the info is from Messybeast.com, and there is also a support group on Yahoo called handicats for owners of hanidcapped cats (one of mine is deaf so I am a member). If you need the links PM me or post a reply here.

(((HUGS))) to you for everything you are doing for this little one!

Julie

[rg_girlca]

LOL Debbie, before I read your post, I thought, "What the heck is she doing with my signature?" Then I read what you wrote and yes I agree that the little guy reminds me of my Chipper.

Minai, i'm happy to hear that his temperature is going down and he seems to be doing better.
Did your vet give you antibiotics to give to him?

[Minai]

Originally posted by rg_girlca

Did your vet give you antibiotics to give to him?

Yes he did... Got something to give him every 12 hours, and then something to give him every day. One is for infections that we originally gave him for his leg, but it's working on both... the other is for the infection in his neck.

[catmandu]

A Good name , might be Toughy , as he refuses , to give in , no matter what , or Duke , after the Late Great John Wayne , who also overcame a Lot Of Obstacles!

[Minai]

So many great names to pick from... I could name him all of them! No...

Must pick one... gah!

[catlady1945]

Leon, Leonard = Brave as a Lion

What a lovely cat, hope he is better soon.

[catlady1945]

Ooops, forgot:

Theodore = Gift of God

[Minai]

Originally posted by catlady1945
Ooops, forgot:

Theodore = Gift of God

Aww I like that one... Theo for short. ^_^ Will think some more, but that one is nice!

[CatMama78]

Just catching up on the threads, and I got to this story. So sad for the poor little guy and his adversity, but I'm glad to hear he's doing better.....Bless you for taking care of him. Seems like fate stepped in....he may have suffered an injury, but I have a feeling his life is only getting better from here on out with you as his companion....All of the name suggestions were great. Serendipity and Phoenix are my favorites out of the suggestions - very creative and fitting. I'll keep both you and your guy in my thoughts and well wishes....

[manda_moo87]

Oh, I'm so glad to hear that the little guy is doing better. Sounds to me you've got one strong, brave little kitten! :) Thank you for saving him.

Here are some names I'd like to suggest:

For His Personality:
-Bryan or Brain = Strong one
-Casey = Brave

For His Appearence:
-Ash
-Smokey
-Smudge

Hope this helps :) and I adore the pics of him. He's so precious!

[Minai]

Originally posted by catlady1945
Leon, Leonard = Brave as a Lion

What a lovely cat, hope he is better soon.

Well we have picked a name. We have picked Leonard, but we'll be calling him Leo for short. He is one brave kitty ^_^

Thanks for all the suggestions. Will keep you all updated on his infection.

[Steffi N]

Yes, I think Leo is a purrfect name for your brave little kitty. Thank you so much for taking care of him through his terrible ordeal. I am glad he is doing better. Please give him gentle pets and a kiss on his little gray nosie for me. He is so adorable.

[NoahsMommy]

What a sweet little angel!!! I think Leonard is a cute name for him.

I'll be thinking about him...hoping he'll begin a quick recovery soon.

Welcome to Pet Talk! :)

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

OOps, I just realised the .txt dlink I posted with Candy's info didn't work, so here is a cut-and-paste:

Can you give Candy a home?
Candy is a sweet and affectionate girl, who has been an excellent mother to her small litter of kittens. She would make a wonderful family pet! In order to aid your decision, we have compiled some information on three-legged cats, and how they cope with their “disability”……
The loss of a limb sounds catastrophic but 3 legged cats adapt well and are usually as agile and active as 4 legged cats. The loss of a limb would be catastrophic to humans, but our limbs are more specialised (2 for walking, 2 for manipulating things) while a cat's limbs are all used for walking. In order to compensate for the missing limb, Candy will build up additional strength in her other limbs. Candy can't do this if you carry her everywhere, so allowing her to “get on with it” is probably the best approach.
As Candy has lost a hind leg, she may not be able to jump as high. (In fact the loss of a fore-leg would have been much more serious, because the forelegs are used when the cat lands after jumping while the hindlegs are used mostly for propulsion).
It is important that Candy is not allowed to become overweight because she has fewer limbs on which to distribute her weight. It is also important that she gets exercise, to strengthen her remaining limbs. Most 3 legged cats adapt well enough to become as active and energetic as they were before - a cat who lacks one leg spreads her weight across her remaining limbs. In cats and dogs, the front limbs carry most of the weight, especially when moving. In a hind limb amputee, there is additional weight on the fore limbs and these develop even more than usual.
A cat with mobility problems can often be watched figuring out the best route onto or off of a shelf - it might figure out a route where it can get onto the shelf in a series of steps with little jumps, rather than a single leap. In short, Candy will be able to adapt, and still live a full life.

With a bit of patience and love, Candy could easily fit into your household, and become a very special part of your family.

[catlady1945]

Welcome, Leonard! Get well, soon.

[catmandu]

The Found Cats , Stray Cats and Pet Angels are Praying for Leonard , to be well , and grow , to be the Cat , that he deserves to be! And we think that your Vet ,is wonderful , to get involved , like that , he is a Humanitarian , to do all that , for a Sick Kitten!

[catcrazylady]

I love the name Leo and I'm so relieved to hear that his fever has gone down!! I have been thinking about the little guy and praying for him to get well. You will find the power of PT prayers is amazing!
He is so cute and I too hope you remain on PT and we can see Leo grow up and become a well and happy kitty. You are a wonderful person for being so loving and giving Leo all the care and love he so deserves. He is a CUTIE PIE!!
We have fallen head over heals for you Leo!!:D :D http://petoftheday.com/talk/images/our_smilies/biggrin.gif

Julie:Great bio on the handicapable kitty!!