"The Naming of Cats"

Overview of the Poem:

T.S. Eliot’s poem “The Naming of Cats” is a whimsical
exploration of the profound and somewhat mysterious
nature of cats through the lens of their names. Eliot
presents the idea that a cat must have three distinct
names: an everyday name, a unique and dignified name,
and a third, secret name known only to the cat itself. This
poem is part of Eliot’s collection Old Possum’s Book of
Practical Cats, which humorously and imaginatively
captures the personalities of cats. Through the act of
naming, Eliot illustrates the individuality and complexity
of cats, portraying them as proud, enigmatic creatures
who live partly in a world of their own making.
The tone of the poem is playful yet thoughtful, blending
light-hearted humour with philosophical musings on
identity and self-awareness. Cats, in Eliot’s view, are
more than mere pets—they are beings with distinct
personas, deserving names that reflect their dignity and
inner mystery. The repetition and rhythm of the poem
create a captivating flow, pulling the reader into this
imaginative world of feline naming traditions.

Poetic Devices in the Poem

1. Repetition:
Repetition emphasizes key ideas, such as the phrase
“THREE DIFFERENT NAMES,” which reinforces the
concept of layered identities for cats.
2. Imagery:
Eliot uses vivid descriptions to create mental
images. For instance:
 o “Profound meditation” evokes the image of a cat
sitting in deep thought.
o “Perpendicular tail” symbolizes the pride and
dignity of a cat.
3. Personification:
The poem attributes human-like qualities to cats,
such as their capacity for contemplation and pride.
This makes the cats relatable yet elevates their
mystique.
4. Symbolism:
The three names symbolize the multifaceted nature
of identity: the public self (everyday name), the
personal self (unique name), and the private,
spiritual self (secret name).
5. Tone and Mood:
The tone is whimsical yet philosophical, blending
humour with a deeper reflection on individuality. The
mood is playful, encouraging the reader to engage
with the poet’s ideas about cats’ inner lives.
Main Idea
The poem’s main idea is to celebrate the individuality
and mysterious nature of cats. Eliot uses the act of
naming as a metaphor to explore identity. Cats, like
humans, have layers to their personalities—what is
visible to the world, what is unique to them, and what is
hidden and unknowable. This playful yet philosophical
perspective elevates cats from mere pets to complex
beings worthy of admiration and respect.

Themes in the Poem

1. Individuality and Identity:
The poem emphasizes that every cat, like every
 person, is unique and requires names that reflect its
individuality. Eliot suggests that identity is not simple
but layered, with each name representing a different
aspect of a cat’s self.
o Example: “A name that’s peculiar, and more
dignified.” This shows that the second name
must be special and unique to each cat,
representing its individual personality.
2. Mystery and Enigma:
Eliot portrays cats as mysterious beings with an
inner world that humans cannot fully understand.
The third name symbolizes this mystery—a name
known only to the cat itself.
o Example: “The name that no human research
can discover.” This line illustrates the secret
nature of the third name, which adds an
element of intrigue to the poem.
3. Pride and Dignity:
The poem highlights the pride cats take in their
identity. By giving them dignified names, humans
acknowledge their importance and individuality.
o Example: “Else how can he keep up his tail
perpendicular?” The tail, held high, symbolizes
the pride and self-respect of the cat.

Message of the Poem

The poem conveys the message that identity is deeply
personal and multifaceted. It reminds us to appreciate
and respect the individuality of others, whether they are
humans or animals. Eliot also suggests that there is
always an element of mystery in every being—something
unknowable that makes each of us unique. This playful
meditation on cats serves as a broader metaphor for
understanding identity and self-awareness.

Answers to the Questions

a. Why does the poet say that the reader may think
he is crazy?
The poet’s assertion that a cat needs three different
names might seem absurd or overly complicated to the
reader. Most people might think one name is enough for
a pet, so the poet’s detailed explanation of the need for
three names could make him appear eccentric or “mad
as a hatter.”
b. What is the first type of name that a cat should
have?
The first name is a sensible, everyday name used by the
family. These are practical names like Peter, Augustus, or
James.
c. What is the second type of name that a cat
should have?
The second name is a unique and dignified name, such
as Plato, Electra, or Admetus. These names reflect the
individuality and special nature of the cat.
d. How many female names (of the first type) does
the poet suggest?
The poet does not explicitly mention female names in the
first type but gives examples of general names that can
be used for either gender.
e. Which fancier names does the poet suggest?
Fancier names include Plato, Admetus, Electra, and
Demeter. These names are sophisticated and reflect the
cat’s dignity.
f. In what way will a cat be able to behave if he is
given a name that is particular?
A cat with a particular name will carry itself with dignity,
holding its tail “perpendicular” and showing pride in its
unique identity.
g. What is the third type of name that a cat must
have? How is it different from the other two types?
The third name is a secret, mysterious name known only
to the cat. It differs from the first two types because it is
deeply personal and spiritual, representing the cat’s inner
self that humans cannot understand.
h. When a cat is in ‘profound meditation,’ what is it
thinking about?
The cat is contemplating its secret, personal name—the
name that defines its true essence and is known only to
itself.
iii. Are there any other names by which a cat might
be called? How are they different from these
names?
Yes, the other names include unique, dignified names or
the secret name. They differ because they represent the
cat’s individuality and mystery, rather than being
practical.
HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) Questions
i. Why do you think the ‘particular’ names
suggested for a cat may ‘never belong to more
than one cat’? Can you suggest other such names?
The ‘particular’ names, such as Plato, Admetus, Electra,
or Demeter, are described as unique and dignified,
meant to reflect the cat's individuality. These names are
special because they signify that each cat has a unique
personality that cannot be replicated. For example, just
as humans might choose meaningful, rare names for
their children to highlight their uniqueness, these
particular names make each cat feel distinct.

ii. What do you think cats think about when they

are not asleep?
Cats, according to the poem, are portrayed as thoughtful,
contemplative creatures. Eliot humorously suggests that
when cats are not sleeping, they are likely pondering
their secret names—their inner essence that is
inscrutable and deeply personal.