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 Félins), 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.
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, D | E, F, G, H | I, J, K, L | M, N, O, P | Q, R, S, T | U, 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, D | E, F, G, H | I, J, K, L | M, N, O, P | Q, R, S, T | U, V, W, X | Y, 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?