With so many great and inspired monikers out there, I’m always surprised when people go with totally mundane or inappropriate cat names.
When it comes to naming a cat, you want to choose something that is unique and will suit their personality completely.
There are often lists for adventurous cats and even ones for those who like to nap all day, but there are some names you shouldn’t call your cat.
This could be for a lot of reasons, such as choosing a name lots of people have already used.
No one likes to be a sheep, especially when there’s the option to be a shepherd!
Of course, the names on this list can still be used, but people often frown against using them nowadays, especially when there are lots of options available.
These are the top 10 names you probably shouldn’t give your cat when you’re trying to find inspiration.
Top 10 Most Inappropriate Cat Names
1. Kitty
The reason why this name is on the list is that it is quite plain and boring. There is no creativity here as it relates directly to the word kitten.
If you want to choose a good name, you can often look for inspiration online, such as with our website. Kitty is just so passe, after all!
2. Tigger
We all used to love watching Winnie the Pooh
After all, a cat and a tiger are very different from each other and we can guarantee there are a lot of cats who have been called Tigger already.
If you want a Winnie-inspired name, why not choose one of the lesser-known characters such as Roo, the baby kangaroo?
3. Fluffy
This is a generic name for a cat who is extremely fluffy, and it is quite boring.
The same goes for Fluff or Puffy, which are just synonyms for Fluffy. It is a name which has been used time and time again, so try to choose something more interesting.
4. Mittens
Personally, I’m not a fan of choosing clothing items to name a cat after.
It just doesn’t sound right and while Mittens might sound cute, not everyone will understand it.
In fact, I can’t even remember the last time someone called their cat by this name, which makes me believe it is old fashioned.
5. Tabby
Tabby is a name many have used to describe the cats with the coloring of the same name, but there is nothing different or unique about this.
It’s too easy to name a cat Tabby and is a little generic as well.
If you love the name, why not go with Tabitha (a fab name for black cats, by the way) and nickname her Tabby?
6. Lucky
This name may be slightly more common among dogs than cats, but it is still a name which has been used too many times.
While some people may see cats as lucky for having nine lives, and in some cases they are lucky, it isn’t a great name choice.
7. Max
If we had a dollar for every time someone named their cat or dog Max, we would be extremely rich.
I’m not sure when everyone decided this was a great name or if it was inspired by a famous movie, but it isn’t very creative.
The short name may be popular because it is simple, but we suggest staying away from it.
8. Boots
Similar to Mittens, this is another clothing item which doesn’t make a great name for a cat.
We can understand where the inspiration came from, which is Puss in Boots
After all, you wouldn’t go around naming your cat heels or sneakers, would you?
9. Puss
As mentioned above, Puss in Boots is a character who was made popular in the Shrek franchise
It is another one of those old-fashioned names which have slowly died out.
10. Midnight
When people own a black cat, they immediately go for a name that describes their black fur and sometimes that name is Midnight.
This name, in particular, has often been used in the past, but it is s common and you would be better off choosing something more unique.
For example, why not call a cat after one of the mythological goddesses of the night such as Nyx.
These names are inappropriate in the sense that they’re a little over-used or archaic. There’s a whole different level of inappropriate, though, and I think we should talk about that quickly!
Truly Offensive Cat Names
I’m not going to give you a list of offensive cat names, because there are so many out there. Instead, let’s talk about naming conventions to avoid.
1. Foul language names
Please don’t use “foul” language to name your cat. It’s just so uncouth. Plus, it’s not fair to your vet, who will have to yell out things like “is Shi**y Kitty here?”
I’m sure you can guess what’s behind the stars, it rhymes with “kitty.”
3. Names that demean your cat
I detest when people name their cats something like “Stupid” or “Idiot.” If you think so low of your kitty, then you shouldn’t be a cat owner.
Sorry if that sounds harsh, but cats deserve people who love and respect them, not demean them.
3. Racist and derogatory names that demean others
I am disgusted when I see someone using a racist term as a name for a cat.
I can’t even bring myself to type them out, but I’ve heard some despicable names for black cats as well as Siamese cats and others that originated in Asia.
As you can see, there are quite a few names which shouldn’t be used for cats anymore and some that never should have been used in the first place.
Think of this as a kind of “what not to name your cat” guide, and instead choose from one of the million other appropriate names!
I agree with this post. I mean, can’t some cat parents do more research in choosing a nice name for their cat? There are so many cute names really! If I had a cat, I’d give it a Japanese name, “Kiyomi” which means “pure beauty”
These names are definitely not appropriate for cats. Yet to see a cat have any of these names.
I think giving a name to an animal should be a unique venture. Give them a name that you find interesting and different and not trying to find something so generic. This is an interesting list.
I had a friend who worked at a vet and she definitely had some opinions about people who named their cats offensive or just plain stupid names. So true!
I have a beautiful black bombay, his name is Shyama Bhutu (Boo) which means black devil, which as a kitten was very apt and as a little old boy, still is. You can usually only name them once so give them one you love as much as you’re going to love them!