What name should I give my cat?

Two kittens outside

Have you recently adopted a cat? Have you decided on a name yet? Sometimes, finding a unique name that matches your cat’s personality can be a real head scratcher. Not only should it be easy to say and remember, but it should also be easily comprehensible by your cat. If you’re struggling to find the perfect name, here is some advice.

How do I choose a name for my cat?

No matter the breed, coat color, or coat pattern, all cats deserve a pleasant name that matches their personality.

Choose a name based on your cat’s personality or appearance

Finding a name that reflects your cat’s personality and appearance well requires you to spend time getting to know your cat. If you notice that your cat is shy, you can consider choosing a one-word name that is easy to understand. If you notice that your cat is exceptionally intelligent, you can consider choosing a name that references someone intelligent, such as Einstein.

It’s also possible to choose a name that alludes to your cat’s appearance. For example, if you have a ginger cat, you can consider names such as Pumpkin or Sunny. Other characteristics such as the sex, breed, coat texture, or coat pattern could also inspire you! For instance, if you cat have a long-haired cat such as a Persian cat, Siberian Cat, or Maine Coon, a regal name such as Elizabeth or Majesty could be the perfect name. On the other hand, if you want to emphasize your cat’s fearlessness, searching for the name of an adventurer or brave character could be ideal. Indiana could be a great name for a courageous cat.

Choose a short name that is easy to say

For the most part, it’s easier for cats to memorize shorter names. In fact, experts recommend choosing a name with only two syllables. As cats can remember high-pitched sounds like those of vowels better, choosing a name that ends with a vowel could be a good idea. You could prioritize names that ends with letters such as “i”, “a”, or “u”.

In addition, ensure that the name you choose is easy to pronounce. This will make it easier for young children and new people to say. It’ll also prevent them from butchering the name. Moreover, your cat will be more inclined to react if their name is said correctly.

Let your favorite things inspire you

Is there a celebrity, public person, or character from a film that you absolutely adore? Why not name your cat after one of them? If you do this, you’ll be able to spread the joy that this person or character brings to your life.

Additionally, you can name your cat after someone important to you. Naming your cat after someone who is special and close to your heart will help you remember them or feel close to them when they aren’t with you. Lastly, the names of plants or flowers could inspire you as well.

Whatever you decide, the most important thing is that the name makes you happy and matches your cat.

Have you heard of the French LOOF naming rule?

In an attempt to better organize the LOOF (Livre Officiel d’Origine des FĂ©lins), a register that has been recording the births of pedigree cats since 1985, a naming “rule” was established. According to this French model, all cats born the same year should have names that start with the same letter of the alphabet. It is mandatory to follow this rule if your cat needs to be registered in the LOOF to obtain the pedigree. This makes it easier for people to identify the age and birth year of a pedigree cat.

In 2023, the letter was “U”. Now, in 2024, names have to start with any of these letters: “V,” “W”, “X”, “Y”, or “Z”. This year, five letters are proposed because names with these letter are less common. With that being said, it’s important to remember that this rule only applies to cats that need to be registered to the LOOF. If your cat does not need to, you can give your cat any name that pleases you. If you are obligated to choose a name according to the LOOF naming rule, keep in mind that you could call your cat a different name at home.

Cat relax on couch with little girl
It’s best to choose a name that’s easy to pronounce.

Over 100 name ideas for male cats

Are you searching for a cute name for a male cat? Here is a list of names that might help.

A, B, C, DE, F, G, HI, J, K, LM, N, O, PQ, R, S, TU, V, W, X
Alvin
Angel
Alex
Azur
Anubis
Attila
Arlo
Arthur
Arizona
Akira
Avery
Elliot
Eden
Enzo
Elias
Elvis
Elio
Eros
Izzy
Iko
Igloo
Igor
Iggy
Milo
Mascot
Mickey
Muffin
Mika
Mars
Mochi
Mustache
Max
Merlin
Quinoa
Quincy
Ulysses
Uno
Uranus
Bounty
Biscuit
Basil
Brioche
Batman
Baldur
Figaro
Felix
Flash
Forest
Fox
Jack
Jafar
Junior
Joey
Jupiter
Johnny
Jasper
Jojo
Jimmy
Jin (virtue in Japanese)
Jacob
Nugget
Neko (cat in Japanese)
Neo
Ninja
Nao (honest in Japanese)
Naruto
Nelson
Rox
Rock
Ravioli
Roger
Rico
Raymond
Victorio
Vegas
Vince
Victor
Vodka
Caramel
Charlie
Cesar
Cyrus
Chuck
Cookie
Cashew
Capri
Casper
Caillou
Gus
Garfield
Gary
Gnocci
Gucci
ghost
Kenny
Kiwi
Kiss
Kiki
Koda
Kerry
Olaf
Oliver
Oslo
Onyx
Oreo
Octavius
Oscar
Osiris (an Egyptian god)
Samba
Sushi
Sugar
Snow
Scar
Salam
Seth (god of war in Egyptian mythology)
Willy
Eonka
Wallace
Willow
Wolf
Wally
Wilson
Dumbo
Denver
Diablo
Darwin
Dexter
Dorito
Hope
Hermes
Horus
Hans
Haru
Happy
Helios
Heaven
Harley
Hugo
Hades
Homer
Harry
Larry
Leo
Leonard
Lucky
Lou
Luigi
Pikachu
Pacha
Pixel
Picasso
Prince
Tarzan
Tigger
Tom
Tiki
Xavier
Xuri

What do you think of these names? Do you know any cats with a name listed above?

Over 100 name ideas for female cats

If you are searching for a name for your female cat, consider choosing a name from the following list.

A, B, C, DE, F, G, HI, J, K, LM, N, O, PQ, R, S, TU, V, W, XY, Z
Angie
Abby
Abigail
Ama
Athena
Aiyana
Elsa
Elegance
Erin
Enola
Emi (divine beauty in Japanese)
Ember
Isa
Iris
Isabella
Igloo
Inata
Ilona
Misty
Mia
Moana
Mona
Molly
Mina
Mel
Miru (goddess of the night in Polynesian mythology)
Maple
Queen
Quinoa
Quincy
Quinn
Quiche
Ula
Ursula
Uranus
Yvonne
Yellow
Yoko
Yummy
Yumi
Baby
Blue
Bella
Betty
Bianca
Flame
Farah
Freyja
Jupiter
June
Jessie
Julie
Jasmine
Jeanette
Jenna
Jenny
Nana
Nini
Nena
Nala
Rose
Roxy
Rosette
Riya
Ruby
Rosa
Rain
Vanilla
Vita
Valentine
Vera
Zuri
Zara
Zora
Zoey
Zelda
Charolotte
Cheyenne
Carmen
Calypso
Goldie
Gina
Greta
Gloria
Georgina
Guapa
Kara
Kitty
Kalia
Kayla
Khaleesi
Opal
Oreo
Octavia
Onyx
Ocean
Ollie
Olive
Sally
Sakura
Scarlett
Sapphire
Sissy
Sarah
Sophia
Sunny
Wendy
Winnie
Willow
Dorothy
Dina
Dora
Honey
Hazel
Heidi
Harley
Hina
Haumea
Luna
Lavander
Luisa
Lily
Lola
Pearl
Pipia
Petal
Polly
Pita
Prune
Tanya
Tia
Tigress
Tika
Tequila
Teresa
Tara
Xera
Xoami
Xena
Ximena

Do any of these names stand out to you? Which of them do you like the most?