Unusual Cat Names

Picking the right name for a new cat is extremely important. Usually, the cat will own his name for many years to come. and therefore the choice of a name needs to be not only suitable for now, but also appropriate in the future.

Many of the old favorites such as Tiddles, Felix and Tom have stood the test of time as they are simple, yet distinctive. When choosing a more unusual cat name it is worth remembering that shorter names, or at least names that can be shortened, are easier for your cat to learn.

Finding Unusual Cats Names

Finding inspiration for a unique name for your cat is half the battle. Luckily inspiration can come from almost anywhere. With the help of the Internet or some good books, some excellent unusual names can be found. These names can be used as they are, or personalized and customized to make them truly unique. By calling on film stars, music and literature for inspiration, there is always a special story on hand about how your cat got his unique name.

Now let's look for some naming inspiration.

Classic Film Stars.

Classic film stars from the early part of the last century offer a wealth of name ideas. Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Fatty Arbuckle are just a few that could be developed into unusual names. A funny little kitten would make a lovely Charlie Chaplin, a name that would get shortened as it got older to "Charlie" or "Chap". Moving forward into the middle of the last century, we have names such as Doris Day and Rock Hudson, two little kittens called Doris and Rock would be bound to cause comment!

Jazz and Blues

The great names from the world of jazz and blues are also a great form of inspiration. A little cat called Cat Calloway would delight Cab Calloway fans and devotees of the Cotton Club. Other wonderful names are Big Bill Broonzy, Jelly Roll Morton, Howling Wolf, and, of course, "Satchmo" Louis Armstrong.

Literature

Pick up any piece of classic literature and names will literally jump off the page. Jane Austen provides us with Mr. Darcy, the Bingleys and the Bennets. Wouldn’t a cat be proud to be called Colonel Fitzwilliam?

PG Wodehouse offers not only Jeeves and Wooster, but a whole cast of other great names. Barmy Fotheringay-Phipps and Major Brabazon-Plank. Don't forget Gussie Fink-Nottle, which is a fantastic name for a cat!

Ancient Myths and Legends

There are some great names combined with extremely interesting stories that can be found in ancient myths and legends. The Ancient Greeks bring us Hercules, Perseus and Bellerophon. There are websites dedicated to the ancient myths and legends of different civilizations, and these are a good source of names.

Other Ways of Finding Creative Cat Names

Online translation tools are an interesting way to find extremely unusual names – as well as presenting a great way to while away a few hours! Simply type in a word, pick a language and see what returns. The popular name Lucky, for instance, translates as Gelukkig (Dutch), Chanceux (French), Glücklich (German), Fortunato (Italian), Afortunado (Portugese) and Ffodus (Welsh). Even the most basic words sound interesting when translated, for example cat becomes Klicati in Solvenian.

More Inspiration

Inspiration for unusual cat names can be found even in the most mundane areas of life. Two little cats were blessed with the names Tibia and Fibula after the owner broke both the bones in her ankle. Another cat responds to Velcro, having been given the name as a kitten when he used to adhere to things in the same manner as Velcro™ tape.

Tips for Picking Cats Names

• Say the name aloud a few times. Will you be happy calling your cat in from the garden using this name?

• Long names are great and offer plenty of scope for the unusual, however they will need to be shortened. Will you really call your cat Master Ebenezer Shnukems by his whole name in a couple of year's time?

• Create your own name! Pick a few syllables from your favorite words and try putting them together. Some great new names can be created this way.

• Ignore what others think! This is your cat; if you like a name, then go for it! You and your cat are the only ones that really matter.

Picking an unusual name for a cat can be great fun, and it can be a source of pleasure for the entire family.