You’ve found the right place to find a name for your cat that honors its wild “roots.” Plant-based names are popular for babies right now, and they’re just as fresh and fun for our four-legged friends.
There are a lot of different plant names for cats in nature, from the flowerbed to the citrus grove to the vegetable patch. We looked far and wide to find the best plants for you, whether you’re looking for a popular flower, a classic evergreen, or a rare beauty.
For cat lovers and gardeners, there are numerous delightful plants whose common names contain the word ‘cat’. Ranging from wildflowers to trees, these feline-inspired plants can add whimsy and interest to gardens and landscapes. When grouped together, they create a fun and playful theme. Here are some of the top options for plants with ‘cat’ in the name:
Wildflowers
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Pussytoes – These low, mat-forming wildflowers in the genus Antennaria feature fuzzy, cat’s paw-like flower clusters. There are over 45 species, with many native to North America They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil
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Kitten Tails – Also called kitten tails flower Besseya bullii is a petite wildflower in the figwort family. It has dense spikes of tubular pink and white blooms resembling kitten tails. Native to the western half of North America.
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Cat’s Eye – Several plants bear this name, including California wildflower Cryptantha clevelandii with white, cat’s eye-shaped flowers. And African daisy Osteospermum clandestinum, whose flowers close at night like a cat’s eye.
Aquatic Plants
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Cattails – The common name for several wetland plants in the genus Typha. Their characteristic brown, cylindrical flower spikes resemble cat tails. Excellent for ponds.
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Cat Tail – Also called horsetail rush, Equisetum hyemale is a primitive non-flowering perennial fern ally. It has distinctive, cat tail-looking sporangia structures. Grows in marshy areas.
Herbs
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Catnip – This mint family herb, Nepeta cataria, contains nepetalactone compounds that are euphoric for cats. Grows as a bushy, aromatic perennial in sun or partial shade.
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Catmint – Closely related to catnip, these Nepeta species have similar growth habits and flowers, but most lack the cat-attracting chemicals. Many varieties to choose from.
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Cat’s Claw – Uncaria tomentosa is a tropical vine used in herbal medicine. It gets its name from small, curved thorns on the vine that resemble cat claws. Also an invasive weed in warmer climates.
Shrubs & Trees
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Pussy Willow – Grown for their fuzzy, gray catkin flowers in early spring. Popular varieties include Salix caprea and Salix discolor. Medium-sized, multi-stemmed trees reaching 15-20 ft. tall.
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Red Cat Whiskers – Orthosiphon stamineus is a shrubby perennial with scarlet flowers having prominent whisker-like stamens. Grows to 3 ft. tall. Native to tropical Asia.
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Mountain Cat’s Foot – Antennaria parlinii is a small, mat-forming subshrub in the pussytoes genus. It displays fuzzy, off-white flower heads and grows at high elevations in the western mountains.
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White Pussytoes – Antennaria howellii is similar to mountain cat’s foot but found in California. It forms a low carpet of silvery-white leaves and fuzzy flowers.
Vines
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Cat’s Claw Creeper – Also called cat’s claw vine, this aggressive invader Dolichandra unguis-cati climbs up trees and structures with claw-like tendrils. Introduced from South America and now banned in Florida.
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Coral Cat’s Claw – Macfadyena unguis-cati is another South American climber with curved claws that help it climb. Has showy clusters of yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers but highly invasive.
With their playful, cat-inspired names, these plants can spark creativity and fun in your garden design. Group several together for maximum effect. Just beware of aggressive creepers like true cat’s claw. For cat and nature lovers, these feline flora are sure to delight.
Top 15 Plant Names for Cats
Now in bloom: our top plant names for cats! You can’t go wrong with these perennial picks.
Basil: Meaning “kingly,” this Greek-derived boy’s name also alludes to the tasty pizza herb.
Bud: Is there a better name for your bestest bud? We think not!
Buttercup: No need to build up this Buttercup – like your cat, it’s perfectly sweet.
Clover: You’re lucky to have such a sweet pet, so consider celebrating your bond with this lucky plant!
Daisy: A classic name for four-legged friends, Daisy is certified fresh.
Flower: Cut right to the chase with this plainly perfect name.
Ginger: If your kitty is a redhead, Ginger is a colorful choice.
Ivy: Short and sweet, Ivy strikes a balance of trendy and timeless.
Juniper: Juniper is a shrub that keeps giving—its berries are used to make gin, and the name is just as fun!
Laurel: The laurel tree lends its name to a lovely unisex option.
Marigold: For orange-coated cats, try this sunny blossom!
Pepper: There’s no gray area here – the pepper plant is the perfect namesake for coal-coated cats.
Poppy: Cute as can be, Poppy has plenty of perky potential.
Take a walk on the wild side with Tigerlily, a name that sounds like a cat and has two great nicknames: Tiger and Lily.
Willow: Known for their graceful, flexible branches and adaptable nature, willow trees have cat-like qualities.
Plant Names for Female Cats
Would a Rose by any other name be as sweet? If your cat likes to tiptoe through the tulips, these plant names for female cats are just what she needs.
- Acacia
- Amaryllis
- Azalea
- Belladonna
- Briar
- Bryony
- Calla
- Camellia
- Cassia
- Celandine
- Daffodil
- Dahlia
- Fern
- Fleur
- Flora
- Freesia
- Gardenia
- Hazel
- Heather
- Hyacinth
- Iris
- Jade
- Jasmine
- Jessamine
- Lavender
- Lilac
- Lily
- Lotus
- Magnolia
- Myrtle
- Narcissus
- Rose
- Tulip
- Verbena
- Vinca
- Wisteria
17 Common Houseplants That Are NON-TOXIC To Cats
FAQ
What plant has the word cat in it?
What flower is named after a cat?
What plant represents a cat?
What is the purple flower with a cat in the name?
What is a good flower name for a cat?
Veronica – A hearty flower that grows in purple spikes. Violet – A cheerful, pretty flower. Wildflower – A perfect name for a cat with a wild streak. Yuki – A cool Japanese name that means “winter flower.” Zinnia – A summer bloom with many small, vibrantly colored petals. There are so many floral names to give to your cat.
What flowers do cats eat?
Cassia – A type of cinnamon. Catkin – The male flowers that produce copious amounts of powdery yellow pollen that drift on the wind. Catnip – Perhaps your cat’s favorite herb, it also happens to flower with tiny, delicate lavender blossoms. Chamomile – A calming, peaceful herbal flower that is popular as a tea.
What is a cat’s eye flower?
The scientific name of the Cat’s Eye flower or Cat’s Eye Dazzle plant, Cryptanthus bivittatus, is a member of the bromeliad family. It is also known as the “Mickey Mouse Tree” because of its striking similarity to the well-known figure. This unusual plant, beloved by gardeners all over the world, enthralls with its vivid hues and unusual form.
What flowers make a cat a fluffy cat?
Chloris – A genus of flowering grasses that was named for a mythological Greek figure associated with flowers and spring. Chrysanthemum – Also known as mums, the most popular of these flowers have many, many petals, making it a fitting name for a fluffy cat. Clematis – A vine flower that flourishes the most by basking in the sunlight.
Is there a connection between flowers and cats?
Although flowers don’t have a direct connection to cats, there are several flowers named after felines. We researched some of the prettier flowers with cat-related names. Here are a few examples: Catnip, Cat’s Whisker, and Pussy Willow.
What is a good name for a cat?
Pick a name that fits your cat’s personality, regardless of if they are male or female. Acacia – Cute, fuzzy flowers that are usually yellow or white. Allium – A variety of flowers that are often a rich purple. Alyssa – Dainty bursts of flowers that come in a variety of colors. Amaranth – A striking variety of flower with blossoming tendrils.