Halloween Cat Names: 170 Witchy, Spooky & Funny Ideas for Your October Kitten
Cats and Halloween go together like a broom and a witch. A kitten who arrives in October, especially a black one, practically begs for a name with a little magic in it. The good news is that the spookiest month of the year is also full of names that are pretty, clever and perfectly normal to call across the living room in May.
This page gives you 170 Halloween cat names in themed sections: witchy and magical names, black cat classics, ghostly and pale names for white cats, gothic and vampire-flavored picks, pumpkin and fall names, candy names, creepy-cute names, funny ones, boy and girl lists, and a set just for orange cats at Halloween. Every name comes with a short reason so you can see the fit at a glance.
Want to shuffle these with your kitten's color, coat and personality? Our free pet name generator does exactly that in seconds, and it works for dogs and birds too if the whole household is getting a Halloween name this year.
๐ง Witchy & magical cat names
The witch's cat is the original Halloween cat, so this is the place to start. Salem is the single most popular spooky cat name in the world, and Hazel, Willow and Sabrina are ordinary girl names with a spellbook tucked inside. Merlin, Morgana and Circe come from old legends and suit a cat with a knowing stare.
Hocus and Pocus are the obvious pair for two kittens from the same litter, and Abra is the cute half of abracadabra. Hex and Jinx are short, quick names for a cat who knocks things off tables with intent.
| Name | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| Salem | the witch-trial town and the number one spooky cat name |
| Hazel | the witch hazel tree, lovely for a brown-eyed girl |
| Sabrina | the classic teenage witch name, sweet and everyday |
| Willow | the witch's favorite tree, graceful for a lean cat |
| Hocus | half of the spell, for the first of two kittens |
| Pocus | the other half, for the second |
| Potion | for a cat who is a mix of every color |
| Spell | for a kitten who has you under one already |
| Merlin | the legendary wizard, wise for an old-soul cat |
| Morgana | the enchantress of Arthurian legend, elegant and strong |
| Circe | the sorceress of Greek myth, for a clever girl |
| Hecate | the goddess of witchcraft, crossroads and the night |
| Rune | an ancient magical symbol, short and cool |
| Tarot | the fortune-telling cards, for a cat who knows things |
| Coven | a gathering of witches, for the boss of a multi-cat house |
| Broom | for a cat with a long, sweeping tail |
| Mandrake | the screaming root of folklore, for a loud kitten |
| Abra | the first half of abracadabra, cute and quick |
| Hex | a witch's curse, for a cat who breaks things on purpose |
| Jinx | for a kitten who is bad luck for your houseplants |
๐โโฌ Black cat classics
A black cat at Halloween is the most iconic pet on earth, and these are the names that celebrate the coat. Most of them are elegant rather than spooky: Onyx, Ebony, Sable and Noir would suit a black cat in any month. Nyx, the Greek goddess of night, is a gorgeous pick for a girl, and Raven is the classic for a cat with a glossy, blue-black shine.
Every one of these passes the year-round test. If you want even more ideas for a dark coat, our black cat names page has hundreds.
| Name | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| Shadow | for a black cat who follows you from room to room |
| Midnight | the witching hour, for a cat who is most alive at 12 a.m. |
| Onyx | the black gemstone, sleek and strong |
| Ebony | deep black wood, elegant for a girl |
| Jet | short, sharp and glossy black |
| Coal | for a cat as black as a coal scuttle |
| Soot | for a smoky black coat with a little dust in it |
| Ink | for a cat as dark as a fountain pen |
| Noir | French for black, chic for a sleek shorthair |
| Sable | the dark fur of the sable, soft and pretty |
| Obsidian | volcanic black glass, dramatic for a big tom |
| Velvet | for a plush, short black coat |
| Panther | for a sleek, muscular black cat who stalks the hallway |
| Pitch | as in pitch black, quick and cool |
| Nyx | the Greek goddess of night, rare and beautiful |
| Eclipse | for a black cat with a ring of gold in her eyes |
| Cinder | a burnt-out ember, for a smoky black coat |
| Raven | the glossy black bird of every Halloween poem |
๐ป Ghostly & pale names for white cats
White cats get the ghost section, and it suits them. A white Persian, a Turkish Angora or a plain white shorthair drifting silently down a dark hallway at 2 a.m. is exactly what a ghost is supposed to look like. Ghost and Boo are the two most popular picks. Wisp, Mist and Whisper are softer options for a small girl.
These names also work for cream, silver and lilac-point cats, and for any cat who appears behind you without a sound.
| Name | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| Ghost | the classic, for a white or pale gray cat |
| Boo | the friendliest ghost noise, perfect for a tiny kitten |
| Phantom | for a white cat who vanishes when guests arrive |
| Spirit | for a cat with a bright, lively soul |
| Specter | a ghostly figure, dignified for a silver cat |
| Wraith | a thin, drifting spirit, for a slim white cat |
| Banshee | the wailing spirit, for a cat who yowls at the door |
| Wisp | a will-o'-the-wisp, for a small quick kitten |
| Mist | for a soft gray or silver coat |
| Whisper | for a quiet, gentle girl |
| Echo | for a cat who answers every sound you make |
| Haunt | for a cat who always turns up where you are |
| Geist | German for ghost, short and strong |
| Bones | for a skinny white kitten who will fill out |
| Skully | for a white cat with a narrow, angular face |
| Moth | the pale creature drawn to the porch light |
๐ฆ Gothic & vampire-ish cat names
Cats are natural vampires. They sleep all day, prowl all night and have a set of tiny fangs they are very proud of. Dracula comes from a novel written more than a century ago, so the name belongs to everyone, and Vlad is the historical count behind the legend. Lilith, Lenore and Belladonna are dark, romantic girl names that sound wonderful on a sleek black cat.
Edgar and Poe both nod to the poet of ravens and haunted houses. Vesper and Nocturne are elegant enough for any season and mean evening and night.
| Name | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| Dracula | the classic count, for a black cat with a dramatic streak |
| Vlad | the historical count behind the vampire legend |
| Vamp | short for vampire, for a kitten who nips ankles |
| Fang | for a kitten who has just discovered teeth |
| Bat | for a cat with big ears, like a Sphynx or Oriental |
| Lilith | the night demon of old legend, striking for a black girl |
| Lenore | the lost love in the raven poem, romantic and sad |
| Poe | the poet of the spooky poem, short and cool |
| Edgar | the same poet, distinguished for a serious tom |
| Nocturne | a night piece of music, elegant for a black cat |
| Umbra | Latin for shadow, for a cat who lives under the bed |
| Vesper | the evening star, calm and lovely |
| Crypt | an underground vault, for a cat who hides in closets |
| Thorn | sharp and dark, for a scrappy little cat |
| Belladonna | the deadly nightshade flower, beautiful and dangerous |
| Damien | a classic ominous name, handsome on a dark tom |
| Mortimer | an old name with a gothic ring, for a dignified cat |
| Gargoyle | the stone guardian, for a cat who perches on the bookshelf |
๐ Pumpkin & fall cat names
Not every Halloween cat needs a spooky name. If your kitten is more hayride than haunted house, the pumpkin patch is full of warm, friendly names. Pumpkin is the most popular pick for a round orange cat and shortens nicely to Pumpy. Maple, Amber and Cider all describe the warm tones of a ginger or brown tabby.
These names have a big advantage over the spooky ones: they work from the first cool morning in September right through Thanksgiving, and nobody ever has to explain them.
| Name | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin | the round orange star of October, for a chubby cat |
| Lantern | for the jack-o'-lantern glow, for a cat with bright eyes |
| Gourd | for a small, lumpy kitten with a lot of character |
| Squash | for a stocky, squat little cat |
| Maple | the red-orange fall tree, for an amber tabby |
| Acorn | for a tiny brown kitten who will grow into an oak |
| Harvest | the fall bounty, warm for a golden cat |
| Cider | warm and spiced, for an amber-brown coat |
| Amber | the golden glow of fall light |
| Rust | for a deep red tabby |
| Marigold | the bright orange fall flower, pretty for a girl |
| Bramble | the thorny berry bush, for a scruffy cat |
| Spice | for a cinnamon-colored cat with attitude |
| Russet | the reddish-brown of fall leaves |
| October | the whole month, unusual and handsome |
| Scarecrow | for a lanky cat with straw-colored fur |
๐ฌ Candy cat names
Trick-or-treat night is the sweetest night of the year, and a candy name is the friendliest way to celebrate it. Candy names suit small, sweet, cuddly cats, and most of them match a coat: Caramel and Toffee for tan tabbies, Licorice for a black cat, Nougat and Sugar for cream and white.
One reminder: real Halloween candy is not for cats, and chocolate in particular is dangerous for them. Name the kitten Fudge and keep the actual fudge in a closed cupboard.
| Name | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| Candy | the whole bowl, sweet for a little girl |
| Taffy | stretchy and sweet, for a cat who stretches across the whole couch |
| Toffee | for a caramel-brown coat |
| Caramel | for a golden-tan sweetheart |
| Lolly | short for lollipop, for a tiny bouncy kitten |
| Gumdrop | for a small, colorful, round kitten |
| Jellybean | for a cat who is all bounce and no sense |
| Licorice | the black candy, for a black cat |
| Truffle | the fancy chocolate, for a dark brown cat |
| Fudge | for a rich chocolate-colored coat |
| Nougat | the soft cream center, for a cream-colored cat |
| Sugar | for a white cat who is sweet through and through |
| Treat | for a cat who lives for them |
| Sprinkles | for a speckled or tortoiseshell coat |
๐ท๏ธ Creepy-cute cat names
This is the section for kittens who are a little bit spooky and a lot adorable. Spooky, Spider and Cobweb are the classics. Goblin, Gremlin and Imp are perfect for the tiny, slightly feral kitten who attacks your feet at dawn. Zombie fits a cat who staggers around after a sixteen-hour nap, and Mummy is made for a cat who sleeps wrapped in a blanket.
Itsy is a sweet pick for the smallest kitten in the litter, and Omen suits a cat who always seems to know when you are about to open a can.
| Name | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| Spooky | the whole holiday in one word, for a wide-eyed kitten |
| Eerie | for a quiet cat who stares at empty corners |
| Spider | for a long-legged kitten who climbs everything |
| Cobweb | for a wispy gray longhair |
| Itsy | as in itsy-bitsy, for the tiniest kitten |
| Goblin | for a small, mischievous, ugly-cute cat |
| Gremlin | for a kitten who goes wild after midnight |
| Imp | a tiny mischievous demon, for a kitten who attacks feet |
| Ghoulie | a cute little ghoul who lurks under the table |
| Zombie | for a cat who staggers around after a long nap |
| Mummy | for a cat who sleeps wrapped in a blanket |
| Boogie | the boogeyman, but he mostly dances at 3 a.m. |
| Creeper | for a cat who sneaks up behind you on the couch |
| Omen | for a cat who always knows what is coming |
๐ Funny Halloween cat names
Cat puns are a genre unto themselves, and Halloween is their peak season. Count Catula is the champion. Pawltergeist is perfect for a cat who knocks things off shelves at night. Scaredy is ideal for a big fluffy cat who hides from the doorbell, and Hairball needs no explanation from anyone who has stepped on one barefoot.
For laughs that have nothing to do with October, see our much bigger list of funny cat names.
| Name | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| Count Catula | the vampire pun every cat owner makes once |
| Spookitty | spooky plus kitty, for a wide-eyed black kitten |
| Clawdia | a gothic girl name with claws |
| Catrina | the elegant sugar-skull lady of the Day of the Dead |
| Pawltergeist | the noisy ghost who knocks things off shelves |
| Purrgatory | where your sleep goes when a kitten moves in |
| Trick | for a cat who knows every one in the book |
| Mischief | for a kitten who is always in it |
| Scaredy | for a big fluffy cat who hides from the doorbell |
| Hairball | for a longhair who leaves gifts on the rug |
| Frankenkitty | for a patchwork calico made of many parts |
| Hissy | for a kitten who throws fits over an empty bowl |
| Ghoulash | the ghoul who eats everything in the pot |
| Sasquatch | for a giant shaggy cat nobody can photograph |
Boy Halloween cat names
These boy names have an old, slightly spooky air without being monsters. Boris and Igor are the classic horror-movie henchmen. Ichabod comes from the headless horseman story, and Bram honors the author of the most famous vampire novel. Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky, and Orion is the hunter who rises in the fall.
All of them would sound perfectly normal on a cat born in April, which is exactly what you want. Our cool cat names page has more in this direction.
| Name | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| Boris | the classic horror name, solid for a big tom |
| Vincent | a name with a long spooky-movie history |
| Ichabod | the nervous schoolteacher of the headless horseman tale |
| Barnaby | old-fashioned and a little eccentric |
| Lucius | means light, but sounds delightfully dark |
| Sirius | the brightest star in the night sky |
| Alistair | distinguished and a bit mysterious |
| Bram | for the author of the most famous vampire novel |
| Ambrose | means immortal, fitting for a vampire-themed cat |
| Silas | means of the forest, quiet and old-world |
| Jasper | the dark red gemstone, warm and classic |
| Casimir | an old Slavic royal name, grand for a Maine Coon |
| Orion | the hunter constellation that rises in fall |
| Igor | the loyal assistant, for a cat who follows you everywhere |
Girl Halloween cat names
Girl names from Halloween lean toward the moon, the night and the old stories. Luna and Nova are hugely popular because they are short, sweet and end in a vowel, which is exactly the sound cats respond to. Persephone, the queen of the underworld, is grand for a big elegant girl, and Agatha and Minerva are old witch names that sound sweet on a kitten.
Ivy has a poison-ivy edge that suits a green-eyed troublemaker, and Pandora is perfect for the kitten who opens every cupboard.
| Name | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| Luna | the moon, the most popular spooky girl name |
| Nova | an exploding star, bright and modern |
| Selene | the Greek moon goddess, elegant and rare |
| Ophelia | tragic and beautiful, for a dreamy girl |
| Persephone | queen of the underworld, grand for a big girl |
| Rosemary | the herb of remembrance with a famous spooky-movie ring |
| Agatha | the classic witch name, sweet on a kitten |
| Minerva | the Roman goddess of wisdom and the owl |
| Delilah | the biblical temptress, sultry for a sleek cat |
| Esme | means beloved, soft and slightly mysterious |
| Ivy | as in poison ivy, for a green-eyed troublemaker |
| Ravenna | an elegant take on Raven, for a black girl |
| Pandora | the girl who opened the box, for a curious kitten |
| Mabel | an old-fashioned name with a haunted-house charm |
๐งก Halloween names for orange cats
Orange cats are the other Halloween cat. They match the pumpkins, the fall leaves and the candy corn, and they tend to have the goofy, big-hearted personality the season calls for. Jack, as in jack-o'-lantern, is the top pick for an orange tom. Ember and Blaze tie the coat to a bonfire, and Tiger suits a bold striped tabby.
For a full year-round list, see our orange cat names page. And if there is a dog in the house who needs a matching name, the sibling page on Halloween dog names is written to pair with this one.
| Name | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| Jack | as in jack-o'-lantern, the classic orange tom name |
| Ginger | the spice and the classic orange cat name |
| Marmalade | the orange preserve, for a marbled orange tabby |
| Tiger | for a bold orange tabby with strong stripes |
| Ember | the glowing coal of a bonfire, for a deep orange cat |
| Blaze | the roaring fire, for a lively orange tom |
| Copper | a warm metallic red-brown |
| Tango | the bright orange dance, for a cat who never sits still |
| Cheddar | for a cat the color of sharp cheese |
| Clementine | the little orange fruit, sweet for a girl |
| Sunset | for a cat with orange fading to cream |
| Paprika | for a spicy little red cat |
| Saffron | the golden spice, for a pale orange cat |
| Butternut | the fall squash, for a soft orange longhair |
Black cats and Halloween: the myths, and the good news
Black cats have carried a lot of superstition over the centuries, and most of it is nonsense. In Japan a black cat is a sign of good fortune. In Scotland a black cat arriving at your door means prosperity. Sailors' wives kept black cats for luck while their husbands were at sea, and in much of England a black cat crossing your path is a good omen, not a bad one.
The practical side is more important. Shelter workers will tell you that black cats wait longer to be adopted than any other color, mostly because they photograph poorly and get overlooked in a row of kennels. Halloween is the month that changes: black cats are suddenly front and center, fall adoption events fill up, and the quiet black kitten in the corner finally gets noticed.
You may have heard that some shelters pause black cat adoptions in October. A few used to, out of caution about pranks. Most have dropped the policy because the fear was never backed by evidence and the pause only kept good cats waiting longer. If you adopted a black cat this month, you did a genuinely good thing. Give her a name that celebrates the coat, whether that is Nyx, Onyx, Raven or plain old Shadow, and take her photos in daylight by a window where the shine shows.
Bringing a kitten home in October
October is a lovely time to adopt a kitten, but it is also a month of doorbells, costumes, strangers on the porch and a wide-open front door on the 31st. A little planning makes the first weeks easier for a nervous new cat.
- Set up a quiet room first. A spare bedroom or bathroom with a bed, litter box, food, water and a hiding spot. This is home base for the first few days, and it is where the name gets taught.
- Teach the name before the party. Say it once in a high, happy voice and reward the instant the kitten looks at you with a treat or a wand-toy game. Five or six reps, a few times a day. Most kittens turn their head reliably within a week.
- Never use the name to scold. If the kitten is halfway up the curtain, clap or say 'hey' and redirect to a toy. The name should only ever mean good things.
- Keep the kitten in on Halloween night. Even a confident cat can bolt through an open door when the doorbell rings for the twentieth time. Close her in the quiet room with a toy and let her meet the neighborhood another day.
- Skip the costume, or keep it to thirty seconds. A tiny witch hat is adorable for one photo. Anything longer is stress for most cats, and a costume with elastic or dangling bits is a swallowing hazard.
- Hide the candy. Chocolate, gum and anything with the sweetener xylitol are dangerous for cats, and so are the wrappers and the ribbon on the treat bags.
For more on the first weeks with a new cat, including how to tell whether a kitten has really learned her name, our kitten names page has a full guide.
Choosing a name your cat will actually respond to
Cats do learn their names. Studies have shown they can pick their own name out of a list of similar-sounding words, even when a stranger says it. But they learn some names far faster than others, and the difference is mostly about sound.
Keep it to two syllables
Salem, Luna, Pumpkin, Hazel and Boo are easy for a cat to pick out of the background noise of a house. Persephone and Belladonna are gorgeous but they will get shortened to Percy and Bella within a week. That is fine, as long as you know it going in.
End in a vowel or an 'ee' sound
Cats respond best to high-pitched sounds, and a name that ends in an 'ee' or an open vowel naturally rises in pitch when you say it. Spooky, Itsy, Ghoulie, Lolly, Luna and Nova all pass the test. Harder-ending names like Jet, Vlad or Crypt still work, but you will find yourself adding a 'y' anyway.
Avoid names that sound like each other
If you have two cats, make sure the names do not share an opening sound and rhythm. Hocus and Pocus are a cute pair but they are genuinely hard for two cats to tell apart. Salem and Luna, or Raven and Boo, are much easier. The same goes for names that sound like household words the cat hears constantly, like 'no' or 'dinner'.
If you want to test a few options, the free cat name generator on our homepage lets you filter by sound and length as well as color and mood, and our Halloween pet names page covers dogs, cats and birds together if you are naming more than one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular Halloween cat names?
Salem is the runaway winner every year, followed by Luna, Shadow, Raven, Boo and Pumpkin. Onyx, Ebony and Jet lead for black cats, Ghost and Phantom for white ones, and Jack or Ginger for orange cats. All of these are short, high-pitched and end in a vowel or 'ee' sound, which is why cats learn them quickly and why they still sound normal in the spring.
What should I name a black cat adopted at Halloween?
Pick a name that celebrates the coat rather than the spookiness, so it works year-round: Onyx, Ebony, Sable, Noir, Velvet or Nyx, the Greek goddess of night. Raven, Shadow and Midnight are the Halloween classics. Salem is the top witchy pick. Licorice, Coal and Ink are fun and short. Eclipse suits a black cat with gold eyes.
Are black cats bad luck?
No. The superstition is a European medieval leftover, and plenty of cultures believe the opposite. In Japan and Scotland a black cat brings good fortune, and sailors' families kept them for luck. The real problem is that black cats wait longer for adoption because they photograph poorly. Adopting one at Halloween, when they finally get noticed, is one of the kindest things a cat lover can do.
What are witchy cat names?
Salem is the classic, followed by Hazel, Willow and Sabrina, which are pretty everyday names with a spellbook hidden inside. From legend there are Merlin, Morgana, Circe and Hecate. For pairs, Hocus and Pocus or Abra and Cadabra. Short and sharp options include Hex, Jinx, Rune and Spell. Coven is a great name for the boss cat in a multi-cat household.
What are good Halloween names for a white cat?
Ghost and Boo are the two favorites. Phantom, Spirit, Specter and Wraith all suit a pale cat who drifts silently down the hall at night. Wisp, Mist and Whisper are softer picks for a small girl. Skully fits a white cat with an angular face, and Sugar or Nougat from the candy list work well on a cream coat.
What are funny Halloween cat names?
Count Catula is the champion pun. Pawltergeist suits a cat who knocks things off shelves at night, Purrgatory the kitten who ended your sleep, and Spookitty a wide-eyed black kitten. Scaredy is perfect for a big fluffy cat who hides from the doorbell, Hairball for a longhair, Frankenkitty for a patchwork calico and Sasquatch for a giant shaggy cat.
Do cats really learn their names?
Yes. Research shows cats can distinguish their name from similar words, even spoken by a stranger. They learn fastest when the name is one or two syllables, high-pitched, ends in a vowel or 'ee' sound, and is always followed by something good like a treat or play. Practice in a quiet room a few times a day. Most kittens respond reliably within a week.
Should I put a Halloween costume on my kitten?
Keep it to a tiny hat for one photo, thirty seconds at most, and only if the kitten stays relaxed. Most cats find costumes stressful, and anything with elastic, strings or dangling parts is a swallowing hazard. On Halloween night the bigger risk is the front door: keep the kitten in a quiet room so she cannot bolt when the doorbell rings.
๐ More Pet Name Guides You'll Love
Find your cat's perfect Halloween name
One hundred seventy names is a big cauldron to stir. Pick five that made you smile, say each one out loud in your best kitten voice, and see which one earns a head turn. The right name usually reveals itself by the second day.
Still undecided? Our free pet name generator can shuffle these spooky ideas with your cat's color, coat and personality until the perfect one appears. Happy haunting!
