Skip to main content

What are some cool names for black cats? This list has you covered

When you bring home a new cat, you’re adding a new family member, too. That new family member will also need a name. Coming up with a name for your cat can take some time, and the right one might not strike you right from the start. You might find inspiration for your cat’s name in many different places, but you can often look to your cat’s coat color for some ideas. If your new furry friend is a gorgeous black kitty, you can also turn to these great black kitten names for some ideas. Whether you’re looking for black male kitten names or the right name for your black female kitten, this list of black kitten names will help get you started.

Black kitten lying on a bed in front of some blankets
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Black cat names

  • Ash
  • Asher
  • Bandit
  • Batman
  • Boo
  • Calypso
  • Casper
  • Cinder
  • Ebony
  • Echo
  • Indigo
  • Inky
  • Jet
  • Jinx
  • Lilith
  • Loki
  • Luna
  • Magic
  • Midnight
  • Minerva
  • Misty
  • Mocha
  • Moon
  • Mowgli
  • Mystic
  • Nero
  • Nova
  • Odin
  • Onyx
  • Oreo
  • Panda
  • Panther
  • Pepper
  • Puma
  • Raven
  • Salem
  • Shadow
  • Smokey
  • Smudge
  • Spooky
  • Stella
  • Storm
  • Trouble
  • Tux
  • Venus
  • Xena

More tips for naming your black cat

While the names above can give you some inspiration, don’t be afraid to look to other elements of your life for name ideas, too. Your favorite flowers, musicians, song lyrics, artists, sports teams, towns, states, book characters, TV shows, and movies can all be full of name ideas.

To make sure that you find that perfect name, start by brainstorming a list of potential names. Put any and all names you think of on the list; even if you don’t choose them, they might help you think of other names that you like more. Get your friends and family to help out, and add the names they think of to the list too.

If you want to find an extra-special and unique name for your cat, consider turning to foreign languages. Look up translations of the word “black” and its synonyms in different languages and you’ll have a whole slew of unique potential names to choose from.

Once you’ve created a big list of names, start narrowing down your options until you’re left with a few top picks. When you’re selecting your top picks, look for a name that fits your cat’s personality but that’s also easy enough for you to use to call your cat. If you do want to choose a larger, more complicated name, think about a nickname that you can use as your cat’s everyday name.

It’s also important not to confuse your new cat, so don’t choose a name that sounds too much like the name of another human or pet in the house.

Black cat lying in a grassy yard
Obashini Lakshika / Shutterstock

Additional ways to help your new cat feel at home

Finding the perfect name for your new cat is just one part of helping him settle into your home. Make sure that you also give your cat an area where he feels safe and secure, like a room in your home that other pets can’t access.

Keep in mind that cats often feel safer when they’re able to climb up high and look down on the action, so give your cat spaces that allow this when you let him out to explore the rest of your home. Cat trees, perches, and window seats are all great options. You can also help your cat gain confidence through playtime and positive interactions with him.

If you have other pets in the home, make sure that you make gradual, supervised introductions so all of your pets stay safe and your new cat can feel more secure in the home. You might need to use pet gates for a while until all of your pets are comfortable with one another.

Welcome home, kitty!

Bringing home a new cat is an exciting time, and there are many ways to make him feel like a part of your family. You might be tempted to hurry up and pick out a name for your new family member, but take your time. The more you get to know your cat, the better you’ll be able to choose a name that really fits. Once you do find the perfect name, make sure that everyone in your family uses the name around your cat so he learns to recognize it. Be consistent in using the name and avoid too many nicknames until your cat learns his new name. While he might not exactly respond to it—he’s still a cat, after all, and he operates on his own schedule—at least you’ll have the perfect name for him to acknowledge when he’s good and ready!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
The kind of nutty behavior to expect if you don’t neuter your cat
Will neutering your cat prevent destructive behavior? Here's what you need to know
Tiger cat meowing while walking across a patio

If you've adopted a male cat from a shelter or rescue, chances are your cat is already neutered. But if you've gotten your cat from a private breeder or seller, then you might be struggling with the decision to neuter your cat. When making that decision, it's important to think carefully about the pros and cons of that procedure. Neutering can have a strong effect on your male cat's behavior, so make sure you know what to expect from un-neutered male cat behavior when deciding on the best option for you and your cat.

What happens if I don't neuter my cat?
According to VCA Hospitals, un-neutered cats might contribute to the cat population control issue. Millions of cats are euthanized each year because there aren't enough homes for them, and an un-neutered male cat who comes into contact with an unspayed female can contribute to this ongoing issue.
Un-neutered male cat behavior can include several undesirable habits. Many un-neutered cats spray urine as a way of marking their territory, and they might do this within and outside of your home. An un-neutered cat is also more likely to be aggressive toward another un-neutered male. This is caused by competition between males who are trying to protect their territory, and these fights can result in serious injuries.
Cats that have not been fixed are also more likely to roam and travel great distances, particularly during mating season. This sexual interest may drive your cat to leave home and can increase the chances of his getting lost or injured while traveling.

Read more
Cat begging for food? How to make it stop for good so you can eat in peace
6 essential tips to nip cat begging behavior before it gets worse
Car eating from a food bowl

If you have a cat obsessed with food, you're probably all too used to hearing them beg for food constantly, especially anytime you go into the kitchen. However, if your cat begging for food is getting out of hand, you'll need to step in and make some changes to discourage this begging. Plus, some foods aren't safe for cats to consume, anyway.
Cats may beg for food because of boredom, habit, or hunger, so getting to the root of your cat's behavior is essential when trying to change it. These tips can help you better understand how to get your cat to stop begging for food, so mealtimes become much less stressful for you both.

Start with a trip to the vet
If your cat is always begging for food, it could indicate a health issue. Worms and intestinal parasites could be feeding off your cat and making them feel like they're always hungry. Hyperthyroidism is a common health condition that can also make cats feel continuously hungry. Other health issues like cancer and diabetes can have a similar effect.
If your cat has recently developed this new behavior, it might indicate a physical issue. Make an appointment with your vet to have your cat checked over, just in case. In many cases, treating the underlying health issue can leave your cat feeling satisfied again and make the begging behavior disappear.

Read more
Why you should feel honored if your cat sleeps at your feet
If you've ever wondered, 'Why do cats sleep at your feet?'— this article is for you
Calico cat lying on a white comforter

Have you noticed that when you go to bed, your cat automatically heads to the foot of the bed and curls up by your feet? It's no mistake, and it's not your cat giving you the cold shoulder, either. This is a deliberate decision on your cat's part, and there are many reasons why they might choose to sleep there instead of curling up on your stomach or by your shoulder. In fact, if your cat sleeps by your feet, you should take it as a compliment and feel flattered.

So, why do cats sleep at your feet? Factors like your cat's affection for you, making your cat feel safe, and even the body heat you generate probably played into your cat's decision to sleep at the foot of the bed.

Read more