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Garfield, Tigger, or Max? 

Searching for cat names is a fun activity , but with so many names to choose from , it can also be a challenge!  The most important thing to remember is to choose a name that you think is great and that also works for your cat’s  look and personality. With this in mind, we’ve put together10 cat naming tips to help inspire you and keep you on the right track :

1) Make sure you know your cat’s gender.  This may sound like a very obvious tip but many cat owners have suddenly realized, sometimes years down the line, that their ‘Jack’ is actually a ‘Jill’!

2) Short cat names are often best.  One or two syllable names are easiest to call out and for your cat to understand.  If you really want a lengthy name like Spartipuss, make sure it can be shortened for everyday use, and that you like the shortened name.

3) Stay away from cat names that sound like commands.   Believe it or not, cats are trainable!   If you would like to teach your cat tricks or commands, don’t choose names such as “Fletch”, which sounds very much like “Fetch”.

4) Don’t decide on a cat name that you will be humiliated to call out in public.  I named one of my first childhood pets, a calico cat, “Chocolate Fart Bum”.  It was immediately changed to “Chocky” when my mother took her for her first trip to the vet!You could choose humorous cat names, cute cat names, regal cat names, cat names related to your interests…whatever it is that sounds good to you!  

5) Let your creativity  run wild.

6) Let your cat’s appearance inspire you. It may take you a while to learn your new cat’s true personality,and as your cat grows,  its behavior may change.  Your cat’s appearance, on the other hand, is much more likely to stay the same. For instance, Oreo is a great name for a black and white cat.

7) Use your cat’s breed for inspiration.  For example, you could pick a Thai name if you’re looking for Siamese cat names, a Scottish name if you’re looking for names for your Scottish Fold or a Persian name for your Persian cat.

Consult pet naming books and websites for ideas. These resources will give you countless ideas ranging from the most popular to more unique cat names.

9)Consult your cat to see how it responds. Compile a shortlist of names that you like and then try calling them out to your cat.  Its’ response could help you pick the perfect one!

10) Be respectful – names that demean your cat are a no-no.

If you adhere to these cat naming guidelines, chances are you won’t go wrong. And if you do go wrong…don’t worry, you won’t be the first person in history to change their cat’s name. I should know!

Till next time …

Debbie Foster is the owner of Pet Beds Unlimited and an avid animal lover. You’ll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers, small dog beds, large dog beds, pet strollers and more at http://petbedsunlimited.com.