Japanese cat names are not only unique and charming but often carry deep meanings inspired by nature, culture, and tradition. Here, we offer a list of elegant, playful, and meaningful names to choose from. If you’re a fan of Japanese anime, we’ve also included a list of anime-inspired names, so you can choose one based on your favorite character. Dive into this list to find the perfect name for your beloved feline companion!
Japanese Names for Male Cats, with Meaning
- Tora (虎) – “Tiger,” perfect for a striped or bold cat.
- Kumo (雲) – “Cloud,” for a soft and fluffy feline.
- Kuro (黒) – “Black,” ideal for a dark-coated cat.
- Haru (春) – “Spring,” symbolizing new beginnings.
- Shiro (白) – “White,” for a pure and elegant kitty.
- Yuki (雪) – “Snow,” perfect for a cat with a pale coat.
- Sora (空) – “Sky,” for a free-spirited feline.
- Ryu (龍) – “Dragon,” for a strong and majestic cat.
- Katsu (勝) – “Victory,” ideal for a confident cat.
- Hoshi (星) – “Star,” for a cat that shines brightly.
- Zen (禅) – “Meditation,” for a calm and serene companion.
- Kai (海) – “Ocean,” for a cat with a tranquil or deep personality.
- Takumi (匠) – “Artisan,” for a clever and skillful feline.
- Mochi (餅) – “Rice cake,” a cute and playful name.
- Kenji (健二) – “Healthy second son,” a traditional and strong name.
- Aki (秋) – “Autumn,” for a warm and cozy cat.
- Hikaru (光) – “Light,” ideal for a bright and lively feline.
- Yamato (大和) – “Harmony,” for a peaceful and balanced cat.
- Takeshi (武) – “Warrior,” for a brave and bold kitty.
- Daiki (大輝) – “Great radiance,” for a cat with a commanding presence.
- Riku (陸) – “Land,” for a grounded and steadfast feline.
- Kage (影) – “Shadow,” for a stealthy and mysterious cat.
- Ren (蓮) – “Lotus,” symbolizing purity and grace.
- Isamu (勇) – “Courage,” for a fearless companion.
- Tsubasa (翼) – “Wings,” for a cat who’s always on the move.
- Neko (猫) – “Cat,” a classic and straightforward name.
- Hikaru (光) – “Shine,” for a cat with a radiant personality.
- Arata (新) – “New,” for a fresh and spirited feline.
- Kenta (健太) – “Healthy and strong,” a powerful name.
- Makoto (誠) – “Sincerity,” for a loyal and genuine companion.
- Daisho (大小) – “Big and small,” for a cat with contrasting traits.
- Seiji (誠司) – “Lawful,” for a well-behaved and noble kitty.
- Rai (雷) – “Thunder,” perfect for a cat with a bold presence.
- Tomoya (智也) – “Wise,” for a clever and thoughtful feline.
- Hayate (疾風) – “Gale,” for a speedy and energetic cat.
- Koji (浩司) – “Prosperity,” for a cat that brings joy.
- Asahi (旭) – “Morning sun,” for a bright and cheerful kitty.
- Jiro (次郎) – “Second son,” a traditional male name.
- Kaito (海翔) – “Ocean flyer,” for a cat who loves to explore.
- Takahiro (隆宏) – “Great prosperity,” for a regal and dignified feline.
- Susumu (進) – “Progress,” for a curious and adventurous cat.
- Ryota (涼太) – “Refreshing,” for a calm and cooling companion.
- Fubuki (吹雪) – “Snowstorm,” perfect for a playful white cat.
- Souta (颯太) – “Swift wind,” for a fast and nimble kitty.
- Chikara (力) – “Strength,” for a powerful and dominant feline.
- Kazu (一) – “Harmony,” for a peaceful and easygoing cat.
- Torao (虎雄) – “Brave tiger,” for a fearless and bold companion.
- Minato (湊) – “Harbor,” for a cat who is your safe haven.
- Shun (俊) – “Talented,” for a cat with unique skills or quirks.
- Ranmaru (蘭丸) – “Orchid boy,” for a delicate and elegant feline.
Japanese Names for Female Cats, with Meaning
- Sakura (桜) – “Cherry blossom,” for a delicate and beautiful cat.
- Yumi (由美) – “Reason and beauty,” perfect for a graceful feline.
- Hana (花) – “Flower,” for a blooming and lovely kitty.
- Mika (美香) – “Beautiful fragrance,” ideal for a sweet and elegant cat.
- Aiko (愛子) – “Beloved child,” for a cherished companion.
- Chiyo (千代) – “Eternal,” symbolizing longevity and grace.
- Riko (莉子) – “Child of jasmine,” for a fragrant and charming feline.
- Kaede (楓) – “Maple,” inspired by the vibrant autumn leaves.
- Nami (波) – “Wave,” for a cat with a calm yet dynamic personality.
- Hikari (光) – “Light,” for a bright and lively companion.
- Amaya (夜雨) – “Night rain,” perfect for a mysterious and soothing cat.
- Midori (緑) – “Green,” for a nature-loving or serene feline.
- Kohana (小花) – “Little flower,” for a petite and delicate kitty.
- Akiko (秋子) – “Autumn child,” for a warm and cozy cat.
- Momo (桃) – “Peach,” a sweet and playful name.
- Ayame (菖蒲) – “Iris,” a name as elegant as the flower.
- Shizuka (静香) – “Quiet and calm,” for a peaceful and serene cat.
- Ren (蓮) – “Lotus,” symbolizing purity and beauty.
- Yuki (雪) – “Snow,” ideal for a cat with a white coat.
- Aoi (葵) – “Hollyhock,” a vibrant floral name.
- Chika (智佳) – “Wisdom and excellence,” for a clever and kind feline.
- Kiko (希子) – “Rare child,” for a one-of-a-kind kitty.
- Haruka (遥) – “Distant,” symbolizing elegance and mystery.
- Mei (芽依) – “Sprout,” for a playful and youthful cat.
- Suzu (鈴) – “Bell,” perfect for a lively and cheerful feline.
- Fuyu (冬) – “Winter,” for a calm and serene kitty.
- Nozomi (望) – “Hope,” symbolizing positivity and aspiration.
- Kasumi (霞) – “Mist,” for a mysterious and ethereal cat.
- Sora (空) – “Sky,” for a free-spirited feline.
- Rina (莉奈) – “Jasmine village,” for a sweet and fragrant companion.
- Akari (灯) – “Light,” for a bright and cheerful cat.
- Tsubaki (椿) – “Camellia,” a bold and elegant flower.
- Miyu (美優) – “Beautiful gentleness,” perfect for a kind and graceful kitty.
- Hime (姫) – “Princess,” for a regal and spoiled feline.
- Rei (怜) – “Lovely bell” or “spirit,” for a gentle and harmonious cat.
- Anzu (杏) – “Apricot,” a sweet and sunny name.
- Takara (宝) – “Treasure,” for a cherished companion.
- Shiori (栞) – “Bookmark” or “guide,” for a loyal and helpful kitty.
- Suzume (雀) – “Sparrow,” for a lively and chirpy cat.
- Mitsuki (美月) – “Beautiful moon,” perfect for a serene and elegant feline.
- Natsu (夏) – “Summer,” for a warm and playful companion.
- Kohana (心花) – “Heart flower,” symbolizing inner beauty.
- Riko (理子) – “Child of truth,” for a wise and intuitive cat.
- Asuka (明日香) – “Tomorrow’s fragrance,” a name of hope and charm.
- Hinata (日向) – “Sunny place,” for a cat that loves basking in the sun.
- Kumi (久美) – “Long-lasting beauty,” for an enduring and lovely kitty.
- Yuriko (百合子) – “Lily child,” symbolizing elegance and purity.
- Izumi (泉) – “Spring” or “fountain,” for a refreshing and lively feline.
- Chisato (千里) – “Thousand miles,” for an adventurous and independent cat.
- Ame (雨) – “Rain,” for a soothing and calm companion.
Female Anime-Inspired Cat Names
- Luna – Inspired by the talking cat from Sailor Moon.
- Kagome – The brave protagonist from Inuyasha.
- Haruhi – From Ouran High School Host Club, a name for a curious and smart kitty.
- Asuna – The strong and kind swordswoman from Sword Art Online.
- Chihiro – From Spirited Away, for a cat full of wonder.
- Sango – A fierce demon slayer from Inuyasha.
- Nami – The clever navigator from One Piece.
- Yuki – Meaning “snow,” also a character from Fruits Basket.
- Sakura – A classic anime name, from Cardcaptor Sakura.
- Rukia – The strong and loyal soul reaper from Bleach.
Male Anime-Inspired Cat Names
- Goku – The legendary Saiyan from Dragon Ball.
- Naruto – The energetic ninja from Naruto.
- Luffy – The adventurous captain from One Piece.
- Inuyasha – The half-demon protagonist from Inuyasha.
- Sasuke – A stoic and skilled ninja from Naruto.
- Spike – The cool bounty hunter from Cowboy Bebop.
- Totoro – The beloved creature from My Neighbor Totoro.
- Kero – The adorable guardian from Cardcaptor Sakura.
- Ash – The determined Pokémon trainer from Pokémon.
- Shoto – The half-hot, half-cold hero from My Hero Academia.
Unisex Anime-Inspired Cat Names
- Pikachu – The iconic Pokémon for an electric personality.
- Kirby – Inspired by the cute and powerful pink hero.
- Jiji – The black cat companion from Kiki’s Delivery Service.
- Mew – A legendary Pokémon, great for a mystical kitty.
- Tsubasa – Meaning “wings,” also from Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle.
- Kiba – Meaning “fang,” inspired by the wolf from Wolf’s Rain.
- Haku – The dragon spirit from Spirited Away.
- Zero – The mysterious character from Code Geass.
- Artemis – Luna’s counterpart from Sailor Moon.
- Howl – The magical wizard from Howl’s Moving Castle.
Choosing a Japanese cat name is a beautiful way to honor your feline’s unique personality and the rich cultural meanings behind these names. Explore the list and find the ideal name that reflects the spirit of your furry companion!
If you are fond of Asian names for cats, you may also like to check this list of 60+ Inspiring Korean Cat Names.