“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other word would smell as sweet.” ~Shakespeare
You are the proud parent of a new fur baby. And, like any new baby, this little bundle of energy needs a fitting name. Sure, you can call your new kitten blacky, or fluffy, or Spot (Star Trek, anyone?) but like naming a human baby, you want to give your new addition something unique. It must be a name that fits their personality. But how do you decide on a name that is purr-fect?
How to Choose Your Kitten’s Name
While there are no exact rules you must follow in selecting your kitten’s name, there are some factors that can make it easier.
- Personality – Is your kitten playful? Perhaps they like morning better than evenings. Do they seem content to sit on a perch and observe? How much do they sleep? Any of these factors can help you determine a name.
- Looks – No, you can’t judge a cat by its fur, but its coloring or amount of hair can lend itself to the naming. For instance, a cat with a significant amount of fur could easily be name Fluffy, while an orange cat might be dubbed O.J. (for orange juice).
- Age – Your cat won’t always be a kitten, so you might opt for a name your kitten can grow into. After all, you will be calling for your cat for a long time!
- Keep it simple – Pets do better with short names, i.e. Those with no more than 2 syllables. This is because long names with several syllables or names that are difficult to pronounce can cause your cat to become confused and never really learn its name.
- Household names – Don’t choose a cat name that rhymes or sounds like other pet or human names in the household. You want your cat to know they are being called.
- Look to literature or movies – Books, movies, podcasts, comic books, TV shows, etc. are great resources for pet names. Pick a character whose personality or appearance reminds you of your cat and there you have- your cat’s name!
- Names that represent a hobby – Look to cook? Perhaps name your white kitten Flour or Sugar. Do a lot of gardening? Then Daisy, Rosey, or Dahlia. Love to go hiking? Then maybe Boots.
- Be sensible – Naming your cat with a play on words or its appearance is fine but remember that you will be calling your cat by said name in public- be it at the airport, the vet, or your favorite pet supply store. Think about how those around you will receive the name.
If you still need inspiration for your kitten’s name, go online. There are numerous sites with popular pet names. Or you may even want to consult a baby name’s book- after all, there’s no rule that says you can’t give a cat a people name!
So, what will you name your cat? Have a unique pet name? We would love to hear about it. After all, as longtime pet lovers and animal sitters, we have certainly heard our share of pet names!
