What do you call a group of cats?
The most common term you can refer to a group of cats is a clowder of cats. Other valid terms are glaring, clutter, and cluster. When you want to indicate that you are referring to a group of young kittens, you can use the term kindle.
Pretty sweet, but what are the differences?
Why and when is a group of cats called a clowder?
The word clowder most likely comes from the old words: clodder and clotered (source). In general, all three terms – clowder, glaring, and clutter – can be used interchangeably, but I prefer clowder. It’s only used to refer to a group of cats and it does not have any negative meaning. As long as the person you are talking to is familiar with this term you can use it without worrying you may confuse her. It’s also the most common term. Of course except from “group of cats” itself.
Glaring and clutter are a little bit different.
When to call a group of cats glaring or clutter?
Although I have not found any evidence that glaring refers to a little less tamed or friendly group of cats, we can safely assume the impression this term can make, is slightly different than when using clowder.
Glaring first meaning is not related to cats. It means staring at someone with hostility or anger (source). When you use it to describe a group of cats one may think you perceive them as not being friendly (and we all love our furry friends, right?).
Clutter first meaning is pretty obvious, and let’s be honest – it fits perfectly. Imagine a classic living room: leather couch, lots of small items – toys, home decor items, maybe some electronics. Now, imagine you let a group of cats inside and lock them up for the whole night. What would you expect to see in the morning?
Exactly!
This can sound especially right for the young, playful kittens. But don’t fall into that trap. Clutter of cats, the same as clowder and glaring, refers to adult cats or to cats in general. For the little ones, we have different terms.
What do you call a group of kittens?
A group of kittens can be referred to as kindle. The term kindle can be also used to describe a group of young rabbits and other small animals. Other terms used to describe a group of small kittens are a litter of kittens and, less often, intrigue.
Why kindle?
As I mentioned, kindle can be used also to describe other young and small animals, especially rabbits. One of the meanings of the term kindling is to give birth and according to thefreedictionary.com, in older English this term was related to offspring in general. This explains why this term is related to young cats.
I haven’t found any information on why kindle is more strongly related to cats and rabbits than it is to other animals. My guess is it’s due to the “sweetness factor”.
Why litter?
Litter is usually associated with newborns. Let’s see what thefreedictionary.com has to say about this term.
“The group of offspring produced at one birth by a mammal.”
This should go without saying but if English is not your first language then here is a small tip. Do not use the term litter alone when referring to a group of kittens. Always use a litter of kittens. First, because litter when used without any context means something completely different, and second, it can refer to other animals as well.
Why intrigue?
This is probably the least official term and yet, the most obvious one. Just take a look at these joyful little kittens. Aren’t they intrigued by everything and anything around? Aren’t you intrigued by them?
What about wild cats?
All of the above naming conventions relate to domestic cats. What about their bigger and wilder cousins? Most of them are solitary but the ones that are not, have their own collective nouns. Some o them are very interesting.
| Animal | Collective noun / Name for a group |
| Lions | pride, troop, salut |
| Tigers | streak, hide, ambush |
| Panthers | claw |
| Leopards | leap |
| Cheetahs | coalition |
| Jaguars | shadow, jamboree |
FAQ
How many cats do you need for a clowder?
There is no strict minimum. A group with any number of cats can be called a clowder. Although if you have only 2 cats it is more natural to call them just a pair of cats.
What is a collective noun for cats?
You can call the group of cats a clowder, a glaring, a clutter, or a cluster. For kittens, you can use kindle, litter, or intrigue.
What are female cats called?
In general, female cats are called Molly. Pregnant, breeding, or nursing female cats are called Queen. Spayed female cats are called Spay.
Why is a female cat called a queen?
It’s related to the breeding context. Female cats are called queens when they are pregnant or nursing.
What is a molly cat?
Molly is a general name for a female cat that is not pregnant. It is like Tom for a male cat.