Felix, Pickles or Milo?
Searching for cat names is a lot of fun , but with so many names to choose from , it can also be a challenge! The most important thing to remember is to pick a name that you think is great and that also works for your cat’s look andpersonality. With this in mind, here are10 cat naming tips to help inspire you and keep you on the right track :
1) Determine your cat’s sex. This may sound like a very obvious tip but many cat owners have suddenly realized, sometimes years down the line, that their ‘Jack’ is actually a ‘Jill’!
2) Look for cat names that can be shortened. One or two syllable names are easiest to call out and for your cat to understand. If you really want a long name like Spartipuss, make sure it can be shortened for everyday use, and that you like the shortened name.
3) Avoid cat names that sound like commands. Believe it or not, cats can be trained! If you intend to teach your cat tricks or commands, don’t choose names such as “Fletch”, which sounds very much like “Fetch”.
4) Don’t settle on a cat name that you will be humiliated to call out in public. I named one of my first childhood pets, a calico cat, “Chocolate Fart Bum”. It was immediately changed to “Chocky” when my mother took her for her first trip to the vet!
5) Let your creativity run wild. You could choose funny cat names, cute cat names, famous cat names, cat names related to your hobbies…whatever it is that appeals to you!
6) Look to your cat’s appearance for inspiration. It may take a while for your new cat to warm up and reveal its true personality,and as your cat gets bigger, its behavior may change. Your cat’s appearance, meanwhile, is much more likely to stay the same. For example, Oreo is a great name for a black and white cat.
7) Look to your cat’s breed for inspiration. For example, you could pick a Thai name if you’re looking for Siamese cat names, a Scottish name if you’re looking for names for your Scottish Fold or a Persian name for your Persian cat.
8) Consult pet naming books and websites for ideas. These resources will suggest hundreds if not thousands of possibilities ranging from the most popular to more unique cat names.
9)Let your cat guide you. Create a shortlist of names that you like and then try calling them out to your cat. Its response may help you pick the perfect one!
10) Be respectful – names that demean your cat are a no-no.
If you adhere to these cat naming guidelines, chances are you won’t go wrong. And if you do go wrong…don’t worry, you won’t be the first person in history to change their cat’s name. I should know!