100 Cat Names: Find the Perfect Name for Your Feline

Bringing a cat into your home is more than just gaining a furry companion—it’s the start of a beautiful, quirky, and sometimes chaotic friendship. Whether you’ve adopted a rescue kitten, taken in a street-smart tabby, or splurged on a majestic Maine Coon, one of your very first tasks is picking the perfect name. And while it might seem like a small step, naming your cat plays a big role in how you bond with them—and how others connect with your furry friend too.

But here’s the big question: How do you choose the right name for your cat out of thousands of options?

Start by thinking about your cat’s personality, looks, and your own naming style. Then pick from a well-curated, creative list—like this one.

In this blog post, we’ll explore 100 of the best cat names, sorted into helpful categories including cute, funny, cool, unique, male, female, pop culture-inspired, and more. We’ll also answer common questions cat owners have about naming, and share tips to help you choose a name that feels just right.

Let’s get started—because your cat deserves a name that’s as awesome as they are.

Cute Cat Names

Cute names are perfect for kittens or cuddly cats with soft features, tiny paws, or big round eyes. These names often sound playful and sweet, making them irresistible.

Some adorable choices include:

• Mochi
• Nibbles
• Bubbles
• Pudding
• Lulu
• Cupcake
• Cuddles
• Pickles
• Snowy
• Jellybean
• Momo
• Tinker
• Peaches
• Sprout
• Honey

Cats with gentle temperaments or soft fur colors like cream or grey often suit cute names best. If your cat melts hearts with every blink, a sweet-sounding name might be the perfect match.

Funny Cat Names

Got a cat who climbs the curtains, hides in boxes, or stares at you like they’re planning world domination? A funny name adds charm to a cat’s wild or unpredictable personality.

Check these out:

• Chairman Meow
• Purrlock Holmes
• Catniss Everclean
• Sir Meows-a-Lot
• Tuna Turner
• Meowzart
• Furguson
• Clawdia
• Hairy Pawter
• Cat Damon
• Fuzzy McMittens
• Scratchy
• Paw McCartney
• Biscuitface
• Professor Paws

Funny cat names are ideal for cats with tons of personality. A well-placed pun or pop culture twist can turn your cat’s name into a conversation starter.

Unique Cat Names

Want your cat to stand out from the crowd? Unique names often draw inspiration from mythology, rare languages, sci-fi, or even made-up words that just sound good.

Some distinctive picks:

• Zephyr
• Nyx
• Solstice
• Aether
• Indigo
• Rune
• Elio
• Kiko
• Orion
• Lira
• Quora
• Kovu

Unique names work well if you want something that no one else on your street or in your vet’s office is likely to use. They add an extra layer of mystery and originality.

Cool Cat Names

Cool names sound sleek, stylish, and timeless. These are great for cats who walk like they own the place or carry themselves with confidence.

Consider these cool choices:

• Jett
• Onyx
• Storm
• Raven
• Nova
• Blaze
• Viper
• Axel
• Neo
• Vega
• Zara
• Knox

If your cat has a shiny black coat, mysterious eyes, or simply lounges like a supermodel, a cool name can make them sound even more iconic.

Male Cat Names

Traditional or modern, strong or sweet—male cat names can fit all types of personalities.

Some top picks:

• Leo
• Felix
• Max
• Simba
• Toby
• Jasper
• Oliver
• Rocky
• Ace
• Milo
• Smokey
• Buddy

These names are great for any male cat, from the snuggly lap dweller to the bold little lion who rules your living room.

Female Cat Names

From elegant to playful, female cat names can be charming, trendy, or classic.

Try one of these:

• Luna
• Nala
• Bella
• Cleo
• Daisy
• Misty
• Tilly
• Suki
• Rosie
• Angel
• Zara
• Ivy

If your girl cat struts with confidence or meows like she’s got something important to say, one of these names may suit her perfectly.

Pop Culture Cat Names

Pop culture offers endless inspiration. Movies, TV, books, and even social media are packed with memorable cat-worthy names.

Here are some recognizable ones:

• Garfield (from the comic strip)
• Salem (Sabrina the Teenage Witch)
• Crookshanks (Harry Potter)
• Puss (Puss in Boots)
• Figaro (Pinocchio)
• Tom (Tom and Jerry)
• Meowth (Pokémon)
• Duchess (The Aristocats)
• Bagheera (The Jungle Book)
• Luna (Sailor Moon)

These names often make people smile and are great for nostalgic or fandom-loving cat parents.

Literary and Mythical Cat Names

For cats who seem wise beyond their years—or those with a mystical, regal presence—literary and mythological names add depth.

Some magical options:

• Bastet (Egyptian goddess of cats)
• Behemoth (The Master and Margarita)
• Cheshire (Alice in Wonderland)
• Loki (Norse mythology)
• Freya (Norse goddess with cat chariot)
• Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings)
• Odysseus
• Medusa
• Merlin
• Athena

These names suit cats who act like they rule an ancient kingdom—or at least your home.

Nature-Inspired Cat Names

Does your cat love sitting by the window, basking in the sun, or hiding in plants? Nature-inspired names reflect a cat’s calm or wild side.

Consider these:

• Willow
• Pebble
• Stormy
• Ivy
• River
• Maple
• Sage
• Hazel
• Sky
• Fern

These names feel earthy and serene, often working best for cats with natural fur tones or calm personalities.

Tips for Choosing the Right Cat Name

Choosing a name is more than just picking something cute or funny—it’s about finding the right fit for your cat and your lifestyle.

Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:

• Keep it short and snappy. Cats respond better to names that are one or two syllables.
• Test the sound out loud. Say the name several times to see how it feels.
• Watch your cat’s reaction. They may respond better to certain tones or sounds.
• Avoid confusion. Don’t choose names that sound like commands or other pet names.
• Make it personal. Think about your cat’s unique traits: their coloring, quirks, or how they entered your life.

Ultimately, trust your instincts. The right name often feels right when you say it.

FAQs About Naming Cats

How long should a cat name be?
Ideally, keep it short—one or two syllables. It’s easier for you to say and for your cat to learn.

Do cats actually respond to their names?
Yes! A 2019 study from Japan confirmed that cats can recognize their names—even if they sometimes choose to ignore them.

Can I rename a rescue cat?
Absolutely. Start by using both the old and new names together, gradually phasing out the original. With consistency, they’ll adapt quickly.

Is it bad to name a cat something silly or funny?
Not at all. As long as you love it and it fits your cat, it works. Many people choose names that make them smile.

Conclusion

Naming your cat isn’t just a fun task—it’s the first step in building a meaningful connection with your feline companion. Whether you’re drawn to a sweet name like Mochi, a hilarious pun like Chairman Meow, or something powerful like Bastet, your cat’s name is a reflection of their spirit and your bond with them.

We’ve explored 100 cat names across styles, personalities, and inspirations. From cute and classic to cool and quirky, there’s something here for everyone—and every cat.

So go ahead: try a few out loud, see what clicks, and trust that the right name will find its way to you.

Got a favorite from the list—or a name that your own cat rocks with pride? Share it in the comments or pass this list to a fellow cat lover.

Your cat’s name is just the beginning of a great adventure together,