Adopting a new kitten is an exciting event in a family. It’s an honor and a responsibility to take care of a kitten as it grows into a healthy adult cat. Along with making sure the new kitten has food, bowls, a bed, and maybe a little collar, there’s another item on the to-do list — giving the new kitty a name.
It may seem like an easy task, but your new kitten will quickly learn to respond to this name, so choose well. We have hopefully made it easier for you by combing through lists of popular cat names to create this list. We’ve included ten names for female kittens and ten names for male kittens, although many are gender-neutral. Some of the names included on this list are popular for certain cat breeds, while others relate to the color of a cat’s fur.
Cute Names for Female Kittens
A kitten’s whiskers are as wide as its body.
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#10: Callie
When you think of the word cute, a calico kitten may pop into your mind. Callie is just one of the many cute kitten names for a calico cat. Did you know most calico cats are female? This makes the name especially appropriate for a female kitten. Calico is not a cat breed. It is a description of the patchwork of colors in their coats. So, the name Callie is a reflection of the black, orange, and white colors of a calico cat’s coat.
#9: Ebony
Ebony is a popular name for a black cat of any breed. It could also be used for a Burmese kitten with a shiny sable coat. Their coat is such a deep shade of brown, it makes it difficult to see them at night. Good thing Burmese kittens and cats have glowing gold or yellow eyes.
#8: Tabby
Tabby is a more gender-neutral option, although some people may think it’s a shortened version of the name Tabitha. However, the name tabby can also refer to this cat’s coloration. Like calico, tabby doesn’t describe a breed of a cat. It describes the spotted, swirled, or striped pattern of its fur. One common feature of tabby cats is the M-shaped pattern of fur above their eyes.
#7: Lynx
When searching for cute kitten names for an American bobtail or a Manx, consider Lynx. American bobtails and Manxes are some of the few cat breeds with very short, bobbed tails. Their bobtails make these domesticated cats look a little like wild lynxes.
#6: Jade
If you have a female Persian kitten in need of a name, why not Jade? It’s a popular name for one of the most beautiful cat breeds. Persian cats have thick, luxurious fur from head to tail. However, it is their eyes that make this female kitten’s name so popular. Silver and golden Persian cats can have green or bluish green eyes like the gemstone.
#5: Savannah
What better name for a girl kitten belonging to the Savannah breed than Savannah? The Savannah is one of the most unique hybrid breeds. It is a cross between an African serval and a domesticated cat. The Savannah breed has the appearance of a wild cat with its pointed ears, and light brown or silver fur covered with black spots. However, if you have a Savannah kitten, you know these are gentle, affectionate felines that love to be around people.
#4: Cleo
Cleo is another very popular girl kitten name. Cleo is short for Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen. Cleo is an apt name for the Abyssinian cat. In fact, with its slender body, large ears, and graceful movements, the Abyssinian looks the part of an Egyptian feline. Of course, it would also be a great fit for an Egyptian mau.
#3: Tuxie
Tuxie is a must-have on a list of cute kitten names. Tuxie is a fun choice for a tuxedo kitten of either gender, but it can be especially cute for a female. Like calico and tabby, tuxedo also is not a cat breed. Tuxedo describes a cat that has black and white fur. The typical tuxedo cat has black fur on its body and head, with splashes of white on its chest and paws. This black and white pattern makes it look like it’s wearing a formal tuxedo to a big party.
#2: Cashew
A Siamese kitten with its sparkling blue eyes and sweet nature is irresistible. Cashew is a popular name for female Siamese kittens. The Siamese is a cat breed that originated in Asia. Cashew nuts are a common ingredient in Asian recipes. So, why not give your girl Siamese kitten a cute name with a little bit of meaning behind it?
#1: Pepper
Do you have a Siberian kitten? The Siberian breed of cat is notable for its long, fluffy coat. Though Siberian cats have fur in a variety of colors, Pepper is a cute name for a female Siberian kitten with soft gray fur. Plus, if you add a pure white Siberian kitten to your family, you already have the perfect name for it — Salt!
Cute Names for Male Kittens
On average, kittens only weigh three to four ounces at birth.
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#10: Morris
Orange tabby kittens are a popular choice with households of all types. Morris is just one of many cute kitten names for orange tabby cats. Morris was the name of a famous orange tabby cat featured in cat food ads for years. He was so well-known, his picture made it onto t-shirts, hats, posters, and more.
#9: Midnight
Domestic shorthair kittens are a common sight in neighborhoods and homes across the country. Midnight is a cute name for a male kitten with a coat of glorious black fur. Of course, the name describes the color of this kitten’s fur, but it may also describe the period when this little kitty is most active.
#8: Cocoa
A male Burmese kitten is a special addition to any family. Look at a brown Burmese kitten and a cup of swirling cocoa and you’ll see why this is the perfect name. A Burmese kitten may have dark or light brown fur on its face and different shades of brown on the rest of its body. If you’re looking closely at the different brown cat breeds, the Burmese kitten makes for a sweet pet.
#7: Yeti
When making a mental list of cat breeds known for their thick fur, Himalayans are likely to leap to mind. Yeti is a popular name for a male Himalayan kitten. The Yeti is a tall, furry creature in folklore believed to roam the snowy Himalayan mountains. That’s why it’s such a popular name for this furry feline.
#6: Smokey
Smokey could be a good fit for a male Russian blue kitten. These cats have thick, solid coats of charcoal-grey fur. Smokey is a traditional name for grey cats, as it is descriptive of their smoke-colored fur, but it is also a bit mysterious — just like a Russian blue.
#5: Oreo
If Oreos are on your favorite cookie list, you are not alone! So, why not give this beloved name to a male tuxedo kitten? It describes the black and white pattern of your boy kitten in the most complimentary way.
#4: Rex
A male Siamese kitten needs a regal name to match its slow, majestic movements. The King of Siam was a big fan of this cat breed. Rex means “king” in Latin, so give your male Siamese the respect he will no doubt command.
#3: Blaze
The Cymric is a lesser-known cat breed. Cymric cats come in many fur colors, including deep orange or yellow with a reddish tinge. This makes the name Blaze well-suited for a Cymric male with orange-red fur. Of course, the name could also work for any cat with a fiery red coat.
#2: Chewy
Here is another cute kitten name that refers to a well-known character. Chewy is short for Chewbacca, a character in the Star Wars movies. Chewbacca has dark brown fur kind of like a Persian kitten. Persian kittens are so furry and cuddly they look almost like toys. However, these kittens are full of energy and curiosity. Chewy is a playful name for a boy kitten with personality to spare.
#1: Snickers
Tortoiseshell kittens are also popular pets, though tortoiseshell refers to a coat pattern, not a specific breed. A kitten with a traditional tortoiseshell pattern has swirls of orange and black fur. Some tortoiseshell cats are also mixed with white. Snickers could be a good fit since the popular candy bar’s mixture of caramel, peanuts, and chocolate resembles a tortoiseshell cat’s beautiful coat.
