11 Ginger Cat Names for your Tiger

Bringing home your new Ginger kitty is exciting; the only thing that might compare to that excitement is giving them a name.

You’ll probably be using the name for your Garfield cat breed for at least the next decade, so you’d better make sure your cat likes it!

Once you’ve chosen your new ginger cat name, there are still more exciting things to come. Next comes the shopping. Your cat deserves to be spoilt, so you’ll need to get on that ASAP. You get to choose a bed/throne for them, pick out some cat toys, and find the best kitten food. 

As you can tell, being a cat parent requires many important decisions. For now, let’s dive into one of your first. Here are my favorite names for your new ginger baby.

Ginger Cat Names – Will my Cat Even Notice?

Sure humans get excited about cat names – but does our kitty even know its own name let alone care? Research shows that domesticated cats do know and recognise their names.

The research was appropriately carried out by the University of Tokyo (home to many cat cafes which were actually used in this study) and was published in the well-reputed journal Nature.

It had been well known that domesticated cats were more vocal than wild cats and that a domesticated cat’s behaviour is influenced by their owners’ mood and facial expressions.

But considering that humans began domesticating cats about 9,500 years ago it is about time a more in-depth study was done about whether our cats even knew their own names.

The study worked with 78 different cats across single and multi-cat homes as well as in cat cafes. The study found that most cats are able to distinguish their names from similar-sounding words and from other cat names.

The evidence of this was that the cats perked up when they heard their names and responded by moving their heads, meowing and wiggling their ears.

This result was witnessed when both their owners and strangers used their names. And the results were similar in multi-cat households where cats didn’t react to the names of other cats in their homes but did when their name was used.

Naming a cat gives it an individual identity and helps to build a relationship between cat and owner. And you can help your cat to learn its own name by avoiding using too many nicknames, particularly when they are younger.

Key Things to Think About when Naming your Cat

1. Your Cat’s Appearance

The color of your cat or its markings can help you make a choice. Irish cat names are fantastic for matching with the color of your cat. I’ve listed several different options for Ginger cat names below based on their colour.

Look at your kitty’s shape as well – is he sleek or solid? Pointy ears or flat back ears? Fluffy or sleek? Think about the concept of Onomatopoeia. This is when a word looks like what it describes.

2. The Personality of your Cat

A great cat name may reflect your cat’s personality. This can be difficult with a new cat as of course you haven’t gotten to know them yet and your cat may be very young so its personality is still developing. Take a few days to observe your new kitty and see what it is like.

If your cat loves to climb and explore how about Everest?

3. Your Cat’s Breed

Breeds can provide name ideas. How about Whiskey for your ginger Scottish Fold Cat?

4. Keep the name Short

You will use your cat’s name an awful lot – so the fewer the syllables the better. Also, this will be easier for your cat to absorb and remember.

Plus it is likely that you will be introducing your cat to friends, family, vets and others so a shorter name is easier for everyone to understand and remember.

5. Don’t choose a name that is bigger than your cat

Aslan might not be the best bet if your ginger cat is a Munchkin.

6. The name should have longevity

It may seem hilarious to give your cat a lengthy name when you first get it but you may well tire of calling this name out and sharing it with others.

7. Be nice

Names that aren’t terribly flattering to your feline will most likely tire quickly.

8. Make sure it fits with other cats in your household

Food is a great opportunity to develop matching names for cats in your household – like Ginger and Spice. Or Paprika and Cumin. Or Elsa and Olaf. So many good combinations and options!

What if I choose the wrong name?

I know I let you know that your cat does learn its name but if you choose to change your cat’s name after a few weeks it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

There is no evidence one way or the other as to what happens when a new owner changes the name of an older cat eg if you were to get a rescue kitty who was already several years old. I would suggest trying your name of choice and giving it a few months to stick and then making a decision from there.

11 Gorgeous Ginger Cat Names

1. Rascal

This name might be a bit on the nose for some mischievous kitties, but it’s just too cute. Even the most docile cat can get up to plenty of trouble and be, as this name suggests, a Rascal. Nicknames like Callie and Ras are also adorable.

2. Tigger

Inspired by the energetic and boisterous character in Winnie the Pooh, this name is a popular choice for your ginger boy. You can even call him Tigs for short!

3. Ollie

This sweet name is great for a ginger boy (or a girl). Short for either Oliver or Olivia, it’s a versatile name that’ll grow with your cat. Plus, when calling your cat, you’ll get to practice your yodeling skills.

4. Penny

If you’re looking for a cute name for your little ginger lady, I can’t think of a better choice than Penny. And to make the name even better, most pennies are an orange-red color.

5. Garfield

This list wouldn’t be complete without the name of the famous lasagne-loving cat, Garfield. Give your kitty the name of this popular ginger Persian tabby from the renowned comics.

6. Gingerbread

Adorable, sweet, and with plenty of health benefits, this name is perfect for your new kitten. You can also try out nicknames like Ginger and Gingy. Plus, when your cat goes into loaf position, the second half of the name will be fitting.

7. Leo

Leo is a star sign, a constellation, represented by a lion, associated with the element fire and the perfect name for your new ginger. This name is short and sweet, but it’ll definitely make an impact. You’re inviting a little lion into your living room, so why not give him a name to match?

8. Pumpkin

This food-inspired name not only makes a great title but also works wonderfully as a term of endearment. It can even be lengthened to Pumpkin Pie. Cat names for gingers don’t get much cuter than this.

9. Merida

This Disney hero from Brave is pretty incredible, boasting red hair and a killer attitude. If you’re bringing home a ginger princess, this name is perfect. You’ll definitely want to invest in a proper throne for your royal kitty though.

10. Ruby

Rubies symbolize plenty of things: love, the sun, and preserving physical and mental health. While naming your cat Ruby won’t fight off illness, it’s a gorgeous name, and who doesn’t love rubies? Plus, some studies even show that cats can help with mental health.

11. Rusty

In most situations, something rusty won’t make you happy. But when you call it out, and your happy ginger kitten comes running, just try not to smile. This reddish coating of iron oxide makes for a unique name for your kitty.

If none of these names suits your new orange cat, you can always try some of the suggestions below.

Famous Ginger Cat Names

Ginger cats, lions, and tigers have been the stars of many pop culture films, tv-series, and books. Here are a few well-known kitties to give you naming inspiration.

• Aslan – The lion from The Chronicles of Narnia
• Brian – From the cartoon Top Cat
• Crookshanks – Hermione Granger’s pet cat from Harry Potter
• Dinah – From Alice in Wonderland
• Goose – From Captain Marvel
• Hobbes – The cat from Calvin & Hobbes
• Nala – The heroine of The Lion King
• Oliver – From Oliver & Company
• Orion – From the movie Men In Black
• Puss in Boots – The cute kitty from Shrek
• Rajah – From the Disney movie Aladdin
• Shere Khan – The antagonist from The Jungle Book
• Simba – From The Lion King
• Thomas O’Malley – From The Aristocats
• Tony – The mascot for Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes breakfast cereal
• Toulouse – From the Disney movie The Aristocats

Irish-Inspired Names for Ginger Cats

Typically, red or orange hair is associated with being Irish (or sometimes even Scottish). And there are some beautiful Irish names that make great cat names. Below are some Irish cat names for your ginger.

• Aiden
• Bailey
• Clancy
• Finley
• Finn/ Fionn
• Flannery
• Flynn
• Gallagher
• Keegan
• Lia
• Molly Malone
• Orla
• Patrick/ Paddy
• Rohan
• Roisin (Pronounced “Ro-sheen”)
• Rooney
• Rory
• Sheena
• Shannon
• Sinead

Ginger Cat Names Inspired by Food

There are plenty of red or orange foods that make fantastic and unique ginger cat names. Check out some of these popular salty and sweet foods that make excellent cat food names. And while we’re talking about food, why not get your new kitty some tasty treats.

• Apple
• Apricot
• Biscuit
• Butterscotch
• Cantaloupe
• Caramel
• Carrot Top
• Cheddar
• Cheeto
• Cherry
• Chilli
• Cinnamon
• Citrus
• Clementine
• Dorito
• Fanta
• Ginger
• Honey
• Macaroni
• Maple
• Marmalade
• Marmite
• Nacho
• Nectarine
• Nutmeg
• Orange
• Paprika
• Peaches
• Pringle

Cute Cat Names for Ginger Cats

Whether they’re sleeping, playing, purring, or trying to coax some food out of you, ginger cats are cute. Here are some names ideal for your adorable feline companion.

• Alvin
• Amber
• Annie
• Ariel
• Aspen
• Autumn
• Blaze
• Chrome
• Copper
• Ember
• Firefox
• Flame
• Goldfish
• Hazel
• Hunter
• Leaf
• Maple
• Marigold
• Nemo
• Poppy
• Red
• Rusty
• Scarlet
• Sunrise
• Tango
• Whiskey

Cool Ginger Cat Names

If you’re looking for a name that’ll make your house guests jealous, you’ll need a cool name. Read on to find some of the coolest and most badass names for ginger cats.

• Andesine
• Bourbon
• Brick
• Carnation
• Carnelian
• Chipmunk
• Clay
• Copper
• Coral
• Cuprite
• Elmo
• Garnet
• Gingham
• Magenta
• Max
• Pavlova
• Pyrope
• Quartz
• Ribbons
• Sard
• Sardonyx
• Scorch
• Sparks
• Spinel
• Stockings
• Sunflower
• Twitch
• Yolk