15. Garfield: The Lasagna-Loving Legend
Garfield is the quintessential name for any lazy, food-obsessed orange tabby who stares at you like you’re the reason Mondays exist. Popularized by the iconic comic strip that debuted in 1978, Garfield quickly became a household name, and every orange cat since has been living in his shadow. Naming your cat Garfield practically guarantees they’ll act like the boss of the house, demanding food while contributing absolutely nothing to household chores. The name is perfect for cats who spend 90% of their day lounging and the other 10% plotting how to steal your dinner. Bonus points if your Garfield literally glares at you while you eat lasagna—they’re just living up to their name.
14. Mittens: The Literal but Adorable Choice
Mittens is the name that proves we all have a soft spot for cats with cute little white paws. It’s the “dad joke” of cat names—so obvious, it’s actually kind of endearing. If you named your cat Mittens, chances are you didn’t overthink it, and honestly, respect for keeping things simple. This name peaked in the ‘80s and ‘90s, back when subtlety wasn’t exactly a requirement for pet names. Mittens is perfect for cats who are sweet, cuddly, and maybe a little clueless—like, “Why chase mice when I can chase my tail?”
13. Simba: The King of the Couch
After The Lion King hit theaters in 1994, Simba became the go-to name for orange cats everywhere. It’s a name that screams “majestic,” even if your cat’s version of ruling involves napping on your favorite chair. Perfect for adventurous or slightly dramatic felines, Simba lets your cat embrace their inner lion—even if their most ferocious act is knocking over your water glass. Let’s be real: this name is still riding on the Disney wave, and we’re all here for it. If your cat struts through the house like they own the place, Simba is the ultimate tribute to their royal attitude.
12. Tiger: The Feline That Thinks It’s Ferocious
Tiger is the ultimate name for a tabby cat who likes to pretend they’re a jungle predator trapped in suburbia. It’s been a popular choice since the ‘70s, back when naming your cat after a wild animal was all the rage. Owners love it because it gives their otherwise harmless furball a little edge—perfect for a cat whose fiercest prey is a shoelace. Tiger works for cats who strut around the house with swagger but lose all dignity the moment the vacuum turns on. If you’ve got a Tiger, chances are they think they’re the star of Planet Earth—but really, they’re the comic relief.
11. Felix: The Cartoon Cool Cat
Felix has been a top cat name ever since Felix the Cat became a cultural icon in the 1920s. This name screams vintage charm, making it perfect for cats who carry themselves with a certain debonair flair. Felix is for the feline who knows how to open the treat jar, find the comfiest spot in the house, and still look dapper doing it. If your cat is named Felix, they probably have a knack for knocking over breakable objects while looking you dead in the eye. Felix isn’t just a name—it’s an attitude, and your cat definitely owns it.
10. Shadow: The Sneaky Stealth Artist
Shadow is the name for cats who seem to materialize out of thin air—one second, they’re nowhere to be found, and the next, they’re staring at you from the top of the fridge. It’s a perfect fit for sleek, dark-coated cats or those with a penchant for sneaking up on you just to see you jump. Shadow surged in popularity in the ‘80s and remains a favorite for cats who think they’re part ninja, part secret agent. This is the kind of cat that acts like they have a mysterious backstory, even though they’ve never left your living room. If your Shadow likes to silently judge you from a distance, congrats—you’ve got a feline who lives up to their name.
9. Kitty: The Name That Just Stuck
Kitty is the name that feels like the placeholder you forgot to replace—and yet, somehow, it works. It’s been a staple for decades, proving that simplicity is sometimes all you need in a cat name. Perfect for cats of any personality, Kitty is for the pet owner who thought, “Why overcomplicate things when my cat doesn’t even come when called?” While it might not be the most creative choice, there’s something timeless about it, like a little black dress of pet names. If your cat’s name is Kitty, chances are they’re sweet, low-maintenance, and have you wrapped around their paw.
8. Pumpkin: Sweet, Cozy, and Just a Little Basic
Pumpkin is the ultimate name for orange cats—or really, any cat with a sweet personality and a soft spot for cozy naps. Popularized in the 2000s, it’s the go-to name for anyone who adopts a cat around Halloween and leans heavily into fall vibes. It’s the perfect name for a feline who curls up in warm spots, steals your blanket, and looks like they belong in a Pinterest photo shoot. Sure, it might be a little basic, but Pumpkin is cute enough to pull it off. Let’s face it: if your cat’s name is Pumpkin, they’re the reason your camera roll is 90% cat photos.
7. Luna: The Celestial Diva
Luna is the cat name that skyrocketed to fame in the 2010s, fueled by fans of Harry Potter, astrology, and witchy vibes. Meaning “moon” in Latin, Luna is perfect for sleek black cats, mystical-looking tabbies, or any feline who stares at you like they’ve seen the secrets of the universe. This is the name for cats who act like they’ve transcended earthly concerns—except when it’s time for dinner. Let’s be honest: every other cat at the vet these days is named Luna, but that doesn’t make it any less magical. If your Luna likes to sit in windowsills and bask in moonlight (or just nap there), she’s fully living up to her ethereal name.
6. Tigger: The House Cat with a Bounce
Tigger is the perfect name for a cat who refuses to chill, and it’s been a top pick since Winnie the Pooh made the character famous. This name is for cats who leap onto countertops, dash through rooms at lightning speed, and occasionally bounce off walls like they’re on an invisible trampoline. Tigger isn’t just a name—it’s an energy, and if your cat has it, you’ve probably already surrendered to their chaotic antics. Whether they’re chasing imaginary prey or attacking a ball of fluff, a Tigger cat never has a dull moment. Just don’t expect much peace and quiet—they’ll be bouncing straight into your heart (and possibly your fragile decor).
5. Oscar: The Grumpy but Lovable Sidekick
Oscar is the name for a cat with attitude. Inspired by Sesame Street’s grouchy trash can resident, it’s been a favorite for decades, especially for cats who can rock the “perpetual side-eye” look. If your cat’s name is Oscar, they’ve probably mastered the art of being sweet one minute and aloof the next. Perfect for tabbies or grumpy-faced cats, Oscar gives your feline a name that matches their complex (and often dramatic) personality. Deep down, though, every Oscar has a soft spot, even if they only show it at 2 a.m. when they curl up on your chest.
4. Whiskers: The Classic That’s Always Cute
Whiskers is one of those names that’s so simple, it’s genius. It’s been around for decades and remains a favorite for its endearing nod to one of a cat’s most defining features. If you named your cat Whiskers, you probably embrace the fact that your pet is unapologetically feline—there’s no need for a fancy name when “adorable” is written all over their face. This name suits playful, curious cats who are constantly sticking their whiskers where they don’t belong. It’s timeless, adorable, and a little bit cheesy, but honestly, isn’t that what makes it so great?
3. Oliver: The Gentleman of the Cat World
Oliver is the name that screams sophistication, and it’s been topping cat name charts for years. Inspired by Disney’s Oliver & Company, it’s particularly popular for orange tabbies but suits any cat with a mix of charm and mischief. If your cat’s name is Oliver, they probably think they’re the star of your home—a debonair feline who expects the finest treats and the coziest spots to nap. This name is perfect for cats who strut through the house with confidence, always keeping an eye on their “kingdom.” Whether they’re causing trouble or just lounging in the sun, Olivers always carry themselves like they own the place.
2. Bella: Beauty with a Side of Sass
Bella rose to fame in the 2010s, thanks in part to Twilight fans, and it hasn’t budged from the top ranks since. Meaning “beautiful” in Italian, Bella is perfect for elegant, graceful cats who act like royalty (and maybe demand to be treated like it, too). This is the name for divas who know they’re stunning and have no problem making sure everyone else knows it, too. If your Bella swishes her tail like a supermodel and casually ignores your calls, she’s nailing the role of the ultimate feline femme fatale. Elegant and timeless, Bella is the name for a cat who’s equal parts charm and chaos.
1. Max: The Reigning Champion of Cat Names
Max has been a top pick for decades, and it’s easy to see why—it’s short, snappy, and fits any feline personality. Whether your Max is a laid-back lap cat or an adventurous explorer, the name just works. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, a name that’s simple but never boring, and perfect for cats who act like they’re cooler than everyone else in the room. If your cat’s name is Max, they probably own the house, the furniture, and your heart—and they know it. Max isn’t just a name; it’s a legacy, and your cat is carrying it with pride (and probably a little mischief).
