Naming The Cat

Naming your foster cat can be quite a fun experience.

While taking care of a foster cat or kitten is a very important part of fostering, marketing the cat for adoption is also just as important. This includes finding a suitable name.

If your cat has already come with a name, please leave the name as it is unless you believe it will make the cat less adoptable, or it is bigoted in some way.

The reason is administrative mostly - medical records are attached to the cat's name. In addition, virtually every adopter changes the name so that adds to confusion when tracing medical history.

When naming an unnamed cat, there are a few overused names that should be avoided because multiple cats with the same names requires a lot of detective work from the Adoption Counsellors.

Google the top ten names for cats and avoid them. Luna, Milo, Kitty, Oliver, Leo, Bella, Charlie, Lily, Lucy & Loki are currently making the top ten lists. Check the current list of cats up for adoption at TCR and also avoid those names.

Avoid names that are hard to pronounce or spell
Avoid names that could be considered inappropriate, derogatory, offensive or insulting (e.g. don't call them Killer or Satan).
Avoid commonly used names. Over 2000 cats come through our program each year, this can be confusing if there are 3 striped tabby cats all named Tiger
Pick a name that is easily pronounced.
Take some time and learn about the cat's personality. This might help inspire a name.
The more unique the name, the more the cat will stand out and increase its chances for adoption.
Themes are a creative way of naming a litter.

When you get the honour of naming your foster cats, let your creative juices flow and think of something clever and unique! Your favourite movie or TV show characters, spices, flowers, animals, human names (who doesn't love a cat called Jeffrey), cities, countries, star signs, singers, food. The list is endless.

Make sure to email your Foster Coordinator with the cat's new name.