I would probably keep the animal's name the same if they were used to it and responded to it, at least as a general rule of thumb.
Then again, my babies all have their names, "proper" names (for scolding and such), nicknames depending on mood - and they respond to all of them.
So Molly is Molly, Mollyanna, Mols, Molya, Mollycobbles, Lump, Old Lady, Beautiful Girl
Slayer is Slayer, Fernslayer Marie, Fernslayer Marie!, router kitty, mei-mei
Sláine is Sláine, Sláine Elizabeth!, Lady Threepaws, Beautiful Girl, Sgt. Sláine, She Who Pees When Stressed
Talin is Talin, Talin William, Talin William!, little bug, tamade hundan!, Talin you hundan!, and boy-chick among others.
I think they'll learn whatever name/nickname you give them, as long as you're consistent.
Then again, my babies all have their names, "proper" names (for scolding and such), nicknames depending on mood - and they respond to all of them.
So Molly is Molly, Mollyanna, Mols, Molya, Mollycobbles, Lump, Old Lady, Beautiful Girl
Slayer is Slayer, Fernslayer Marie, Fernslayer Marie!, router kitty, mei-mei
Sláine is Sláine, Sláine Elizabeth!, Lady Threepaws, Beautiful Girl, Sgt. Sláine, She Who Pees When Stressed
Talin is Talin, Talin William, Talin William!, little bug, tamade hundan!, Talin you hundan!, and boy-chick among others.
I think they'll learn whatever name/nickname you give them, as long as you're consistent.