of all of the other hard issues happening, how does the name of his cat rank in the grand scheme of things? do you see what I'm getting at?

Also he could have said no and essentially lied to you. Is that really what you would suggest to your partner to do? to outright lie or to be up front and honest with you in everything? how do you feel when you look at it that way?

here's my take on him mentioning that. he was up front and honest, likely because it's something he doesn't feel is something that was really a big deal. and likely although he knows you migh t find it odd, trusts you enough to still be honest about it. his being forthcoming with this information says more about the type of person he is than the idea that he would name a cat related to someone that is dead and can no longer be a threat to you in the first place.

I'm not saying it should in no way bring up any kind of feeling in you but that it's not one that should be a major issue in light of more important relationship issues that might come up.