Question about patterns *trigger warning*

I wasn't sure where it was appropriate to post this, so sorry if it's in the wrong place.

I have a question because we're planning to get Tigger cat a friend in the summer.

I have noticed a pattern with naming the cats I've had, I'll post briefly and may add more information later, need to go out in a few minutes.

Trigger warning is in the title because I am probably going to end up saying more than I should about why Ebony meant so much to me, when I can post a longer message.

My question is, if I break the pattern, will it make seriously bad things happen? No time right now to go into what I mean, I'll explain later.

The pattern is this:

First cat was named Enid (I renamed her Beauty)
Second cat was named Dylan and he kept his name
Third cat was Spooks (I renamed her Ebony)
Fourth cat was Tom and he kept his name
Fifth cat was called Roxy and I renamed her Tigger

If when we look for a new friend for Tigger, if we find a suitable cat but he or she has a stupid name, and rename him/her, will this make really bad things happen?

I wanted to add the reason why Ebony was so important to me, it may seem unrelated to the pattern but it is because had Ebony not come into my life the pattern wouldn't have been able to continue.

I posted the pattern above so I don't need to repeat it.



So yeah, just an extra bit of information

Actually, it's perfectly normal to rename a pet when you adopt it. And, since you renamed your previous cats, and nothing bad happened because of that, why assume that something bad will happen now when you adopt a new friend for Tigger and rename it.

I"ve renamed past cats I've adopted and nothing bad ever happened as a result of that.

Animals don't respond to words, as much as they respond to the voice tone, inflection, and cadence. Yes, cats can recognize certain words that are used repeatedly if those words are said with the same tone, inflection and cadence. Cats also are smart enough to recognize angry versus happy tones of voice used with them. Animals are far smarter than humans give them credit for. Did you know, for example, that cats don't typically meow with each other, but they do so with humans to get our attention.

Cats are wonderful companions, especially for those of us who struggle with anxiety and depression. If I lived in a bigger space, I'd adopt a 2nd cat companion for my cat but she doesn't seem to mind being alone.

Try not to worry so much about changing your new cat's name, since you've done it before. Congrats on deciding to adopt another cat. They sure are great friends to have around.

I mean if I brake the pattern I mentioned by renaming him or her out of turn, will this make bad things happen? Like make Tigger die like Ebony died?

I'm worrying about breaking that pattern in case it makes something like that, or worse, happen.

Are you superstitious? Please don't worry. Nothing bad will happen if you rename your new cat against the pattern of renaming your past cats.

I'm not superstisious (sp), OCD makes me really dislike brakeing patterns, if I brake a pattern then bad things happen because I broke a pattern.

Have you ever broken patterns before without having any negative consequences? If it bothers you to break a pattern of renaming this new cat, then don't rename it I guess.

But if the cat has a stupid name then I'll have to rename him or her, that's the thing.

I think this is the only time I've noticed a particular pattern and kept to it for fear of bad things happening.

I'm making no sense here.

When you select the new cat, could you request that their current name not be revealed to you? Then start off with whatever name seems to fit for you - that way, you've not consciously broken the pattern, since you're starting with a blank slate. Alternatively, could you look for a kitten that hasn't yet been given a name?

I know from next door neighbour getting a kitten and letting it out too early that Tigger bullies kittens so a kitten is out, and also on the RSPCA's site (and the other rescue charities round here) the very first thing they list is the name of the cat/dog/rabbit/whatever.

You're making sense. I have had a thing with patterns before, too. In my experience, breaking pattern won't cause any bad to happen.

When I was younger, my toys that were red and blue had to go in that pattern. Red, blue, red, blue. All other colors were fine but those. One day, my older sister was sick of me arranging the toys as such and broke the pattern. At the time, I thought for sure my mom would die. She didn't. My mom's still alive and kicking.

I have to remind myself of that whenever I get the "pattern issue".

So leigheas, what you said reminds me of when I was little, my toys had to be in a certain order as well, in particular the puppy in my pocket toys

I did wonder if bullying might be an issue.

Well, pets are important, so I can see how the pattern may be a source of worry, even if people reassure you that it shouldn't be a problem. For now, it may be better to cross that particular bridge nearer the time you actively start looking - hopefully providence will then provide a candidate with a good name.

It's strange, adult cats Tigger's absolutely fine with, but kittens she can, will, and does, bully.

I think it started as a way of protecting Ebony (cause Ebony was scared of next door's kitten for some reason) and even after Ebony passed, Tigger's continued it. It doesn't seem to be a protecting-territory thing either because Tigger invites adult cats back to the garden so she's fine with adults being around.

Part of the charm of felines, is that they're very much their own unique personalities - sometimes inexplicably cranky about certain things, yet hugely protective of others at times.