What do Garfield, Simba, and Puss in Boots have in common? Well, they’re all cats in famous movies, after whom you may want to name your own precious feline!
It can be hard to choose a name for your new kitten. Many people go for something that references their cat’s appearance or their personality. Movie cat names are a more subtle way to do this and can also bring back good memories.
These monikers are creative and make major talking points when you introduce your cat. Take a look at some of the best movie cat names right here.
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Movie 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. 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.
A quiet and shy cat won’t suit the name Tigger.
3. Your Cat’s Breed
Breeds can provide name ideas. How about Richard Parker for a Himalayan 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 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 such as Scar.
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 Garfield and Odie. Or Pooh and Tigger. 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 Popular Movie Cat Names
Across the decades, there have been some remarkable felines on the big screen who’ve stolen our hearts. Why not pay tribute to them and name your cat after them?
1. Simba
This trendy name comes from Disney’s The Lion King. Simba hints at your cat’s playful and openhearted nature since Simba befriends animals from all species and loves to run around with his friends.
But, as the King of Pride Rock’s name, ‘Simba’ also exudes majesty and courage. It’s an excellent choice for a cat who rules the house (from a tall cat scratching post, that is).
2. Cheshire Cat
The cat with a huge grin that appears in Alice in Wonderland is another popular inspiration for names.
In the book’s original illustrations, the Cheshire Cat is an orange tabby, while in the Disney film, he’s pink and purple. In the Tim Burton movie, though, the cat is grey and rather creepy-looking. So this is a name that is appropriate for fur babies of either color.
3. Crookshanks
Is your kitty smart, brave, and fiercely loyal? He might answer to ‘Crookshanks.’ Crookshanks first appears in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as the feline who pursues murderer Pettigrew (who is disguised as a rat). He’s also playful and loves to purr in Hermione’s lap.
Crookshanks is a ginger cat described as a small tiger. If your cat answers this description, this may also be a suitable name.
4. Shere Khan
Is your furbaby a bit of a rule-breaker? Or perhaps a serial hunter? Shere Khan is the ruthless King of the Jungle in The Jungle Book who vows to kill Mowgli. His dislike of humans derives from his fear of human weaponry. So, if you have a skittish rescue, this may be an option.
5. Puss in Boots
This fierce, charismatic kitty stole our hearts as soon as he burst onto the screen in Shrek 2. So much so that he even got his own spin-off film Puss in Boots. This name is for a cat with a tough exterior who’s not afraid to turn up the wide-eyed cuteness when he wants something.
6. Baby
There could be no Bringing up Baby without the eponymous leopard. Starring Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn, the film is full of glamour. Baby is a tame leopard sent to the heroine Susan from Brazil.
Is your feline fierce on the outside but super tame and loving on the inside? If so, this moniker is worth considering.
7. Richard Parker
If your cat is entirely in touch with his wild instincts yet companionable, try calling him ‘Richard Parker’. This is the tiger in Life of Pi who is stranded on a lifeboat with Pi.
Although Richard Parker is somewhat dangerous and returns to the wild, the two become close enough to cuddle. One of the most appropriate movie cat names for a furbaby that’s gone for hours before he returns to sit on your lap.
8. Tigger
If you grew up with Winnie the Pooh, then you may want to name your kitty cat after Pooh’s friend, Tigger. The tiger is full of fun and energy and is a loyal companion. This is also a fitting name for a cat with stripes on its fur. ‘Tigger’ is a cuter, catchier spin on ‘tiger’.
9. Master Tigress
Master Tigress is the tiger voiced by Angelina Jolie in Kung Fu Panda. One of the Famous Five, she’s full of confidence, believing that she is the only one who can defeat Tai Lung.
Call her ‘Master Tigress’ if your feline has a powerful aura and feels the need to protect you or demonstrates some impressive moves when playing with her toys.
10. Cat
‘Cat’ is what Holly (Audrey Hepburn) calls the ginger stray she adopts. She refuses to name and fully accept the cat until the end when, in an unforgettable scene, Holly and her love interest run after him in the rain. This is symbolic of Holly finding a sense of belonging.
If you’re living on your own for the first time or getting a cat a significant milestone, this is a meaningful movie cat name. You could also name your furbaby after Orangey, the famous actor feline who played Cat.
11. Garfield
Do you have a kitty cat with a larger-than-life personality who loves to indulge in some creamy lasagna? There’s no doubt that he’s your Garfield.
The adorable Garfield first appeared in comics before making his way to the big screen in the eponymous films. He’s always getting up to trouble, has a hilarious sense of sarcasm, and seems to put himself first. A fantastic name for a cat with a healthy amount of pride who rules your roost!
More Movie Cat Names
Still not sure about what to call your cat? No problem, I’ve got a few more ideas right here.
Names of Pet Cats in Movies
There sure are some charismatic domestic cats on the big screen. Here are just a few:
- Duchess (Babe)
- Goose (Captain Marvel)
- Si and An (Lady and the Tramp)
- Keanu (Keanu)
- Ulysses (Inside Llewyn Davis )
- Mrs. Norris (Harry Potter)
- Fat Louie (The Princess Diaries)
Names of Wild Cats in Movies
Has your cat more of a fierce streak? Try one of these wild cat movie names.
- Elsa (Born Free)
- Scar (The Lion King)
- Bagheera (The Jungle Book)
- Aslan (The Chronicles of Narnia)
- Diego (Ice Age)
Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.