Cat owners are very passionate about their furry little friends, but it’s amazing how many do not actually know the correct name for a group of cats.
They could just be referred to as “cats” or a “group” of cats, but it’s more fun to find out the correct terminology so you can impress your friends or people on your social network.
So what is a group of cats called? Let’s find out.
What is a group of cats called?
The correct name for a group of cats is a clowder. A group of cats can also be referred to as a “glaring” or a “clutter”. There are also a number of other different names you can use which will be covered in a section below.
A Clowder of Cats Origin
Now you know that a group of cats is called a Clowder, but where exactly did the term “Clowder” come from? Cats are not really the first thing you think of when you hear the word “Clowder” and it’s not personally one of our favorites to use.
Clowder actually originates from a Middle English term in the late 1700s called “clodder”. “Clodder” was a word used to describe a “clotted mass” that eventually changed over the years to evolve into “clowder”
Other Names For A Group Of Cats
The most commonly used term for a group of cats is “clowder”, but here is a list of other terms you can us to describe a group of cats.
- Cluster of cats
- Clutter of cats
- Destruction of cats
- Dout of cats
- Nuisance of cats
- Pounce of cats
- Colony: This term is mostly used to describe a group of stray cats that are together in a certain territory.
- Glaring: Commonly used with a group of cats that are unfamiliar with each other.
Unusual Names For Individual Cats
As well as groups of cats, there are also specific names given to individual cats. Let’s take a look at a few examples:
- A male cat: Known as a “tom”.
- A neutered male cat: Known as a “gib”.
- A female cat: A “molly”
What is a Group of Kittens Called?
A group of cats are known a “clowder”, but you may be asking yourself “what is a group of kittens called?”. The most common term for a group of kittens is “litter”, which is used for a group of who are all born together.
Here are some other terms you can use for a group of kittens:
- Kindle: This term is very rare and not commonly used. If you type this into Google you will be presented with “Amazon Kindle” and no results or reference to do with cats. The term kindle stems from an old English word kindelen (meaning to give birth) and the German word kinder (which means children).
- Entanglement: Thought to have came about due to the limbs of newborn kittens appearing to be entangled together.
- Intrigue: Not a common term used, but any cat lover will tell you that their kitty is intrigued by everything. That makes this a very appropriate word to use.
Conclusion
Do you use the word “clowder” to describe a group of cats? How about any of the other terms described on this post, or do you have your own words that you call either a group of cats or an individual? Let us know in the comments section below.
