'Alternative' names for cats

If you've come here looking for original names for cats, you are likely to be in for a surprise. We are not going to talk about those conventional names that we have all used to call our furry darlings, but rather to Those words that we end up using when we want something from them, be it their attention, their pampering, or simply to make them happy.

We are talking about those words that we end up incorporating into our vocabulary to make communication with our felines more special. Qualifiers, diminutives, kings and princesses, which can make the animal confused, but which, nevertheless, we continue to use. These are some of the most popular 'alternative' names. Enjoy them 😉.

Selection of different names for cats

If you want to smile, or laugh, here is a list of those other unofficial names that families usually use even more than their own name 😉:

• Mustachioed: when they have very long whiskers.
• Hairy: when it is a kitten, well all kittens are adorable and look like stuffed animals.
• Princess: when she is a very affectionate and pampered cat.
• little Prince: idem, but referring to the cat.
• Panther: said of the cat or cat with black hair, which are reminiscent of black panthers.
• Chocolate: it is said of a good-natured and affectionate cat or cat.
• Tigre: strong, muscular cat with an athletic body and normally tabby hair. It can be used as a proper name.
• Dwarf: it is said of the cat or cat that it is young, or that it has become small.
• Bug or Bug: it is said of the cat or cat very naughty and playful, that does not stop still 🙂. It can also be used as a proper name (Bug) according to my niece who at the time of naming one of my cats was 10 years old.
• Sleepyhead or sleepyhead: it is a feline that sleeps many, many hours. In other words, basically, a cat.

Are 'alternative' names for cats chosen?

When we call the cat using a word that has nothing to do with its proper name, having chosen that word and not another is not something accidental. That is, it is not something that we have premeditated, but that It was chosen based on the physical and psychological characteristics of the animal, as well as the trust that he has in us and that we have in him.

For example, let's imagine that a black cat lives at home that, for whatever reason, has become small and is also very affectionate and sociable, so much so that it has conquered the hearts of the whole family. His proper name is, say, Blacky, but his humans often call him "panterita", "prince", "mimosón", or using any other qualifier that refers to some of the characteristics that the family likes best.

Well, those other names would be the alternatives. They are not official, and in fact before you start using them you have to wait for their real name to be learned, but they are undoubtedly interesting ... and fun.

How to prevent the cat from getting confused?

If alternative names are used it is logical to think that the cat may get confused when we use its original name. But the truth is that there is nothing to worry about as long as we keep the following in mind:

• The cat must learn its own name BEFORE it is called by another name. This can take days or weeks, but you have to try to be patient.
• Alternative names will only be used in special situations, in which the animal is relaxed / happy / fun, such as cuddling sessions, games, or the like. They should NEVER be used when you are stressed, except for example if you have asthma and become nervous with the inhaler, in which case we will speak to you in a soft tone of voice.
• Proper / original names have to be used, for example, in situations where the cat has to be taken away from danger urgently, when you want to draw its attention to approach it, or, of course, when introducing itself to someone.

Related article:

How to choose my cat's name

And how do you get the cat to learn the alternate name?

If you want to be able to call your cat that other way you like, and you want him to learn it as his, then my advice is to always use him in the same situations. What's more, it is important that you give him something in return, such as a pet or a cat treat. There is no more mystery than that 🙂, but you do have to be constant, and do not teach him a new alternative name until he has learned the previous one.

And you, what do you call your cat? I hope you found this article entertaining 🙂