For cat owners or just folks who adore our feline friends, it’s often fun to learn peculiar and interesting facts about these animals. One question that may have crossed your mind is: “What do you call a group of cats?” The most straightforward answer is a ‘clowder’. But is it funny or unique? Not quite enough.
Fortunately, there are more obscure and intriguing names to explore, which is what this guide is all about.
Unmasking the Clowder
The term ‘clowder’ is traced back to the 1800s and is believed to originate from the word ‘clutter’. The word clutter initially signifies a ‘clotted’ or ‘bunched up’ mass, which understandably gives a humorous depiction of a pack of cats huddling together as a cluttered, chaotic clowder.
Exploring Other Amusing Terms
Believe it or not, ‘clowder’ isn’t the only term you can use to describe a group of cats. If you wish to add a touch of humor to your conversation, here are other catchy terms:
- Glaring: An alternative term to describe a group of cats, especially if they don’t know each other.
- Destruction: A term apt for the pack of energetic felines around you, often causing havoc in a fun, corny way!
- Clutter: Borrowed from the origin of ‘clowder’, ‘clutter’ draws an amusing mental image of a group of cats spread across your living room in whimsical chaos.
- Nuisance: Used as a term of endearment for those days when cats have a knack for getting into mischief.
- Pounce: Ideal to describe a group of playful, jumping kittens or adult cats.
Other Terms for More Specific Groups
Did you know? Kittens and wild cats —or ‘feral’ cats— also have their unique terms:
- Kittens: A group of kittens is commonly referred to as a kindle or a litter when they’re still newborn and dependent on their mother. Very adorable, isn’t it?
- Stray Cats: When it comes to feral or stray cats living outdoors, they’re referred to as a colony. It’s like a little village of mewing adventurers!
Conclusions
Next time you interact with fellow cat-lovers, you’ll not only know what to call a group of cats correctly, but you’ll also have a stash of funny, peculiar names to drop. This goes to show the English language’s willingness to adapt, change and, more importantly, the freedom to have fun with words. So, the next time you see a bunch of cats crossing your path, feel free to refer to them as your own clowder, clutter, or even destruction of cats!