Cats are mysterious, independent, and full of personality. But when several cats gather together, what do you actually call them? The answer might surprise you.
The most correct and widely accepted term for a group of cats is a clowder.
Yes — a clowder. It sounds unusual, almost like a fancy dish on a restaurant menu. Yet this is the proper collective noun that has been used for centuries to describe multiple cats together.
But that’s not the only name. The English language, especially when it comes to animals, loves creative and sometimes dramatic collective nouns. Let’s explore them all.
The Official Name: A Clowder of Cats
The term clowder specifically refers to a group of domestic cats. While you won’t hear it often in everyday conversation, it is recognized in dictionaries and linguistic records.
The word likely dates back to Middle English and may be related to the word clotter or clutter, suggesting a huddled or clustered group.
So next time you see several cats lounging together in the sun, you can confidently say:
“Look at that clowder of cats.”
It instantly makes you sound like a feline expert.
Other Names for a Group of Cats
English doesn’t stop at just one term. Over time, several alternative names have appeared — some logical, some dramatic, and some downright amusing.
You might also hear:
- Clutter – A more fitting term, especially if you’ve ever seen cats knock things over.
- Glaring – Inspired by the intense, unblinking stare cats are famous for.
- Dowt (or Dout) – A rare historical term for wild cats.
- Destruction – A surprisingly dramatic name for feral or wild cats.
Imagine walking down the street and saying you encountered a destruction of cats. It sounds like chaos is about to unfold.
While “clowder” remains the most accepted term, these alternatives add personality and charm to the language
A Kindle of Kittens (The Cutest Term of All)
When referring specifically to young cats, the term changes.
A group of kittens is called a kindle.
The word “kindle” originally meant “to give birth” in Old English. Over time, it became associated with newborn animals. So a litter of playful, tiny kittens is properly called a kindle of kittens.
It’s hard to imagine a sweeter phrase.
Collective Nouns for Cats at a Glance
To make things clearer, here’s a helpful table summarizing the different terms:
| Term | Refers To | Meaning / Origin | Common Usage |
| Clowder | Domestic cats | Middle English origin | Most correct and accepted term |
| Clutter | Domestic cats | Suggests clustering | Informal, less common |
| Glaring | Cats together | From cats’ intense stare | Rare, poetic |
| Dowt / Dout | Wild cats | Old historical term | Very rare |
| Destruction | Feral cats | Dramatic descriptive term | Uncommon but colorful |
| Kindle | Kittens | Old English “to give birth” | Correct for young cats |
This table makes it easy to understand which term applies in which situation.
Why Are Animal Group Names So Strange?
Many animal collective nouns come from medieval hunting traditions. In the Middle Ages, nobles created elaborate vocabulary to distinguish themselves as educated and elite.
That’s why we also have:
- A murder of crows
- A pride of lions
- A parliament of owls
These imaginative terms weren’t always practical — they were often created for style and social distinction. The same creativity gave us “clowder.”
Names for Individual Cats
Cats don’t just have unusual group names. Individual cats also have specific titles depending on gender and status.
Here are some lesser-known feline terms:
- Tom – An adult male cat.
- Gib – A neutered male cat.
- Molly – A female cat.
- Queen – A pregnant or breeding female cat.
- Moggy – A British term for a mixed-breed domestic cat.
While “tom” is widely recognized (thanks to Tom and Jerry), terms like “gib” and “molly” are much less commonly known today.
The word “queen” is particularly fitting. Anyone who has lived with a pregnant cat knows she absolutely expects royal treatment.
Are These Terms Still Used Today?
In everyday conversation, most people simply say “a group of cats.” The word “clowder” is more commonly found in books, trivia, or educational content rather than daily speech.
However, knowing these terms adds richness to your vocabulary. Writers, bloggers, teachers, and animal lovers often enjoy using these unique collective nouns to add personality to their content.
If you run a pet blog or animal-related website, using the term “clowder” can also improve SEO by targeting curiosity-driven searches.
The History Behind the Word “Cat”
The word cat itself has a long and fascinating history.
It comes from the Old English word catt, which was derived from the Late Latin catus, meaning “domestic cat.”
Linguists believe the Latin term may have originated from the Afro-Asiatic word kaddîska, meaning “wild cat.”
This makes sense historically. Domestic cats descend from wildcats, particularly the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica). Around 9,000 years ago, humans began domesticating cats in the Near East when wildcats were attracted to grain stores filled with rodents.
Interestingly, the ancient Egyptian word for cat was mau, which closely resembles the sound “meow.” Considering how important cats were in ancient Egypt — even worshipped and mummified — it’s no surprise their name imitated their voice.
Cats and Their Social Behavior
You might wonder: if cats are known for being independent, do they even form groups naturally?
The answer is yes — but differently from animals like wolves or lions.
Domestic cats are generally solitary hunters. However, they can form social groups, especially in areas where food is plentiful. Feral cats often live in colonies near reliable food sources.
These colonies may technically be called a “clowder,” though in scientific contexts, they’re usually referred to simply as colonies.
Unlike lions (which live in structured prides), cat groups are loose social structures. Female cats may share responsibilities, especially related to kittens, while males tend to roam more independently.
Fun Facts About Cat Terminology
Here are some extra interesting facts:
- The word “tomcat” became popular in the 18th century.
- A female cat in heat is sometimes called a “calling queen.”
- A cat lover is called an ailurophile.
- The fear of cats is known as ailurophobia.
- A cat’s whiskers are scientifically called vibrissae.
Language around cats is just as fascinating as the animals themselves.
Why Knowing These Terms Matters
You might not use “clowder” every day, but knowing it has benefits:
- It improves your vocabulary.
- It adds authority to writing.
- It makes conversations more interesting.
- It helps with trivia and educational content.
- It enhances SEO for pet-related websites.
Unique animal group names spark curiosity, which makes them perfect for blog titles and social media posts.
Final Thoughts
So, what do you call a group of cats?
The correct term is a clowder.
But you could also say clutter, glaring, dowt, or even destruction — depending on context and creativity. A group of kittens, however, is called a kindle, which might just be the cutest collective noun in the English language.
From medieval hunting traditions to ancient Egyptian history, cats have influenced language for thousands of years. Their mystery, independence, and charm have earned them not only a place in our homes but also a fascinating vocabulary all their own.
The next time you see several cats gathered together, you’ll know exactly what to call them.
And chances are, no one else around you will.
Is a group of cats a pack?
No, people do not call a group of cats a pack.The correct term is a clowder.
The word “pack” usually refers to animals like wolves or dogs.
What is a funny name for a group of cats?
People sometimes call it a destruction of cats. Writers also use the word glaring because cats stare intensely.These names sound dramatic and humorous.
What is a pack of big cats called?
People call a group of lions a pride. They may call a group of cheetahs a coalition.
Most other big cats do not form true social groups.
Is a group of cats called a cauldron?
No, people do not officially call it a cauldron. The correct term remains a clowder.
Some may use “cauldron” jokingly for Halloween themes.
What is a kindle of cats?
A kindle refers to a group of kittens.The term comes from an old word meaning “to give birth.”
Writers use it to describe young cats together.
What is a collective of kittens?
People usually call it a kindle of kittens.Some also use the word litter in everyday language.
Both terms describe young cats born at the same time.
Are male cats called Toms?
Yes, people call an adult male cat a tom. The term has existed for centuries.
It commonly appears in everyday speech.
How many cats is a clowder?
A clowder means any group of cats.The term does not require a specific number.
Two or more cats can form a clowder.
What’s another name for a litter of kittens?
People also call it a kindle. Both terms describe young cats born together.
Writers often prefer “kindle” for a charming tone.