100 Stray Cat Name Ideas With Meanings for Your New Rescue

Rescuing a stray cat is a priceless gift for both you and your new companion. They may be from your neighborhood or adopted from a local shelter. While feral cats live 100% outdoors and have no interest in humans, stray cats do tend to have a familiarity with humans. And they’re ready for all the comforts that come with the housecat lifestyle.

Many formerly stray cats still love adventure. They are resilient and brave. Many also crave safety and human companionship above all else. These are some of the themes I’ve focused on while hunting down these 100 stray cat names.

Stray Cat Names for Female Cats

From popular cat names to nature themes, we have a little of everything in these names for stray female cats.

• Bella – One of the most popular girl cat names.
• Nala – The name of the lioness from the movie The Lion King.
• Luna – “Moon” in Spanish—this name always trends in the top 10.
• Ruby – A red gemstone, rare like orange female cats.
• Daisy – A white and yellow flower that’s sophisticated and beautiful.
• Sunflower – A large yellow flower.
• Kiki – The name of the witch from Kiki’s Delivery Service, a film that features a black cat.
• Joy – As cat owners, cats bring so much happiness to our lives.
• Peaches – Fruits make such cute cat names.
• Cherry – Cherries can be both sweet and sour, kind of like a stray cat.
• Apple – A unique name for a special stray cat.
• Poppy – A wildflower that grows in a variety of colors.
• Dahlia – Unique flowers with many petals.
• Rosie – Roses are beautiful but have their sharp thorns!
• Angel – A sweet name for a well-behaved cat.
• Honey – Is your stray just a little sweetheart?
• Callie – Great for calico kittens.
• Gigi – The meaning of this name is someone who cares for the Earth.
• Piper – A piper is someone who plays the flute, and this name is fitting for cats who love to “sing” and be noisy.
• Maisy – A Scottish name that means “pearl.”
• Lola – A popular Spanish name meaning “lady of sorrows.”
• Tulip – Tulips represent love.
• Missy – A Greek name that means “bee,” perfect for your little busy bee.
• Lily – This name means “pure” and is great for your sweet new friend.
• Fern – Ferns stand for new beginnings and the healing your stray cat will experience now that you’re in their life.
• Ivy – Ivy is perseverant and strong.
• Gem – A rare and beautiful stone.
• Misty – For that cat you found on a misty morning.
• Molly – This beautiful name means “beloved.”
• Cleo – Stemming from ancient Greece, this name means “to celebrate.”
• Lucy – This name means “graceful and light.”
• Holly – A great name for winter kittens.

Stray Cat Names for Male Cats

In these names for boy cats, we focus on a stray’s love of exploration, their luck at finding a place with you, and some warrior names for those tomcats who used to be a bit rough-and-tumble.

• Cheddar – A great food name for an orange cat.
• Orion – This Greek name means “heaven’s light.”
• Percy – A French name that also has ties to the book series Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
• Charlie – Meaning “free man,” this is perfect for a stray cat with a wandering spirit.
• Basil – A symbol of love and protection.
• Nacho – Another excellent orange cat name.
• Oreo – The perfect name for black and white cats.
• Pumpkin – Great for orange cats or those you meet in the fall.
• Frank – Frank is another great name for an explorer as it means “free one.”
• Prince – For the tomcat that rules the roost.
• Billie – Meaning “protection,” this name can symbolize your commitment to keeping your new pet safe from harm.
• Oliver – This name means “peace.”
• Sunny – Perfect for your new ray of sunshine.
• Remy – Meaning “oarsman,” this is also the name of the rat from the Disney film Ratatouille.
• Bruce – A strong boy’s name meaning “thick brush” or “woods.”
• Bruno – Bruno can mean “brown” and is perfect for brown tabby cats.
• Robin – A bird said to symbolize luck and happiness.
• Finn – For the stray that is “blessed” to have found a home with you.
• Cosmo – A Greek name meaning “organized” and “beautiful.”
• Felix – Meaning “happy” and “fortunate,” two things your new cat is probably feeling.
• Bones – A bit of an ironic name for a cat.
• Oscar – Since this name means “champion warrior,” it’s perfect for a street cat who’s gotten into his fair share of fights.
• Max – This name means “best.”
• Simba – The name of the main character from The Lion King.
• Freddie – Meaning “peaceful ruler,” this name pairs well with Prince.
• Tommy – What better name for a tomcat?
• Sam – A Hebrew name meaning “bright sun.”
• Jack – A great name for a talented cat or a “jack of all trades.”
• Milo – This name can mean “beloved.”
• Rocky – Perfect for a stray found in a rocky area or parking lot.
• Garfield – In the comics, Garfield is an opinionated orange tabby cat.

Gender-Neutral Stray Cat Names

The next group of names is gender-neutral and perfect for any cat. We have food-inspired names, names that describe the stray’s looks or personality, and more.

• Sunny – For the cat that always seems happy to see you.
• Pepper – Great for black cats and could be paired with Salt if they have a buddy.
• Boots – Does your stray cat look like they have little booties on?
• Beans – The perfect food name for a cat.
• Apple – Apples can be a bit sour, just like the fickle personality of a stray.
• Peanut – For the tiniest of tiny cats.
• Sweet Pea – If your stray is just the sweetest.
• Cuddles – It’s rare to find a stray cat that loves cuddles.
• Bumble Bee – Always buzzing around, never in one place.
• Tigger – The tiger from Winnie the Pooh. Pairs well with Honey.
• Snuggles – For the stray that warms up to you immediately, like they were always meant to be in your life.
• Cocoa – When we think of cocoa, we think of warmth and comfort.
• Cinnamon – Pairs well with Cocoa and is an excellent name on its own as well.
• Ginger – For orange stray cats.
• Nugget – They’re just a little nugget!
• Cookie – A sweet cat, maybe with spots like chocolate chips.
• Mango – The cutest name for an orange cat.
• Sugar – Another name for the absolute sweetheart strays.
• Clover – Clovers symbolize good luck.
• Darcy – This name means “dark-haired” and is great for a black cat.
• Boo – Perfect for the cat you find in October.
• Tabby – Many stray cats are tabbies (striped cats with an “M” marking on the forehead).
• Fluffy – For a long-haired cat with extra fluff.
• Marbles – Great for calico cats.
• Lucky – Your new good luck charm.
• Shadow – Another black cat name.
• Mew – After the sound a cat makes… or the Pokemon.
• Butterscotch – A type of candy.
• Snickers – Another candy-themed name.
• Tuesday – After the day of the week.
• Snowy – For a snow-white cat.
• Reese – For a cat as sweet as peanut butter.
• Bailey – This name represents justice and strength.
• Scout – Always exploring and looking around.
• Midnight – For a black cat or one that likes to show up at night.
• Panther – A panther is a large wild cat species with black fur.