Naming a cat sounds easy until it isn’t. You’ll find yourself scrolling endless lists, trying names out loud, and wondering if Lord Fluffy McFlufferson is really too much for a tabby.
In the last year, food names exploded, vintage names came roaring back, and anime characters found their way onto collars. It’s a glorious chaotic mix of cats called everything from Elizabeth Taylor to Wimbledon.
But before we get into this year’s trends on cat names, let’s see what monikers ruled in 2025!
Top cat names in 2025
Every year, pet parents get creative when naming their cats, and 2025 was no exception. These names made it to the top of the list!
- Luna
- Kitten
- Mochi
- Milo
- Leo
- Nala
- Coco
- Simba
- Daisy
- Momo
Based on Knose Pet Insurance claims data.
What’s happening with cat names in 2026?
Cat names are getting bolder, quirkier, and a little bit sassier this year. Ordinary names just won’t do for our clever furry companions! 2026 is shaping up to mix classic favourites with surprising new trends.
Names from your family tree are cool again
Theodore, Clementine, Agnes. Taylor Swift’s been doing this for years with Meredith and Olivia, and now everyone else caught on. Cat parents want names with history. Your ragdoll might be three months old, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be named little baby Ruth.
Anime and gaming reference
Luna is still the queen of cat names (thank you, Harry Potter and Sailor Moon). Totoro, Kirby, Zelda, and even Animal Crossing favourites are here to stay. If it made you laugh, cry, or binge-watch, chances are someone already named their cat after it.
Short, practical names
Mochi, Archie, Pepper. Two syllables you can yell across the flat or the park without losing your voice. They’re easy to remember and a no-brainer for your cat to respond to. Perfect for domestic shorthairs who enjoy a bit of extra attention.
Rock and pop icons
Music stars are leaving their mark on cat names in 2026. Names like Shakira and Mick Jagger are trending as cat owners take inspiration from their favourite icons and legends.
Nature-inspired
Names like Daisy and Thistle are gaining popularity. Cat parents are looking for calming, beautiful names that feel fresh and timeless.
Teaching your cat to recognise their name
Cats can learn their names, they just need the right motivation and a bit of patience!
- Keep it positive. You want your cat’s name to be linked to happy moments, not scolding. Say their name right before anything fun happens, like meals, treats, playtime, or cuddles. Over time, they will hear their name and think only good things are coming.
- Use the same tone each time. Keeping your voice consistent helps them recognise their name and understand that you are talking to them.
- Add a hand signal. Some cats respond better to visual cues, and it gives you a backup if they’re ignoring their name (which they often do, because cats).
- Be patient with senior cats. If you’ve adopted a senior cat with a previous name, they might take longer to adjust. Use their new name consistently, but don’t panic if they respond to the old one for a while.
- Find what actually motivates your cat. Not every cat is motivated by treats. Some love a quick play session with their favourite toy, while others just want a gentle scratch behind the ears. Try different rewards and see what makes them the happiest.
What your new cat needs
Before your cat arrives, you’ll want to get a few things organised. In Sydney, pets must be microchipped by 12 weeks old, but age requirements differ depending on your state.
Your vet will check your cat’s overall health, talk through vaccinations, and give you a schedule for any boosters they’ll need. Kittens get a series of shots in their first few months, which sounds like a lot but helps protect them from serious diseases.
If desexing hasn’t been done yet, your vet can advise on timing. Most rescues handle this before adoption, but if you’ve got a kitten from a breeder or a friend, let your vet take the reins.
You’ll also want to start flea and worm prevention pretty quickly. Even indoor cats can pick up fleas (they sneak in on shoes and trouser legs). In Australia, paralysis ticks are a real concern, so it’s worth chatting to your vet about what works best for your area.
Sort out pet insurance early. Knose Pet Insurance covers cats from eight weeks old, so you can protect your furry companion before any surprises happen. Vet bills can pile up if your cat gets into something naughty or needs ongoing treatment.
Ready to name your new cat?
Don’t stress too much! You’ll usually know right away if a name suits your cat once you meet them. Some just feel like a Basil or a Maple. And if it doesn’t quite fit? No worries! Kittens are pretty adaptable, and you can always tweak it in the first few weeks.
The name you pick will be with you for many years, so choose one that feels like pure joy every time it rolls off your tongue. A name is only the start of all the memories you’ll make together!
