Kitten Names

As such, choosing the right name for your kitten is not always easy.

Despite what many have tried to say in the past, cats do learn their names.

While some cats typically do not respond to their names as enthusiastically as dogs, many cats will at least react to their name in some way.

Many cats will come when their names are called, although it may take some coaxing at first to get them trained.

Whether it is a look, a flick of the tail, or even coming to you when called, most cats do react to their names being used. But, it may take several tries each time you want them to come to you, especially if they are wrapped up in a task.

Some sources say that the best kitten names end in an "ee" sound. Supposedly, both kittens and adult cats respond best to names that end with this sound.

Below are some rules and recommendations on kitten names, and how to get your cat to respond to the one you've chosen.

I can tell you from personal experience, however, that a cat can and will learn a name that does not fit this mold. For example, my oldest cat, Priscilla, knows her name and always responds to it.

"Smokey" or "Silky" or something like that would probably have been an easier cat name for her, but she seems to do just fine with the name she has. I know, Smokey is often used to name male cats, but you get my point.

Try to keep cat names fairly simple. Shorter is usually better. No more than 3 syllables, and use long vowel sounds. For example, a not so good kitten name would be "kitten." Even though it is short (two syllables), it has short vowel sounds. Something like "Marty" or "Katie" would be better, since they have a long "a" and end in the "ee" sound.

1. Be specific - choose a good kitten name that you think fits and decide how to pronounce it - then stick to it. Don't send your cat mixed signals about the sound of the name by pronouncing it differently each time.
2. Don't truncate the name - if you name your cat "Smokey," then don't start calling him "Smoke" instead. Always call him "Smokey," or choose "Smoke" in the first place.
3. Be consistent - once you choose "Misty," then "Misty" doesn't become "Maria" all of a sudden - once kitten names are chosen and the training starts, that's it. Again, no mixed signals.
4. Be nice - always use a nice tone when saying the kitten's name - would you respond well to a strange word that someone always yelled at you?
5. Use positive reinforcement - put your cat in a "feel good" mood by petting your cat for a while, then begin saying her name as you stroke her.
6. Use Play - say your cat's name repeatedly during a light play session with a toy she likes.
7. Use food - pet your cat and say her name while she's eating, or feed her a treat.
8. Don't use negative reinforcement - this might seem like common sense given number five, but you might be surprised how many people will use kitten names in a harsh voice to punish their cats! If your cat is doing something you don't want her to do, use other sounds and words, like "no" or a loud noise as a behavior modification tool - not her name.
9. Reward your cat - every time your kitten reacts to her name, praise her in a soft, high pitched voice, and reward her with lots of physical attention like petting, hugs, and treats.
10. Never use punishment - when using the kitten's name doesn't produce the desired reaction, simply ignore your kitten's behavior and go back to using the techniques described here. Never yell at your cat or punish her for not responding to her name.

The basic rules here are to get your cat in a positive mood, ignore undesired behavior, and reward your cat whenever you catch her doing something you want her to do.

Those are also solid tips to keep in mind when training your cat in any way.

As a final note on the "rules" I would say to have fun with it, and do whatever works.

House cats have proven over and over again that they're a pretty smart bunch, and will adapt to whatever name you choose. I've seen cat health experts name their cats in total opposition to the rules, so have at it!

The Naming Of Cats

Need help choosing a name for a new addition to the house?

Lists of cat names can help. The below pages contain lists of names as well as other resources with more lists.

Female cat names For girl cat owners.

Male cat names Owners of boy cats check this list.

Black cat names Extensive list includes some creative and unique black cat names.

Tuxedo cat names Names for black and whites.

Some fascinating cat names are contained in the works of T.S. Eliot, including a few in this famous poem, aptly titled, "The Naming Of Cats."

Then you're gonna have to help build it! Just answer the simple question:

What's your cat's name?

We'll collect all the names and publish them until we have the largest collection of names that we know of. Also include the following information so that we can properly categorize the name.

What color and coat pattern is your cat? (Examples: solid white | red tabby)

Why or how did you chose the name, or was the name chosen for you?

Upload a picture of your cat, and optionally, share a cute or funny story about your cat and any other details as well if you like.

Click on the links below to see the names submitted.

Cat Name Paisley Sweets 
She just looked like a Paisley, and she can be sweet when she isn't terrorizing!

Cat Name Tickaboo 
I was given Tickaboo by an ex girl friend. I was not too sure about taking in another cat since my last ex took custody of the three we had together. But ...

Cat Name Menta 
When she was just a kitten, my cat had eyes the color of peppermint... hence her name... Menta (Italian version of Mint)! XD

Cat Name Lucky 
One time my family and I were driving to the store. Then suddenly all the cars stopped. A women picked a cat up and told us "I have two dogs I can't take ...

Cat Names Squire and Maggie 
Squire was christened Wee Squee the Squire Boy by my son when we got him 10 yrs ago. My son was 3 and a half yrs old at the time.

Maggie Mayhem is ...

Cat Name Lola 
I am a Barry Manilow fan.

Cat Names Pharoah, Egypt, and Nile 
Well It all started with Pharoah's father who was my first cat and he was a tuxedo cat that had a black triangle on his face. That made me think of the ...

Cat Name Nightshade 
Simply put, I loved the name "Nightshade" at the time, and named him even before I saw him. All I knew was that he was solid black; he was a kitten that ...

Cat Names Lola and Lucy 
Lola and Lucy (two cats). They are my girls. They are sisters and very smart. They have two distinct personalities. My girls are 5 years old and are indoor ...

Cat And Kitten Name Links

Cat Names - Cat-Names.us - Looking for cat names? Search over 5,000 cat names in seconds.

Meanings of Cat and Pet Names - find the meaning of your cat's name, or browse for the perfect name for your new or future kitten.

Bow Wow Meow - list of popular cat and kitten names based on pet ID tags issued. Includes meanings too.