Cats have been in focus of late with new containment laws coming into effect across the ACT from the first of the month. Recently, the ACT government released a list of the most common cat names they have seen on their registry, along with some honourable mentions, and we have to say some are quite … imaginative.  

Read also: ACT Government introduces new cat laws

Charlie, Bella, and Luna took the top spots on the most common cat names list, a sentiment which RSPCA ACT communication and engagement officer Brendan Arnold echoed. He said that even though each animal is given a name when they come into the Association’s care, they are often renamed sometimes before they even leave, and the most common cat or kitten name was one of those in the ACT government’s top three.

“Bella is probably the most common name we see,” he said.

Can a cute or unusual name can help with a shelter animal that is looking for a furever home? While a pun or quirky name can draw more attention to the animal, Brendan said that ultimately it’s the cuteness of the animal that has the most appeal to potential pet parents.

“I think sometimes a name can be appealing, but a lot of people tend to rename their pets.”

As the RSPCA ACT social media coordinator, he gets to see the animals in their new homes and with their new names when they are tagged in photos or updates are sent through DMs. Brendan said the naming process is a personal thing for most people and something as small as a trait that reminded the owner of something or someone can inspire a new name.

Brendan said the humans at RSPCA ACT like to have a bit of fun when naming the animals. Often, they come up with themes to name a litter or group of animals that have come together, such as pop culture references, like Pokémon, and a clever pun.

“I had the Kardashi-hens but they all got adopted before I could do anything with it; I will definitely have to have 2.0 for that one,” he laughed.

Similarly, the team rarely has a chance to share their creative feline names as cats and kittens don’t spend long at the shelter. Unlike most other RSPCAs across the country, the ACT branch has no trouble rehoming cats. According to Brendan, that could be because people are starting to realise they are more self-reliant than a certain other barking pet.

“They are really easy pets. They are less hard work and more low maintenance than a dog.”

Looking for a new furball to give the silliest name you can think of to? RSPCA ACT is still receiving litters of kittens, which Brendan says is unusual for this time of year as kitten season should have ended. Keep an eye on their website for when they will be ready for adoption.

Want some inspiration for naming your fur baby? We have selected a couple of our favourites from the ACT government’s list:

• Romi Princess Sass Sooky La La Hissy Pants
• Autumn aka Get off That!
• Sir Paw McCatney
• Fidel Castro
• Catrick Swayze
• Elvis Purrsley
• Mash Potato

Does your cat have an imaginative or funny name? Let us know in the comments below.

Keep up to date with the cats, kittens and other animals available for adoption at RSPCA ACT online via rspca-act.org.au

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