Your comment reminded me of “The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot.
I found a YouTube audio of T.S. Eliot reading his poem. I hope you enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXkLgtusza4
That’s actually exactly what I was thinking of! But I couldn’t for the life of me remember its origin. All I could remember at that hour of the morning was that I had heard it in the musical “Cats”.
Oh, I totally missed the tail thing! Thanks for pointing it out *g* And now I wonder if it’s intentional, or Beatrix just taking advantage of an opportunity… *g*
In real life, Shadowfax was the name I was pushing for before the Man suggested Lupin. 😀 Sometimes I still wish we had picked Shadowfax–usually when he is galloping down the hall. He came very close to being named “Alistair,” too (suggested by a friend for the character on ‘Passions,’) but Lupin won out. Now Alistair is his middle name.
Some readers have asked, because on this site there is a little information about the real Beatrix this character is based on. (She has come up in comment threads a few times). We really did have a cat named Beatrix, and this kitty is based on her. She was a wonderful cat. I will share her story one day. Like the real cats Baba Mouse and Tilly were based on, she has passed on. Some readers have already put two and two together and realized this kitten is based on the real Beatrix, and they have feared that this story will have a sad ending.
Without any spoilers, I want to assure everyone: The story will not have a sad ending. You can love her without fear! In the comic, Beatrix the kitten may or may not stay in the BCN household (she is, after all, being fostered). However, Beatrix the kitten is here to stay in the comic, safe and sound. I hope that in the comic over time, we’ll all watch Beatrix the kitten grow into Beatrix the cat. She will have a long life here in the comic, because I want to share who she was with all of you. And together I want us to all love her and keep her memory going–just as Baba Mouse’s wry little spirit and fierce humor keeps my cat Mouse from my childhood in our hearts. The real Beatrix was an excellent, sweet cat and I think you will all enjoy the role she is about to play in the comic!
So, if you have been worrying that anything tragic is about to happen in this story line, please rest easy and open your heart to loving this character. We’re all going to get to know her together. May she grow old enough to outlive even Baba Mouse*!
Thanks so much for sharing Beatrix with us all, I have no doubts she’ll be much loved. Am I the only one hoping, though, that Beatrix will be just like a little kid asking those really awkward questions when the adults least expect them? Would love to see the boys put on the proverbial spot while Beatrix looks on with wide, innocent eyes lol 😊
Oh, thank you for that reassurance. As soon as you said she was based on your Beatrix I had a brief moment of panic before I reminded myself what kind of comic this is. Still would’ve asked, because that’s how worried I can get, so thanks again for taking that little worry away!
You’re welcome! I usually hate to give any spoilers, but some people were wondering and I did not want to build anxiety for anyone (including myself) anticipating the worst. I have wanted to include Beatrix from the start, but was uncertain how. I am really happy she has joined the story, and hopefully we can all sort of foster her together and find the right people for her in the comic. 🙂
Awww! She is little Queen Bea after all! I’ve got a short break later this year in the lakes not far from Hawkshead – shall have to pop in to see the Beatrix Potter cottage since you inspired me to re-read Tom Kitten last week 🙂
Ooh…love love love! Especially the twitchy tail enticement and cat names. Scout…I can so see that little mockingbird! Shadowfax (I have a friend with a grey Gandalf)!
And thanks for the reassurance on Beatrix. I know in real life things don’t always turn out optimally. If that was the case with the real Beatrix,
have comfort in that she passed surrounded by warmth and love.
Another great comic and I love how the boys are taking to the little incomer.
My three cats are currently obsessing over a hole that has appeared in the garden over the weekend. It will have been the work of a rabbit or mole, but the Mockingcats are keeping guard over it and occasionally sticking a paw in to see what they can find. It’s funny how obsessed they have gotten!!
LOVE the strip as always but i just have to say that Puck’s definition of Beatrix, “Cool stuff bees can do” had me spluttering into my morning coffee, LOL
Ha! Bee-Tricks is hilarious! I just love your comic. I wait in anticipation for my email and get super giddy when it pops up. I stop everything to go straight to the newest report. Thank you and your reporters. You make my day
Love seeing the ever happy Tommy’s very colorful clothing and standing in the muddy voided void. And my sweetie, Puck, wanting to be called Racer. I’m sure there is a reason for that. Another terrific strip.
Glad to meet Beatrix. I love that name and it fits her so well. Happy to hear that she will be around for a long time and eager to watch her grow. She already fits in with the BCN team so well. I’m anxious to get to know her.
Love the new kitten name. And a rainbow just for St. Patrick’s day. Love Elvis tail being used for Beatrix to play with espically since he does not like his tail to be touched. Such a softie.
Love little Beatrice playing with her “Dad Cat’s” tail. I once had a kitten and her Daddy who liked to play in a picnic basket..the kind with the hinged top. Little Puffy would hide in the basket and wait for her ‘unsuspecting’ Dad to wander along. Then she would leap out and attack.The two of them would run all over the House, and then Puffy would get back into her basket for and encore.
I love the names the kitties would have preferred, especially ” Ares, cat of War”! Tommy commenting on the weather, ” Overnight everything came back, Plus mud. So much mud!” Little Beatrix is a joy, playing with Elvises, tail. She is a really fun addition and might I add, possible intern, for newsroom?
You have fantastic organizational skills, Georgia! So many individual stories to keep track of in the strip, two young children at home to raise, while getting your household up and running again after a crosscountry move! And such attention to detail: even the colors of the rainbow are correct, with the red on the outside of the arc and the violet on the inside! I get tired just thinking of doing half that stuff, lol!
A little tomboy like Scout in “To Kill a Mockingbird” complete with overall-like rompers. Nice tribute to both Ms. Potter and the recently deceased Harper Lee.
I hope she keeps the overalls as she grows.
Thank you for letting me know that the cats will always have a happy ending in their story arcs. Your panels and stories are the Gems I look forward to each week. 11 years ago, I found my two cats abandoned in front of a Radio Shack. After my partner died they kept me here and grounded. The cats and I will love each other until we pass on. Again, thank you so much for sharing the love and lives of this family and now that Beatrix is here, the more the merrier!
I love Beatrix and the end frame is wonderful where she so quickly goes back to playing 🙂 The boys are so wonderful. I love their childlike innocence…and Tommy…”So much mud.” Now I can start my week!!!!
You spooked me with Shadowfax…I was like, “Good Heavens…does someone else like that old band as much as I do?” *googles* Ohhh, it’s also a mythology-type name. And it only took me decades to learn that. Ha!
Wonderful as usual! Thank you so much for all the inside information! You really have the knack of making us feel a part of your stories and the lovely life you the family enjoy!
How long will it take for “Dad Cat” Elvis to decide he has had enough saucy tail batting from the little minx? Oh the joys of a kitten! This morning my little Mr. Whiskers jumped into the bathtub just as I turned on the shower. As they say, it is impossible to keep a straight face in the presence of a kitten.
The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter,
It isn’t just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I’m as mad as a hatter
When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.
First of all, there’s the name that the family use daily,
Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo or James,
Such as Victor or Jonathan, George or Bill Bailey–
All of them sensible everyday names.
There are fancier names if you think they sound sweeter,
Some for the gentlemen, some for the dames:
Such as Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter–
But all of them sensible everyday names.
But I tell you, a cat needs a name that’s particular,
A name that’s peculiar, and more dignified,
Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular,
Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?
Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum,
Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat,
Such as Bombalurina, or else Jellylorum-
Names that never belong to more than one cat.
But above and beyond there’s still one name left over,
And that is the name that you never will guess;
The name that no human research can discover–
But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess.
When you notice a cat in profound meditation,
The reason, I tell you, is always the same:
His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation
Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name:
His ineffable effable
Effanineffable
Deep and inscrutable singular Name.
such innocent body posture – when Elvis’s eyes are on her. He is going to have to watch his tail, or she will. and Beatrix leaning in to the camera. You do great art, Georgia.
Georgia, I think I’m confused or missed something . . . . The kitten would have name ‘himself’ Scout (boy’s name); but you have name ‘her’ Beatrix . . .
Ahhhhhh . . . . ! Thank you! Love the new kitten! Love Monday’s and Thursday’s because of BCN. Welcome to California! Hope that you are all settled, and the cats are liking the new home.
Made sense to me: Beatrix and Shadowfax are both literary though I didn’t have a reference for Racer. I figured Scout was a tip to Harper Lee. Ares, like Elvis Himself, is in a class by itself. I know a tiny dog named Chewbacca, after all. Thor, God of Thunder would have been a good name for Elvis. BTW I our house, Polly Dactyl paws are two syllables: “pawwes”.
Racer is a little improvised. In real life, the Man wanted to name Puck “Race Bannon,” after the Johnny Quest character. In the comic, I shortened this to Racer, for Pucky’s dream name for himself. 🙂
Love the name Beatrix for the kitten! It would be great if she became a little sister to the boys in the strip. Imagine the hilarity: a rambunctious kitten during their broadcasts. :-O
So much to love here! “So much mud!” “Cool stuff that bees do” with its perfect illustration! Beatrix and Elvis’s tail! And, of course, the names the Boys would have given themselves {g}. We never had a Shadowfax, had a Bilbo and a Frodo and a Mithril (only I spelled it Mythryl being a moody teenager at the time – she was a jet-black cat whose coat gleamed like that LotR metal….) Another terrific start to the week, Georgia – thank you!
Bees! Beatrix/Scout playing with Elvis’ tail and being otherwise serious for the interview. Cats naming themselves! This brought joy to my morning, the best thing about Mondays!
What a wonderful way to start a new week, and a new BCN adventure ! You are a great story-teller and an accomplished CAToonist and illustrator (caught the Friday Twitch-cast on Saturday – Well Done, both you & the Man !)…and the feels in the “Welcome, Beatrix!” comment…Oh, My Cat !!! Thank you, thank you, thank you !
Scout would have been a good name, but I like Beatrix, too. Is it, like, a cross between Beatrice and Bellatrix? More importantly, yay, a new crew member! Right?
I really need to stop viewing this comic on a computer at the library. People are going to start wondering about the John Goodman/Brian Blessed-ish guy weeping on the keyboard. Seriously though, thank you for making this comic, and sharing the stories of your family and cats (if that’s not redundant!). The comment section has turned into a real community as well, kind of like the way icanhascheezburger.com was when it started.
Thank you! I love the community here too, I cannot say enough how very fortunate I feel that so many friendly, thoughtful, clever people tune in each week and offer their insights and kindness to each other and to me! It feels really marvelous, there is no better word.
I have PTSD and had a really bad sleep last night. Waking up to my favorite comic is a nice way to make the day better. Thanks for the morning cheerup. Love the kitten!
We have a basset hound named Bilbo! I always thought baskets and hobbits were similar. Short, hairy, big feet, and they love food. Love the reference to Scout and Harper Lee.
I love that! One day–in the FAR future–we have plans to rescue a basset hound! The Man had one named Daisy when he was young, and he has always wanted to have another.
Love the name! I wonder if Elvis is baiting Beatrix with his tail on purpose or if he’s forgotten that particular aspect of having kittens around. Notice Bea going from “POUNCE!” to “Who, Me?” and back to “POUNCE!!” as Elvis turns…
Under “You learn something new everyday” I had read that bees could hover (hold in place in the air) much to scientist’s disapproval since they say it is impossible. But I never imagined how it was really done! With a bee-utiful hover board! Wow!
My take, bee tricking in a skateboard, purrfect!!! Elvis really does care, he just likes to play Catitude, tee hee! Elvis has won me over, I just love this vomic!!
We have a Scout. Of the five kittens, he was the last born, but the first to venture out of the brooder box, the first to climb over the baby gate keeping the kittens in the kitchen and the first to eat Mama Frances’ dry cat food. With that kind of exploring nature, he had to be “Scout.”
love the bee poster .
welcome Beatrix.
let the fun an games begin time to shake things up around here before the older cats become old forgies.
get that tail beatrix aka mischief te he 🙂
Love Elvis letting Beatrix play with his tail. We had a male cat who we got two kittens for him to father. He would switch his tail so they could play with it. He was a good father just like Elvis is.
I never thought for a minute that this story would have sad ending, Georgia. You love cats way too much.
I do like getting a double helping of BCN, with the new one on the BCN Website/Facebook and the older one on GoComics. It’s extra fun when they happen to be in sync, with similar storylines in both strips on the same day.
Squeeee!!! This was just too funny and adorable! I laughed out loud at Puck’s ‘Cool stuff bee’s do’, and the names they would’ve preferred!! 😀 Racer, Shadowfax, and Ares ‘Cat of War’, awwwwww! Those would’ve fit well! Panel 3 is super beautiful. Leave it to Tommy to find the biggest rainbow and sweat his tail off. 🙂
Shadowfax! Love.
My thoughts exactly. 😀
I especially love Elvis providing his tail as ‘bait’ for the kitten to play with – just like a good Dad.
I also love that each of the cats have their own name they would have chosen. And naturally, Elvis would be the ‘Cat of War’!
Your comment reminded me of “The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot.
I found a YouTube audio of T.S. Eliot reading his poem. I hope you enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXkLgtusza4
That’s actually exactly what I was thinking of! But I couldn’t for the life of me remember its origin. All I could remember at that hour of the morning was that I had heard it in the musical “Cats”.
Thank you, Lanny – that was wonderful. 🙂
Oh I didn’t even catch that Elvis was doing that! Wonderful!
Not sure he was doing it on purpose. He seems oblivious as he focuses on his report.
Oh, I totally missed the tail thing! Thanks for pointing it out *g* And now I wonder if it’s intentional, or Beatrix just taking advantage of an opportunity… *g*
Love the “bee-tricks” thing, Georgia!
I’m sure Elvis’ swinging tail is intentional. When I fostered a kitten for awhile, my adult cats kept their tails firmly glued to their sides!
New England weather: If you don’t like it, wait a minute; it’ll change.
I love their preferred names for themselves *g* (although “Aries” is a zodiacal ram; “Ares” is the god of war 8-} )
Beatrix seems to be settling in just fine; is she going to be the intern one of them wanted several strips ago, or perhaps a cub (er, kit) reporter?
Ooh!! Kevin, thank you for catching that! I am going to correct that right now before the morning crowd tunes in! High five, man!
Annnnnd fixed! Huzzah!
As an astrologer I didn’t really feel it was a mistake. That is the character of the sign. 🙂
They say the exact same thing about Colorado and Wyoming weather.
Hoosier (Indiana) weather is like that too.
And Michigan weather as well. 😛
That’s Omaha Nebraska weather as well.
Give the weather ten minutes, it will be something else entirely.
Considering that Lupin has been mistaken for a tiny horse before his preferred name is very appropriate 🙂
In real life, Shadowfax was the name I was pushing for before the Man suggested Lupin. 😀 Sometimes I still wish we had picked Shadowfax–usually when he is galloping down the hall. He came very close to being named “Alistair,” too (suggested by a friend for the character on ‘Passions,’) but Lupin won out. Now Alistair is his middle name.
Is his full name Lupin Alisair Shadowfax? 🙂
And we have a name! Welcome, Beatrix!
Some readers have asked, because on this site there is a little information about the real Beatrix this character is based on. (She has come up in comment threads a few times). We really did have a cat named Beatrix, and this kitty is based on her. She was a wonderful cat. I will share her story one day. Like the real cats Baba Mouse and Tilly were based on, she has passed on. Some readers have already put two and two together and realized this kitten is based on the real Beatrix, and they have feared that this story will have a sad ending.
Without any spoilers, I want to assure everyone: The story will not have a sad ending. You can love her without fear! In the comic, Beatrix the kitten may or may not stay in the BCN household (she is, after all, being fostered). However, Beatrix the kitten is here to stay in the comic, safe and sound. I hope that in the comic over time, we’ll all watch Beatrix the kitten grow into Beatrix the cat. She will have a long life here in the comic, because I want to share who she was with all of you. And together I want us to all love her and keep her memory going–just as Baba Mouse’s wry little spirit and fierce humor keeps my cat Mouse from my childhood in our hearts. The real Beatrix was an excellent, sweet cat and I think you will all enjoy the role she is about to play in the comic!
So, if you have been worrying that anything tragic is about to happen in this story line, please rest easy and open your heart to loving this character. We’re all going to get to know her together. May she grow old enough to outlive even Baba Mouse*!
*JK, Baba Mouse will outlive us all.
I don’t know who’s more adorable; the household of cats or you for being their life-bringer. Either way, I’m SOOOO glad I ran into you.
M
Thank you, Matthew!! 😀
Thanks so much for sharing Beatrix with us all, I have no doubts she’ll be much loved. Am I the only one hoping, though, that Beatrix will be just like a little kid asking those really awkward questions when the adults least expect them? Would love to see the boys put on the proverbial spot while Beatrix looks on with wide, innocent eyes lol 😊
Hahaha!!! There may be a bit of that! 😉
Oh, thank you for that reassurance. As soon as you said she was based on your Beatrix I had a brief moment of panic before I reminded myself what kind of comic this is. Still would’ve asked, because that’s how worried I can get, so thanks again for taking that little worry away!
You’re welcome! I usually hate to give any spoilers, but some people were wondering and I did not want to build anxiety for anyone (including myself) anticipating the worst. I have wanted to include Beatrix from the start, but was uncertain how. I am really happy she has joined the story, and hopefully we can all sort of foster her together and find the right people for her in the comic. 🙂
I’d just like to take this time to point out that foster parents sometimes keep their little fosters. Because they’re so cute. I’m just saying.
Tell me about it. Our last two cats were fosters only. Now they’re ours.
I hope she stays with the CNN crew. They need a little girl cat to complement the team!
Awww! She is little Queen Bea after all! I’ve got a short break later this year in the lakes not far from Hawkshead – shall have to pop in to see the Beatrix Potter cottage since you inspired me to re-read Tom Kitten last week 🙂
Yay!! I hope to visit that one day myself!
Ooo! Me too! 😀
<3 <3 <3
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
rainbows and mud and happy boys and kitty names and fiesty pants girl who's gonna GET that twitchy elvis tail. GET IT! GET IT! *wiggle wiggle*
(is "aries" intentional? usually it's ares who's the god and aries who's the zodiac sign of the ram)
SO MUCH LOVE!
It was my mistake! Kevin caught it about 15 minutes ago and pointed it out to me, hopefully it is fixed now! Thank you, Chris! <3
very welcome! <3 xo
Ooh…love love love! Especially the twitchy tail enticement and cat names. Scout…I can so see that little mockingbird! Shadowfax (I have a friend with a grey Gandalf)!
And thanks for the reassurance on Beatrix. I know in real life things don’t always turn out optimally. If that was the case with the real Beatrix,
have comfort in that she passed surrounded by warmth and love.
Omg Alistair from Passions! I loved that show!!!! I love all the names though and I think Beatrix is so sweet!
He was such a fun character!
Another great comic and I love how the boys are taking to the little incomer.
My three cats are currently obsessing over a hole that has appeared in the garden over the weekend. It will have been the work of a rabbit or mole, but the Mockingcats are keeping guard over it and occasionally sticking a paw in to see what they can find. It’s funny how obsessed they have gotten!!
LOVE the strip as always but i just have to say that Puck’s definition of Beatrix, “Cool stuff bees can do” had me spluttering into my morning coffee, LOL
Especially Georgia’s delightful illustration of Bee/Bea on a skate board!
Grooooooooaaaaan! I missed that entirely! Bee Tricks!!!
The misunderstandings that our newscatsers have can be hilarious. Does it make you wonder how badly people newscasters garble things?
Ha! Bee-Tricks is hilarious! I just love your comic. I wait in anticipation for my email and get super giddy when it pops up. I stop everything to go straight to the newest report. Thank you and your reporters. You make my day
Thank you, Debbie!
Love seeing the ever happy Tommy’s very colorful clothing and standing in the muddy voided void. And my sweetie, Puck, wanting to be called Racer. I’m sure there is a reason for that. Another terrific strip.
Glad to meet Beatrix. I love that name and it fits her so well. Happy to hear that she will be around for a long time and eager to watch her grow. She already fits in with the BCN team so well. I’m anxious to get to know her.
Love the new kitten name. And a rainbow just for St. Patrick’s day. Love Elvis tail being used for Beatrix to play with espically since he does not like his tail to be touched. Such a softie.
Is Beatrix wearing a romper a la the toddler and the baby?
Love little Beatrice playing with her “Dad Cat’s” tail. I once had a kitten and her Daddy who liked to play in a picnic basket..the kind with the hinged top. Little Puffy would hide in the basket and wait for her ‘unsuspecting’ Dad to wander along. Then she would leap out and attack.The two of them would run all over the House, and then Puffy would get back into her basket for and encore.
I love the names the kitties would have preferred, especially ” Ares, cat of War”! Tommy commenting on the weather, ” Overnight everything came back, Plus mud. So much mud!” Little Beatrix is a joy, playing with Elvises, tail. She is a really fun addition and might I add, possible intern, for newsroom?
Little Beatrix is going to make a terrific junior member of the BCN team!
You have fantastic organizational skills, Georgia! So many individual stories to keep track of in the strip, two young children at home to raise, while getting your household up and running again after a crosscountry move! And such attention to detail: even the colors of the rainbow are correct, with the red on the outside of the arc and the violet on the inside! I get tired just thinking of doing half that stuff, lol!
Thank you, Fritz!!
Cool stuff bees can do !!! 😄
Oh little Bea, so cute 🙂
Someone must have a poem
Beatrix! Shadowfax I love literary names!
is “Scout” a reference to “To Kill A Mockingbird” ?
Yes, it is! 😀
I just recently discovered Breaking Cat News, and love, love, love all the kitties. Glad to see Little Beatrix will be joining them!
I love the name. Say was “Scout” a reference to the book, “To Catch a Mockingbird”?
It was. 🙂 And in truth, we can close to naming the real Beatrix “Scout,” too for Lee’s character.
A little tomboy like Scout in “To Kill a Mockingbird” complete with overall-like rompers. Nice tribute to both Ms. Potter and the recently deceased Harper Lee.
I hope she keeps the overalls as she grows.
Thank you, Jan!
Nice understated compliment to Harper Lee there.
Thank you, John. 🙂
Thank you for letting me know that the cats will always have a happy ending in their story arcs. Your panels and stories are the Gems I look forward to each week. 11 years ago, I found my two cats abandoned in front of a Radio Shack. After my partner died they kept me here and grounded. The cats and I will love each other until we pass on. Again, thank you so much for sharing the love and lives of this family and now that Beatrix is here, the more the merrier!
You’re welcome, Deborah! There are enough sad endings in real life, they’ll have no place here. 🙂
Yay! 😀
Thank you Georgia!
“Plus mud,” Shadowfax Lord of the Horses, Ares Cat of War…so many things cracking me up on a Monday morning.
I love Beatrix and the end frame is wonderful where she so quickly goes back to playing 🙂 The boys are so wonderful. I love their childlike innocence…and Tommy…”So much mud.” Now I can start my week!!!!
And her Dad would peep around the corner to see if she was ready for him…this went on for quite some time and I have (very fuzzy) pictures.
You spooked me with Shadowfax…I was like, “Good Heavens…does someone else like that old band as much as I do?” *googles* Ohhh, it’s also a mythology-type name. And it only took me decades to learn that. Ha!
Wonderful as usual! Thank you so much for all the inside information! You really have the knack of making us feel a part of your stories and the lovely life you the family enjoy!
Thank you!!
How long will it take for “Dad Cat” Elvis to decide he has had enough saucy tail batting from the little minx? Oh the joys of a kitten! This morning my little Mr. Whiskers jumped into the bathtub just as I turned on the shower. As they say, it is impossible to keep a straight face in the presence of a kitten.
I love Beatrix so looking forward to the real story. Thank you for making my morning so delightful.
She’s so cute! And soooo unable to resist Elvis’s tempting twitchy tail!
“Scout” (aka Jean Louise) is too cute for the room. <3
Is little Beatrix a calico kitten?
She is a kind of tabby, but marked slightly different to distinguish her from Tabitha and Sophie. 🙂
Okay, I can’t help myself:
The Naming Of Cats by T. S. Eliot
The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter,
It isn’t just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I’m as mad as a hatter
When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.
First of all, there’s the name that the family use daily,
Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo or James,
Such as Victor or Jonathan, George or Bill Bailey–
All of them sensible everyday names.
There are fancier names if you think they sound sweeter,
Some for the gentlemen, some for the dames:
Such as Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter–
But all of them sensible everyday names.
But I tell you, a cat needs a name that’s particular,
A name that’s peculiar, and more dignified,
Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular,
Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?
Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum,
Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat,
Such as Bombalurina, or else Jellylorum-
Names that never belong to more than one cat.
But above and beyond there’s still one name left over,
And that is the name that you never will guess;
The name that no human research can discover–
But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess.
When you notice a cat in profound meditation,
The reason, I tell you, is always the same:
His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation
Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name:
His ineffable effable
Effanineffable
Deep and inscrutable singular Name.
Hurray!!! The naming of cats. Would love to know Elvis’s name (that no human research can discover)
Me too!
Hi! I saw the play Cats in NY, and this poem of course was in it!! Thanks fur posting this purrfectly poem! Meow!!
such innocent body posture – when Elvis’s eyes are on her. He is going to have to watch his tail, or she will. and Beatrix leaning in to the camera. You do great art, Georgia.
Thank you, Dee!
Georgia, I think I’m confused or missed something . . . . The kitten would have name ‘himself’ Scout (boy’s name); but you have name ‘her’ Beatrix . . .
Scout can be a girl’s name occasionally too, and here I meant it as a girl’s name. 🙂
Ahhhhhh . . . . ! Thank you! Love the new kitten! Love Monday’s and Thursday’s because of BCN. Welcome to California! Hope that you are all settled, and the cats are liking the new home.
Thank you!! So far, quite good!
“Scout”, a reference to the late Harper Lee ?
Yes! 🙂
Was it a “To Kill A Mockingbird” reference?
Yes! 🙂
To Kll a Mockingbird, right?
Yes! 🙂
Made sense to me: Beatrix and Shadowfax are both literary though I didn’t have a reference for Racer. I figured Scout was a tip to Harper Lee. Ares, like Elvis Himself, is in a class by itself. I know a tiny dog named Chewbacca, after all. Thor, God of Thunder would have been a good name for Elvis. BTW I our house, Polly Dactyl paws are two syllables: “pawwes”.
Racer is a little improvised. In real life, the Man wanted to name Puck “Race Bannon,” after the Johnny Quest character. In the comic, I shortened this to Racer, for Pucky’s dream name for himself. 🙂
Let’s hear it for The Man! I love the old Jonny Quest cartoons. Way to work it into the strip Georgia!
Love the name Beatrix for the kitten! It would be great if she became a little sister to the boys in the strip. Imagine the hilarity: a rambunctious kitten during their broadcasts. :-O
Well, they’ve been needing an intern, after all!
So much to love here! “So much mud!” “Cool stuff that bees do” with its perfect illustration! Beatrix and Elvis’s tail! And, of course, the names the Boys would have given themselves {g}. We never had a Shadowfax, had a Bilbo and a Frodo and a Mithril (only I spelled it Mythryl being a moody teenager at the time – she was a jet-black cat whose coat gleamed like that LotR metal….) Another terrific start to the week, Georgia – thank you!
Bees! Beatrix/Scout playing with Elvis’ tail and being otherwise serious for the interview. Cats naming themselves! This brought joy to my morning, the best thing about Mondays!
Thank you, Kathy! <3
What a wonderful way to start a new week, and a new BCN adventure ! You are a great story-teller and an accomplished CAToonist and illustrator (caught the Friday Twitch-cast on Saturday – Well Done, both you & the Man !)…and the feels in the “Welcome, Beatrix!” comment…Oh, My Cat !!! Thank you, thank you, thank you !
You’re welcome, RailBob!! Thank you!!!
Scout would have been a good name, but I like Beatrix, too. Is it, like, a cross between Beatrice and Bellatrix? More importantly, yay, a new crew member! Right?
Ooh, I love that! The kitty Beatrix is based on was named after Beatrix Potter, but I like that combo too!
I really need to stop viewing this comic on a computer at the library. People are going to start wondering about the John Goodman/Brian Blessed-ish guy weeping on the keyboard. Seriously though, thank you for making this comic, and sharing the stories of your family and cats (if that’s not redundant!). The comment section has turned into a real community as well, kind of like the way icanhascheezburger.com was when it started.
Thank you! I love the community here too, I cannot say enough how very fortunate I feel that so many friendly, thoughtful, clever people tune in each week and offer their insights and kindness to each other and to me! It feels really marvelous, there is no better word.
I have PTSD and had a really bad sleep last night. Waking up to my favorite comic is a nice way to make the day better. Thanks for the morning cheerup. Love the kitten!
I am so glad the comic could be a comfort!!
I bet i know where they got the name from,
“Beatrix Potter”, the author of peter rabbit
In “The Naming of Cats”, they may well be Shadowfax, Racer, and Ares, Cat of War. But to us, Lupin, Puck, and Elvis will always be who they are.
We have a basset hound named Bilbo! I always thought baskets and hobbits were similar. Short, hairy, big feet, and they love food. Love the reference to Scout and Harper Lee.
I love that! One day–in the FAR future–we have plans to rescue a basset hound! The Man had one named Daisy when he was young, and he has always wanted to have another.
Love the name! I wonder if Elvis is baiting Beatrix with his tail on purpose or if he’s forgotten that particular aspect of having kittens around. Notice Bea going from “POUNCE!” to “Who, Me?” and back to “POUNCE!!” as Elvis turns…
I LOVE Beatrix’s little bibs!
“Cool stuff bees can do”. Heheh. Given my avatar, I’m liking that a lot.
The ghostly operator of camera one appears again
Under “You learn something new everyday” I had read that bees could hover (hold in place in the air) much to scientist’s disapproval since they say it is impossible. But I never imagined how it was really done! With a bee-utiful hover board! Wow!
Oh dear, Bea is in tiny little overalls!
ShadowFax? Is this supposed to be a reference to the Lupin being a “tiny horse”?
My take, bee tricking in a skateboard, purrfect!!! Elvis really does care, he just likes to play Catitude, tee hee! Elvis has won me over, I just love this vomic!!
Scout, Racer, Shadowfax and Ares, Cat of War. Brilliant.
Now it makes me wonder what my Linus would have preferred. I mean, he’s got nicknames like ‘Mr. Longtail’ ‘Monster’ ‘Demon-Cat’ but still… I wonder…
Love the shots of the kitten playing with Elvis’ tail when his back is turned. I can’t wait to see more of that!
Void Voided! Love the crawls, as always!
Does Tommy’s green sweater zip up the front ?
Yes! But it is quite puffy, the zipper likely gets lost in the puff a lot.
ShadowFax?! Great band. Wonder what happened to them?
Tommy welcomes spring! From last year: “These things! That stuff! This guy!” http://www.breakingcatnews.com/comic/signs-of-spring-have-been-spotted-in-the-backyard/
We have a Scout. Of the five kittens, he was the last born, but the first to venture out of the brooder box, the first to climb over the baby gate keeping the kittens in the kitchen and the first to eat Mama Frances’ dry cat food. With that kind of exploring nature, he had to be “Scout.”
love the bee poster .
welcome Beatrix.
let the fun an games begin time to shake things up around here before the older cats become old forgies.
get that tail beatrix aka mischief te he 🙂
Love Elvis letting Beatrix play with his tail. We had a male cat who we got two kittens for him to father. He would switch his tail so they could play with it. He was a good father just like Elvis is.
I never thought for a minute that this story would have sad ending, Georgia. You love cats way too much.
By the way, I read gocomics and enjoy Breaking Cat News there as well.
Thank you, Emily!!
I do like getting a double helping of BCN, with the new one on the BCN Website/Facebook and the older one on GoComics. It’s extra fun when they happen to be in sync, with similar storylines in both strips on the same day.
Tommy’s hat hair is soon cute!! Beatrix is going to be one spoiled little girl kitty with all these boys clamoring for her attention!
Squeeee!!! This was just too funny and adorable! I laughed out loud at Puck’s ‘Cool stuff bee’s do’, and the names they would’ve preferred!! 😀 Racer, Shadowfax, and Ares ‘Cat of War’, awwwwww! Those would’ve fit well! Panel 3 is super beautiful. Leave it to Tommy to find the biggest rainbow and sweat his tail off. 🙂
Do I see a Lord of the Rings reference? An amazing strip. I can’t wait until thursday.
Oh. Everyone is doing so well with a new cat in the house. Will Tabitha have issues with not being la única gata?
…Bet she’ll mentor Beatrix: teach her to “dress for success”, capture the red spot, and speak at least three languages!
When I spotted this YT video of a Polydactyl kitten’s love affair with adult’s tail I had to share.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfZwI5wQ7r0