Tink
Short for Tinkerbell. A friend named her cat this simply because the kitty kept knocking keys off the table. This tiny orange tabby weighs no more than three pounds, yet carries itself like the ruler of the house. It loves pouncing on shoelaces and plays with total dedication. This name is perfect for cats that have no idea how small they actually are.
Mimi
This is an extremely common cat name in Japan, and for good reason. Cats often make long “miiii” sounds when they want attention. I’ve fostered two cats named Mimi — one white, one with grey ears. They can only fall asleep snuggled right up against my face or neck. Super affectionate but never noisy. Pick this name for lap cats that have no concept of personal space.
Kiki
Inspired by the main character in Kiki’s Delivery Service. The best part about this name is how easy it is to call out repeatedly when your cat misbehaves. A neighbor’s black-and-white cat named Kiki once got stuck inside a tissue box and ran wildly all over the room, creating quite a mess. This energetic kitty is always on the move. It’s an ideal choice for lively cats that keep you calling their name nonstop.
Lolo
I made up this name for a tiny kitten with pale blue baby eyes. The full name Lola felt too formal for such a little one. This cat loves warmth and always finds the sunniest spot in the house. It often curls up on top of the warm laptop. Go with Lolo for cats that run warm and love hiding under blankets all day long.
Pip
A shortened version of Pipsqueak, simply meaning a tiny little creature. One cat named Pip was the smallest runt in a litter of six, only half the size of its siblings. Surprisingly, it lived for 18 years and never grew into a big cat. This name suits the quiet, unnoticeable kitties that stay by your side for a lifetime.
Dottie
This name works best for cats with distinct spots or dots on their fur. Otherwise, you’ll end up explaining the name to everyone forever. I knew one cat with freckles on its nose and three spots across its back, just like splattered paint. It’s shy and observant, never approaching people on its own, but will gladly accept gentle pets. Choose Dottie for reserved cats that earn trust slowly.
Bibi
I got this name from a rescue cat at a Texas shelter. The kitty had one eye and a crooked tail, yet the moment I sat down, it melted right onto my lap as if it had been waiting for me. It showed no fear, just pure readiness to be loved. This name is wonderful for rescue cats that have gone through hardships but still trust humans deeply.
Wipi
This name doesn’t have a formal origin. A kitten I knew walked a little unsteadily, so I called out “wippy, wippy” to it, and the name stuck. Now fully grown, it still stumbles a bit when excited. Wipi is a great pick for cats with cute little quirks that make them extra lovable.
Ruru
It’s said this word means lapis lazuli in Japanese, but I just love how soft it sounds when whispered. A friend’s cat named Ruru is small in size but surprisingly heavy, like a furry brick. Once it settles down somewhere, nothing can move it. Use this name for compact cats that are surprisingly dense and heavy.
Soso
The name sounds like describing an ordinary plate of pasta. My aunt named her tiny kitten Soso because it was barely bigger than a handful when young. Even after gaining weight, the name stayed. It is the gentlest cat I have ever met, calm enough to be held like a stuffed doll by kids. This name fits sweet, timid cats that you want to protect from the outside world.
These names are popular mainly because they are short and easy to call out, nothing like stiff, complicated titles. Most of them end with vowels. Many people claim cats respond better to vowel sounds — it may just be a rumor, but it doesn’t matter at all. Feel free to add a lucky number if you like, or just ignore it entirely. Above all, these sweet short names are made for those tiny kitties that make you hold your breath every time they jump off the sofa. Discover more lovely ideas in our collection of cute cat names.
