Awww! I had a cat named Merlin. I totally adored him. He was colored like an Abyssinian/Tabby, like a little mountain lion. Growled all the time but couldn't be sweeter. I miss him.
I also used to have a black and white cat. His name was Max. He never grew up all the way though, died of feline leukemia. He was a sweetie pie too. I think black and white cats have such nice personalities.
Congratulations!