Czaro Strategic Communications

Start Spreadin’ the News: New Cat, New Cat

Our new cat has found his place in the hierarchy at my house. And yes, I’m still at the bottom of the pyramid.

We adopted a male (neutered) domestic short hair from a no-kill animal rescue. He’s all white with a black lemur-like tail and a black Mohawk. His prior owner declawed him – front and back – so he’ll be an indoor cat for life.

When we brought “Sumi” home, we (my wife and daughters) changed his name to “Archie.” I’m still not clear if he was named after All in the Family’s Archie Bunker or if it was short for American Idol’s David Archuleta.

Now we’re on name No. 3.

Some time last week, Archie became “Chairman Meow” – a wordplay on China’s Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong. I had to explain this name change to my 6-year old daughter. The conversation went like this:

Daughter: Why are we getting Archie a new nametag?
Me: Because Archie’s name is now Chairman Meow.
Daughter: Sherman Wow?
Me: No, honey. Chair Man Meow.
Daughter: He’s not a chair. He’s a cat.
Me: You’re right. Now say it with me. Chair. Man. Mao.
Daughter: Why’s he a chairman?
Me: Ask your mother.
Daughter: I’m so confused (voice full of frustration).
Me: So am I. Let’s talk to Mom about it (voice full of frustration).

My wife made the decision to change Chairman’s name, and she’s pretty proud of her selection. She even Twittered her creative brilliance and received kudos from her followers. Now, don’t get me wrong – I love the name – it just requires a more explanation.

Mao Zedong died 33 years ago, so most people don’t know who the Chinese Chairman was. And I’m not sure I want to be associated with a communist. When I hear my bride call for “The Chairman” I think of Frank Sinatra.

When I took Chairman to the vet, he name invoked mixed reactions from, “What?” to “Oh, I love it.”

Now I know how Prince must have felt when he changed his name to a symbol.