Some of the most memorable cats live not in our homes but in the pages of beloved children’s books. From mischievous sidekicks to wise companions, these literary felines are bursting with personality—and their names are just as unforgettable. Quirky, clever, and often steeped in nostalgia, these stand‑out names can inspire the perfect choice for your own furry friend. Here’s a list of cat names from children’s books that truly leave their mark….
1. Cheshire
Made famous by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Cheshire is the mysterious grinning cat who fades in and out of view. His name carries a mischievous, whimsical vibe that’s perfect for a clever, unpredictable pet.
2. Dinah
Also from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Dinah is Alice’s sweet and homely cat. It’s a gentle, old‑fashioned name that feels warm and comforting—ideal for a soft‑natured companion.
3. Mog
The star of Judith Kerr’s beloved Mog series, this simple yet striking name has become iconic. It’s short, memorable, and full of charm, great for a cat with a big personality.
4. Crookshanks
Hermione’s cat in the Harry Potter series, Crookshanks is intelligent and slightly scruffy with a knack for spotting trouble. This name suits a cat who’s clever and a little quirky.
5. Tabby
From The Tale of Tom Kitten by Beatrix Potter, Tabby is a classic, cozy name that instantly conjures up images of traditional storybook cats.
6. Bagheera
Although technically a panther in The Jungle Book, Bagheera’s sleek, strong name makes it a bold choice for a dark‑coated or graceful cat with a regal air.
7. Buttercup
Prim’s cat in The Hunger Games might be grumpy, but his sweet floral name stands out. It’s a lovely pick for a cat with a softer, more affectionate side.
8. Skimbleshanks
The “Railway Cat” from T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Skimbleshanks is a mouthful but unforgettable—perfect for a cat with energy, charm, and a touch of eccentricity.
9. Tigger
From A. A. Milne’s Winnie‑the‑Pooh stories, Tigger isn’t exactly a cat, but his bouncy, fearless spirit and famous name make this a fun, playful choice.
10. Sagwa
From Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat by Amy Tan, this lyrical name is both unique and culturally rich, perfect for a cat with striking looks or a graceful personality.
11. Macavity
The mysterious criminal mastermind from Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Macavity is sleek, cunning, and clever—ideal for a cat who always seems to be up to something.
12. Tom Kitten
Beatrix Potter’s adorable yet mischievous character gives us this charmingly old‑world name, great for a cheeky kitten or a classic tabby.
13. Felix
The famous Felix the Cat is a cartoon icon whose name feels vintage yet timeless, making it a stylish choice for any feline.
14. Slinky Malinki
From Lynley Dodd’s Hairy Maclary series, Slinky Malinki is a cheeky black cat with a penchant for mischief—his rhyming name is fun and memorable.
15. Orlando
The marmalade cat from Kathleen Hale’s Orlando the Marmalade Cat books has a name that feels warm, sunny, and distinctive—perfect for a bright‑eyed ginger cat.
16. Ginger
From Enid Blyton’s The Children of Cherry Tree Farm, Ginger is a classic, cozy name that suits a warm‑toned cat with a playful streak.
17. Samuel Whiskers
Featured in Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Samuel Whiskers, this slightly formal name has an old‑timey charm that works beautifully for a dignified or slightly mischievous cat.
18. Captain Cat
From Captain Cat by Inga Moore, this bold and adventurous name is ideal for a curious explorer who loves to prowl and investigate.
19. Puss in Boots
A legendary character from fairy tales and later popularized by Shrek, this name oozes flair and confidence—perfect for a cat with a dramatic streak.
20. Malkin
In The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett, Malkin is a classic word for cat and feels earthy, mysterious, and literary.
21. Tib
From The Tale of Ginger and Pickles by Beatrix Potter, Tib is short, cute, and timeless, perfect for a kitten or a small, sweet‑natured cat.
22. Katerina
The feline ballerina in Angelina Ballerina carries this graceful name, which would be fitting for an elegant cat with a poised demeanor.
23. Rita
From Thomasina, the Cat Who Thought She Was God by Paul Gallico, Rita is simple yet strong, with a classic feel and a touch of mystery.
24. Mittens
From The Tale of Tom Kitten by Beatrix Potter, Mittens is adorable and cozy, perfect for a cat with white paws or a soft, cuddly personality.
25. Coraline’s Cat
Although unnamed in Neil Gaiman’s Coraline, the cat is known simply as “the Cat”—but “Coraline” or even “Other Cat” could be a quirky nod to this clever, enigmatic character.
26. Gobbolino
From Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat by Ursula Moray Williams, this enchanting name suits a cat with a slightly magical or mysterious vibe.
27. Lucinda
One of the dolls in The Tale of Two Bad Mice owns a cat named Lucinda—this elegant, vintage name feels refined and classic.
28. Old Deuteronomy
From T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Old Deuteronomy is wise, gentle, and revered—an amazing name for a calm, older cat.
29. Growltiger
Another Eliot creation, Growltiger is a swashbuckling name for a bold, adventurous, or slightly scrappy cat.
30. Victoria
Also from the world of Cats inspired by Eliot’s poems, Victoria is graceful, pure, and elegant, a wonderful fit for a white or gentle‑natured feline.
31. Jellylorum
Another character from T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Jellylorum is warm, kind‑hearted, and motherly—perfect for a nurturing cat.
32. Rum Tum Tugger
Also from Eliot’s poems and Cats, this flamboyant name suits a show‑off kitty with tons of personality and a mischievous streak.
33. Mr. Mistoffelees
The magical conjuring cat from Eliot’s work, Mr. Mistoffelees is ideal for a sleek, mysterious cat who always seems to appear out of nowhere.
34. Jennyanydots
Known as the “Old Gumbie Cat,” Jennyanydots spends her nights organizing mice and cockroaches—this quirky name suits a cat who loves order (or gets into everything!).
35. Bustopher Jones
Dubbed the “Cat About Town” in Eliot’s poems, Bustopher Jones is a dapper, food‑loving name for a well‑fed or particularly stylish cat.
36. Firestar
From Erin Hunter’s Warriors series, Firestar is brave and heroic, making it a bold choice for a fearless or adventurous feline.
37. Graystripe
Also from Warriors, Graystripe is loyal and kind—a perfect name for a soft‑hearted gray tabby.
38. Bluestar
The wise and noble leader from Warriors has a name that’s striking and poetic, great for a dignified or graceful cat.
39. Ravenpaw
Another Warriors favorite, Ravenpaw is shy but brave, and the dark, mysterious tone of the name makes it unique for a sleek black cat.
40. Sootpaw
Yet another from Warriors, Sootpaw feels earthy and strong, ideal for a cat with a smoky coat or a scrappy nature.
41. Mungo Jerry
From Eliot’s poems, Mungo Jerry (and his partner Rumpleteazer) is a mischievous cat—this name fits a playful troublemaker.
42. Rumpleteazer
The partner‑in‑crime to Mungo Jerry, Rumpleteazer is fun, bouncy, and ideal for a cheeky feline who’s always into mischief.
43. Simpkin
From Beatrix Potter’s The Tailor of Gloucester, Simpkin is a clever, slightly cheeky name with a quaint, old‑world feel.
44. Pinch
In The Tale of Ginger and Pickles, Pinch is an endearing minor character name—short, snappy, and ideal for a tiny kitten.
45. Hodge
Dr. Johnson’s beloved real‑life cat, immortalized in stories and statues, Hodge is a charmingly old‑fashioned name with lots of literary weight.
46. Tibbles
A classic, friendly name that pops up in several old children’s tales—Tibbles feels homely, playful, and perfectly suited to a beloved house cat.
47. Orlando’s Pansy
In Kathleen Hale’s Orlando the Marmalade Cat books, Pansy is one of Orlando’s kittens—this floral name is gentle and sweet, ideal for a delicate little cat.
48. Blanche
Also one of Orlando’s kittens, Blanche has an elegant, vintage tone that would suit a pale‑coated or refined feline.
49. Pippin
From Enid Blyton’s farmyard tales, Pippin is sprightly and cheerful, perfect for a lively kitten always getting into fun.
50. Henrietta
Appearing in several vintage picture books as a prim little cat, Henrietta makes a dignified and old‑fashioned choice for a graceful pet.
51. Butterball
From some early 20th‑century nursery stories, Butterball is a chubby, cozy name that suits a round, cuddly cat with a laid‑back personality.
52. Whittington
From the classic tale of Dick Whittington and his cat, Whittington is rich with history and charm, perfect for a clever or adventurous kitty.
53. Mogget
From Sabriel by Garth Nix (YA but often read by older children), Mogget is a mysterious, magical cat—this name suits a feline with a secretive side.
54. Pangur Bán
From the old Irish poem Pangur Bán, often included in children’s anthologies, this name has a lyrical, poetic feel and is ideal for a thoughtful white cat.
55. Kitty
Sometimes the simplest names stand out—Kitty appears across countless classics, and its sweet, timeless ring never goes out of style.
56. Jiji
From Kiki’s Delivery Service (a children’s classic in many countries), Jiji is the witty black cat who helps Kiki—his short, fun name is perfect for a chatty or sassy cat.
57. Duchess
From The Aristocats, Duchess is elegant, classy, and poised—perfect for a regal feline who carries herself with grace.
58. Berlioz
Also from The Aristocats, Berlioz is a unique, cultured name inspired by the composer, making it ideal for a musically inclined or refined cat.
59. Toulouse
Another Aristocats kitten, Toulouse is cheeky and creative, a fun pick for a bold and artistic feline.
60. Marie
The sweet white kitten from The Aristocats, Marie is dainty, girly, and full of charm—perfect for a petite, elegant cat.