How to choose a name for your orange cat
Orange cats and their names
Orange cats have a reputation. They are known as friendly, food-motivated, a little goofy and completely fearless, and the internet jokes that every orange cat shares a single brain cell. Whether or not that is fair, it gives you plenty to work with when naming one. Most orange tabbies are male (estimates usually say around four out of five), but plenty of names suit any orange cat.
The easiest place to start is the colour. Orange foods and spices, like Marmalade, Pumpkin, Ginger, Butterscotch and Saffron, are classic for a reason. Fiery and autumn names, like Blaze, Rusty, Amber and Sienna, suit a bold cat. And funny names inspired by orange things, like Traffic Cone or Highlighter, are perfect for a cat with big personality.
Pick a name your cat can learn
- Keep the everyday name short. One or two syllables, such as Leo, Rusty or Mango, is easiest to recognise.
- Use a happy, slightly higher voice when you say it; many cats respond better to that.
- Pair the name with good things like treats, dinner and play so it means something nice.
- Avoid names that sound like words you say all the time, such as “no” or “down”.
- If you choose a long or grand name, like Sir Butterscotch, have a short version ready.
Match the name to the cat
Spend a few days watching your new cat before you decide. A cat who follows the sunshine around the house might be Sunbeam or Sun Puddle. A cat who eats anything that is not nailed down is clearly a Cheddar or a Nacho Cheese. A dignified, calm cat might deserve Winston or Sebastian. Kittens change quickly, so choose a name that will still fit when they are fully grown.
Names for two orange cats
Orange cats often come in pairs from the same litter, and matching names are half the fun. Try two foods (Pumpkin and Butterscotch), two spices (Saffron and Paprika), two autumn months (October and November) or a grand name paired with a silly one (Sir Marmalade and Traffic Cone). Pick names that start with different sounds so each cat can tell when you mean them, and so you can tell them apart when shouting from the kitchen.
The same idea works for an orange cat joining a home with other pets: choose a name that sounds clearly different from everyone else’s.
Avoid famous cartoon cats
There are a few very famous orange cartoon cats, and many people reach for their names. An original name is more fun, makes your cat easier to find at the vet or in a lost-pet listing, and avoids sharing a name with a trademarked character. This generator sticks to food, nature, classic and funny names for exactly that reason.
Try it out
Use the generator above to build a shortlist, star your favourites, and say them out loud at dinner time. Notice which one gets a reaction, or simply which one makes you smile. Then use it consistently, and add it to your cat’s microchip record and ID tag.