150 Cool Cat Names & Tips for Naming Your Cat

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13 Minute Read
Updated September 5, 2022

Choosing a name for your new feline friend is an important first step in establishing a bond between you and your kitty. After all, this is the name you will use to call your cat every day for years to come.

While some people may simply choose the first name that pops into their head, others may spend days or even weeks deliberating over the perfect moniker for their new pet.

If you're on the hunt for cool cat names, you've come to the right place. Below, we've compiled a list of some of the best names for cats, which we hope will help you in your naming process. From elegant and regal names like "Bella" and "Prince" to quirky and fun names like "Sugar" and "Mittens," we've got you covered.

 

Tips for Picking the Best Cat Name

When it comes to naming your cat, the sky's the limit. You can choose a name based on your kitty's physical appearance, personality, or simply anything that you find meaningful. 

If you're stuck for ideas, try thinking of names that reflect your cat's unique qualities. For example, does your cat have striking blue eyes? If so, you might consider names like "Blue" or "Sky." Is your cat particularly playful? Consider names like "Biscuit" or "Cookie."

Think About Your Cat's Personality

In addition to physical appearance, another great way to choose a name for your cat is to think about his or her personality. If your cat is particularly feisty or playful, you might want to choose a name that reflects that, such as "Rascal" or "Tiger." On the other hand, if your cat is more laid-back and easygoing, you might want to go with something calmer, like "Bella" or "Butterscotch."

Get Creative With Punny Names

One of the best things about cats is that they are often quite punny. If you're looking for a name that will make your friends and family chuckle, try thinking of some clever wordplay based on your cat's appearance or personality. 

For example, if your cat is particularly small, you might consider names like "Tiny" or "Mite." If your cat loves to lounge around all day, lazy-themed names like "Sleepy" or "Potato" could be perfect.

Don't Forget About Traditional Cat Names

While there are endless possibilities when it comes to naming your cat, sometimes the best option is to keep it simple with a classic name. Traditional cat names like "Fluffy," "Tiger," and "Patches" will never go out of style and are sure to please everyone in the family.

Consider a Kitty Nickname

Nicknames happen naturally. It's a shortening of a long name or something that sounds similar. Funny cat names always seem right at the time. And they are. But eventually, that long punny celebrity name is going to be a bit cumbersome for everyday use. 

If you want to have the full title of Queen Muffintop the Third or Fleas Witherspoon, think about how that long name is going to end up being nicknamed in the heat of the moment. Queenie or muffin are cute short forms of your cat's royal title, but calling out the name "Fleas!" when you have guests over might feel a bit awkward. 

This can also be helpful if you are on the fence between two cat names. Make one a fun middle name that you use less frequently. It'll be a great way to break the tension and make you laugh when you call out their full name after finding they've scratched a hole in your new leather couch!

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150 Cool Cat Name Ideas for 2022

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The naming possibilities are endless, but how do you pick just one? We put together a list of 150 of the most popular, the cutest, and many more of the best cat names to help you narrow down your options. 

Whether you are choosing a name based on your cat's quirky behaviours, trying to find something that matches their adorable physical attributes, or just want a cat name that rolls off the tongue naturally, this list has a little bit of everything to help point you in the right direction. 

 

Most Popular Cat Names 2022

Not sure what to name your new cat? Take a look at 10 of the most popular cat names of 2022. These are so popular that you probably know a cat with one of these names. Just because they are popular doesn’t mean that they aren't also awesome!

    1. Jasper 
    2. Smokey
    3. Bella
    4. Lily
    5. Tiger
    6. Oreo
    7. Pepper
    8. Luna
    9. Mia
    10. Oscar

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Best Cute Cat Names

If your cat is almost too cute to handle, then they need an adorable name to match. These top cute cat names are perfect for your family feline. They are particularly popular among families with young children, but let's be honest, these charming kitty names are perfect for any feline fluffball. 

Some of these names are classics and scream adorable kitty, like Whiskers or Fluffy. Take a look at our top picks for cute cat names:

    1. Fluffy 
    2. Tiny
    3. Whiskers
    4. Sprite
    5. Cuddles
    6. Patches 
    7. Pixie
    8. Princess/Prince 
    9. Sugar
    10. Baby
    11. Honey
    12. Snickers 
    13. Mochi
    14. Gizmo
    15. Mittens

Best Female Cat Names

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When choosing a name for your beautiful little queen, you want to take her personality into account. Is she a wild child with more energy than she knows what to do with? Is she an elegant and regal beauty? 

Just like naming a human baby, sometimes looking at the meaning behind the name will help you find the right one for your baby cat. Callie, for example, means beautiful and lovely, the perfect name for a Birman or another stunning breed. Or maybe Iris, meaning rainbow, for a calico cat or one with a colourful personality.

Below are some of our favourite girl cat names to help you name your best feline sister:

    1. Callie
    2. Ivy
    3. Bailey
    4. Lucy
    5. Chloe
    6. Stella
    7. Zoe
    8. Lola
    9. Cleo
    10. Daisy
    11. Sophie
    12. Willow
    13. Iris
    14. Lady
    15. Ava
    16. Lulu
    17. Penny
    18. Gracie
    19. Trixie
    20. Kiki


Best Male Cat Names

Finding the right name for your male cat may seem daunting. There are so many names to choose from, but we can help inspire you with some of our favourite and most popular boy names for cats. 

There are plenty of fun casual boy cat names, like Max or Simon. But if you prefer a name with deeper meaning, try Leo, meaning lion and representing bravery. Or maybe you want something a little more cutesy for your handsome cat, like Buddy. 

The next twenty names are some of the top male cat names in 2022:

    1. Leo
    2. Milo
    3. Loki
    4. Charlie
    5. Max
    6. Romeo
    7. Jack
    8. Louie
    9. Ollie
    10. Tony
    11. Duke
    12. Buddy 
    13. Jax
    14. Simon
    15. Teddy
    16. Blue
    17. Ozzy
    18. Felix
    19. Tom
    20. Clyde

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Best Unisex Cat Names

Some of the best cat names work for either gender. These are great if you are picking a name before you meet your new kitty friend, learn their gender, see their colouring, and learn about their quirky personalities.  

These names are pretty adorable and also just generic enough to work for any kitten. Here are our 15  favourite unisex cat names:

    1. Kitty
    2. Nugget
    3. Bandit 
    4. Lucky
    5. Boots
    6. Peanut
    7. Bean
    8. Coco
    9. Maple
    10. Bear
    11. Lucky
    12. Scout
    13. Goose
    14. Rascal
    15. Socks


Best Black Cat Names

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Black cats get a bad reputation, but they are some of the sweetest and most playful cats.  While they aren't the bringers of misfortune that many superstitions lead you to believe, it doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with their names. 

You don't have to put a hat on a hat when it comes to naming your cat, but it sure is fun. Here are some of the best black cat names. 

    1. Salem
    2. Midnight
    3. Shadow
    4. Sable
    5. Licorice


Best Orange Cat Names

Some of the most famous cats are big orange tabbies: Garfield, Spot, Milo, and Puss in Boots. Orange cats are well represented in pop culture. Your orange cat needs an iconic name too. Something that puts a smile on your face when you say it and something that shows off your cat's orange fur pride. 

Check out some obvious, some funny, and some adorable orange cat names:

    1. Tigger
    2. Cheddar
    3. Mango
    4. Ginger
    5. Butterscotch


Best White Cat Names

White cats often have some interesting features, like bright blue, green, or even copper colour eyes. Their distinctive features give them a striking appearance, which is why white cats are often so uniquely beautiful. 

Names like "Blue" or "Sky" come to mind, but our favourite white cat names are often a nod to their pristine snow-white coat.

    1. Casper
    2. Angel
    3. Snowball
    4. Artemis
    5. Boo


White and other light-coloured cats tend to be some of the worst offenders for leaving starkly noticeable cat hair on all of your clothes and belongings. Check out How to Treat Cat Shedding for tips on reducing the cat hair that weaves its way into your wardrobe. 

 

Best Grey Cat Names

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Black cats are thought to represent bad luck, but you might not know that grey cats bring good luck. These good luck charms deserve a fun name to represent their beautiful silky coats.

Here are some of the most spot-on grey cat names to help you choose:

    1. Dusty
    2. Stormy
    3. Cinder
    4. Ash
    5. Earl


Fun and Unique Cat Names

The classics are the classics for a reason, but sometimes you want a name that is a little less obvious. Some names are just too common or boring, like mittens. Picking a unique name can help show off your cat's unique personality, or sometimes they just make you giggle. 

They can be a play on words, something that describes a unique physical characteristic, or just an obviously human name. "Wink," for example, is a hilarious and apt name for a cat that is missing an eye or try a name like "velcro" for a co-dependant cat that sticks to you like glue. 

Here are some of our favourite unique, quirky, and interesting cat names: 

    1. Mite
    2. Arya
    3. Sky
    4. Wink
    5. Miracle
    6. Opal
    7. Finn
    8. Moose
    9. Freya
    10. Cosmo
    11. Nox
    12. Velcro
    13. Ophelia
    14. Gatsby
    15. Ace


Best Food Inspired Cat Names

There is something endearing about naming a pet after our favourite snack or flavour. Maybe it's because cats are so cute we could just eat 'em up! Figuratively, of course. When it comes time to pick a name for your new kitten, consider one of these food-inspired cat names.

Sometimes food is a great way to describe your pet's shape or colouring. Pumpkin is not only a kind term of endearment, but it's also a fitting name for a big orange tabby! For a ragdoll cat or other breeds that tend to melt into their surroundings, Pancake would be an excellent name. 

Whether you are looking for something cute or funny for your cat's new name, your favourite snack, or your cat's favourite human food might be just the inspiration you need. Here are some of our favourite food-inspired cat names:

    1. Muffin
    2. Biscuit 
    3. Whiskey
    4. Pepper 
    5. Pumpkin 
    6. Cookie 
    7. Skittles 
    8. Peaches
    9. Pancake
    10. Kiwi
    11. Mocha
    12. Sushi
    13. Nacho
    14. Cinnamon
    15. Noodle 


Best Disney Cat Names

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Some of the best cat names come from some of the most famous cats from the Disney universe. Before you settle on a cat name, take a look at some of the best Disney cats for inspiration. These larger-than-life feline personalities are not just packed with childhood nostalgia.

They are a great way to find a name that matches your cat's personality or appearance. Oliver is a great fit for any plucky orange tabby with a lot of personalities. Or maybe your female furball is a bit more on the Sassy side. 

Take a look at some of our favourite Disney cats that you might consider naming your cat after:

    1. Simba
    2. Oliver
    3. Raja
    4. Figaro
    5. Lucifer
    6. Nala
    7. Seargent Tibbs
    8. Sassy
    9. Binx
    10. Duchess


Video Game Inspired Cat Names

If you dabble in classic video games and want your new cat to represent your personality with a totally rad and nerdy name, then look no further. From all your favourite old-school games, make your cat's name a throwback to your favourite childhood memories.

You can even choose a cool cat name that suits your cat's personality. If your cat has a bit of a clingy personality, then the annoying fairy guide Navi seems like a fitting cat name. Or maybe your cat is more of a high-spirited menace then you may prefer Crash as a more fitting name. 

Here are 10 of our favourite classic video game-inspired cat names to get your nostalgia brewing:

    1. Navi
    2. Cammy
    3. Crash
    4. Toad
    5. Alice
    6. Peach
    7. Cloud
    8. Daxter
    9. Tails
    10. Peppy

Choosing the perfect name for your cat is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be difficult. By considering your cat's appearance and personality, you can easily find a name that both you and your kitty will love. And, if all else fails, you can always fall back on classic nicknames, like "Baby" or "Kitty."

 

Can You Change a Cat's Name? 

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Often, when you are naming a cat, it's because you are getting a new kitten. New kittens require a lot of standard supplies and preparation to ready your home, but their name is something you can get creative with. Kittens are easy because they haven't learned much of anything yet, so you are starting with a blank slate.

But what if you adopt an older cat? They already have a name. So, when is a cat too old to change its name?

The answer is never!  

Unlike dogs, who can learn over 100 words, cats may be limited to as few as 20 or 30. Some cats will learn their name but may just recognize your voice. This means that what you say to a cat may be less important than how you say it.

If your cat already recognizes her current name, then it will take some practice to help her learn her new one, but it's a simple process. Make sure you say it every time you take to her so that she can understand what it means.

If you choose to adopt an older cat, then don't feel bad if you want to change her name to something that better suits her personality or just rolls off the tongue better. Many stray and rescued cats get named by their rescuers or fosters, so the name is still going to be pretty new and easy to change without much confusion. 

Her name is more for you than it is for her, so have fun with it and take your time finding a cat name that you love. 

No matter what you choose, the most important thing is that you select a name that you and your cat will love. What is your cat's name? Tell us in the comments!

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Homes Alive Pets

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