Unique & Cute Cat Name Ideas: Tips for the Perfect Choice

Adopting a cat is a big commitment that comes with quite a few decisions. You’ll need to choose the right litter, find the best food, pick a good veterinarian, and stock up on plenty of toys and other supplies to keep them happy. But one of the first and most important choices — after finding your cat, of course — is deciding on the perfect feline name.

Ideally, you’ll want a name that’s easy for your pet to recognize and easy for you to say. If you’re like many new cat owners, you might also want a name that’s unique, something that stands out from the usual pet names. Thankfully, there are plenty of unexpected sources for inspiration. We’ve got you covered with some tips for choosing the best moniker for your kitten or cat.

Don’t worry, new canine parents — we’ve got you covered too with dog name inspirations.

7 ideas for new cat names

With the right kind of thinking, you can find a great, one-of-a-kind name you’ll love.

1. Check out the most popular cat names

Some cat parents like the idea of giving their pet a name that reflects the times or is bound to be loved by all. Others may want to go in a different direction and avoid using a name that’s already popular. There’s no wrong answer here! Whatever your preference, here are some of the most popular pet names of 2024, based on Trupanion data:

• Bella
• Charlie
• Leo
• Daisy
• Lucy
• Luna
• Max
• Molly
• Oliver
• Willow

2. Acknowledge their hunter instincts

Your kitten may be cute and cuddly, but their inner instincts are that of a skilled and ferocious carnivore. Show respect to your pet’s athleticism and hunting prowess with a name that matches! Even if they’re just tracking every movement of a laser pointer, they’re still one cool cat.

• Arrow
• Hunter or Huntress
• Tracker
• Xena
• Athena or Artemis — in Greek mythology, goddesses of war and hunting
• Cernunnos — the god of hunters in Celtic mythology
• Odin or Ullr — Norse gods renowned for the hunting skills
• Aurora, Dawn, Sage or Meadow — anything nature-related could be a good option here.

3. Go with literary inspiration

Looking forward to curling up with your cat and a good book? Why not give them a literary-inspired cat name! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Azrael — a gifted cat from Doctor Sleep
• Bagheera — from The Jungle Book
• Crookshanks or Mrs. Norris — from the Harry Potter series
• Greebo or Maurice — from the Discworld series
• Oliver — from Oliver Twist, which of course was adapted into the cat-starring film, Oliver & Company
• Tao — a Siamese cat from The Incredible Journey
• Tigger — the bouncy tiger from Winnie the Pooh
• Demeter, Macavity or Deuteronomy — from the works of T.S. Eliot, also the inspiration for the musical, Cats

4. Embrace pop culture

Why stop at books? The modern pop culture world is full of great name ideas for cats! While you could always go with the name of your favorite superhero, singer, or TV detective, there are a lot of feline characters in movies, shows, and other creative works to be inspired by:

• Cheshire or Dinah — from Alice in Wonderland
• Duchess or Thomas O’Malley — or any of the kitties in The Aristocats
• Jones — from Alien and Aliens
• Garfield — from the titular comic strip and associated franchise
• Salem — from Sabrina, the Teenage Witch
• Simba, Nala, Scar, Mufasa, Sarabi — or any of the other characters from The Lion King
• Thackery Binx or just “Binx” — from Hocus Pocus

While you’re at it, check out these cat-centric movies to watch with your new feline friend.

5. Think about your favorite foods

If you frequent the feline-obsessed side of social media, you may have noticed candy and food names for cats have grown popular in recent years. And why shouldn’t they? These names are fun and cute, and they honor your cat’s quirky nature. Besides, many cats love treats of all kinds, even if they can’t eat everything we can.

• Cappucino
• Candy Cane
• Cookie
• Kiwi
• Oreo
• Mocha
• Mochi
• Rigatoni (can always shorten to “Toni”)
• S’mores (the perfect choice for a calico cat!)
• Snacks
• Snickers
• Wasabi
• Sugar and Spice (a pair suggestion for those adopting two cats at once!)

6. Honor your cat’s colors

Part of the beauty of cats as a species is the variation in their appearances. Whether a breathtaking deep black, unique orange, playful tabby, or any other number of colorful combinations, your cat’s coloring may be unique as their personality. So, why not pay homage to it via their name? Here are some ideas to get going:

• Cobalt (for cats with stunning blue eyes)
• Ebony
• Emerald (for those brilliant green-eyed kitties)
• Cream
• Checkers
• Ginger
• Molasses
• Powder
• Pumpkin
• Smokey
• Midnight
• Marble

7. Consider classic cat names

Society as a whole has shifted somewhat away from former common cat names, like Fluffy. So, if anything, going with something in this area could be a way for your kitty to stand out! In addition to the aforementioned Fluffy, some classic cat names include:

• Mittens
• Tigger
• Whiskers
• Socks
• Smokey (popular for gray cats)
• Felix
• Cleo
• Luna
• Misty
• Boots

Many of these names also happen to be from popular works of literature and art in human history. They're timeless!

Narrowing down the best cat name

Still trying to decide? Remember that this is a name you’re going to have to say daily. So, practice saying names you’re considering out loud, in different tones. Food-inspired names for cats are funny and popular, for instance, but calling out “Large Pepperoni Pizza!” multiple times a day might get old fast. Or, you may find that you love it!

You may also want to make a list and get the opinions of others, especially those who are going to be around your cat frequently. And, if you’re really stuck, you can always pick your top favorites and simply flip a coin or roll some dice.

Either way, avoid changing your cat’s name once you’ve established it with them. Cats can (and do) learn their names, and making changes can confuse them or even cause unnecessary stress. At the end of the day, choosing the right cat name is as much for them as it is for you.

Set your new cat up for success

Selecting a name for your new kitten or cat is obviously a top priority. But when welcoming a new furry friend into your family, there are a few other things you’ll need. Prioritize their growth and development by having the right kitten supplies, finding a veterinarian and keeping up with routine care, making sure your cat gets daily exercise, and feeding them healthy meals.

You’ll also want to look into cat insurance if you have not done so already. Learn how Trupanion kitten insurance is designed to set your new pet up for a long, healthy life!