Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

100+ Shy Cat Names: Ideas for Sweet & Timid Cats

Shy Cat Names

Not all cats can be described as outgoing. Cats are often categorized as shy or even a bit skittish—hence the term “scaredy cat.” Nonetheless, their cautiousness and a timid demeanor only add to their cuteness, and we love them just the same!

If your cat always appears to be hiding or running away at any sign of unfamiliarity, maybe you should consider a name on the mellower side. However, just because your kitty may be a little timid doesn’t mean you can’t choose a name that also represents their cute or playful sides. With a vast array of shy cat names, we hope you find one that fits your shy feline perfectly!

divider 2 cats

Shy Cat Names For Females

  • Luna
  • Lolli
  • Buttercup
  • Bella
  • Jelly
  • Blush
  • Poppy
  • Mosey
  • London
  • Cookie
  • Juliette
  • Haze
  • Serenity
  • Pookie
  • Monet
  • Vina
  • Shy
  • Kitcat
  • Mellow
  • Skitty
  • Blossom
  • Bambi
  • Skittles
shy cat in bucket
Image Credit: Tung Cheung at Shutterstock

Shy Cat Names For Males

  • Ziggy
  • Jock
  • Monty
  • Mars
  • Cloak
  • Frost
  • Hopper
  • Bury
  • Balls
  • Magness
  • Hugh
  • Prints
  • Waffles
  • Cosmo
  • Dozer
  • Funk
  • Bumble
  • Domino
  • Boomer
  • Timid
  • Nib
  • Pickles
  • Gordo
  • Tux
  • Flipper
shy-playful-cat_shutterstock_Kirill-Gorshkov-copy-scaled-1
Image Credit: Kirill-Gorshkov, Shutterstock

Shy and Playful Cat Names

Just because your timid kitty might be easily spooked and a little wary of new faces doesn’t mean they don’t have a playful side. As the name Houdini suggests, they are sure to be popping up and disappearing without warning! We’re sticking with our shy theme but expanding to include those who still love getting their paws dirty. Here is our list of bashfully playful cat names:

  • Houdini
  • Abra
  • Bounce
  • Uno
  • Flint
  • Pex
  • Colin Feral
  • Zu
  • Squeek
  • Dip
  • Flash
  • Spook
  • Guster
  • Slug
  • Heckle
  • Elmo
  • Angst
  • Chaos
  • Nomojo
  • Beta
  • Eeyore
  • El Nino
  • Bijou
  • Suey
  • Dash
  • Recess
  • Sly
  • Roamin
  • Clone
  • Tag
  • Jiggles
ginger polydactyl cat hiding face with large paws
Image Credit: Lux Blue, Shutterstock

Shy and Cute Cat Names

When we think about the perfect “shy” cat name, many would associate that with some of the most adorable cat names out there. Well, this list does not hiss-appoint! We’ve gathered our favorite cute yet shy cat names for your consideration:

  • Bitsy
  • Boo
  • Monk
  • Dobbie
  • Pebble
  • Cricket
  • Little
  • Mewt
  • Percy
  • Kai
  • Hiccup
  • Picca
  • Deja
  • Jib
  • Kilo
  • Linus
  • Buttons
  • Bashful
  • Bean
  • Divot
  • Dough
  • Nibs
  • Buckles
  • Mouse

divider 1 paws

Finding the Right Shy Cat Name for Your Kitty

We know that getting your cat to warm up to you and their new environment may be tough, but hopefully, a sweet and mellow name from our list will do the trick! Whether you decide to call them something cute, like Hiccup or Monk, or something a bit more playful, such as Abra or Uno, we are sure they would be tickled by your decision.

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: Tung Cheung, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Open Farm Cat Food Review in 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

Picture this: You pass a farm and notice a lovely farmer couple out in the field. You wave, they wave, and then, to...

Carrageenan In Cat Food: Vet-Reviewed Uses, Safety & Verdict

If you’re a cat owner who likes to read pet food labels, you’ll probably come across some ingredients you don’t recognize. Since you...

Why Do Cat Eyes Glow in the Dark? Vet-Reviewed Feline Anatomy Facts

If you have ever been a cat owner, then you have likely been surprised walking down the hallway and seeing a pair of...

125+ Space Names for Cats: Out of This World Ideas for Your Interstellar Cat

Naming your cat can be overwhelming, especially if you want to select a name that is unique and fits their personality. One way...

More related

How to Trim the Nails of an Angry or Aggressive Cat (Vet-Approved Guide)

If you ask Mojo, the cat, about his favorite pastimes, nail trims would definitely NOT be on the list. Sleeping and eating are...

What to Say to Someone That Has Lost Their Cat: Helping Through Grieving Process

Every pet owner understands the gut-wrenching pain and grief that threaten to overwhelm their emotions when they lose a cat. They are keenly...

Can Cats Have ADHD? Our Vet Explains Feline Behavior

If you have a cat, you know that they can go from zero to 100 in no time. This may make you wonder...

37 Christmas Cat Memes: Celebrate With These Funny Felines

Is there anything better than cats and Christmas? Cats are notorious for having a ball during the holidays as they go around attacking...

Keep reading

Can You Use Human Shampoo on Cats? Vet-Reviewed Risks & Alternatives

While most cats rarely need a bath, there could be the odd occasion that your cat does need to get clean. Maybe your cat came home after rolling around on the neighbor’s driveway that happened to be coated in oil....

Orange-Maine-coon-in-the-bathtub-shampoo

Why Do Cats Like to Cuddle? 5 Vet-Verified Reasons

There’s arguably nothing better than a warm cat cuddling on your lap while you relax on the sofa. While cats have a reputation for being rather aloof and independent creatures—and some are somewhat deserving of that reputation—many cats defy the...

senior woman cuddling her cat

Why Do Cats Fake Sleep? 7 Vet-Reviewed Possible Reasons

Cats sleep an average of 12 to 16 hours a day, which may seem like a lot of time compared to humans, but the busy little felines need a lot of rest. However, have you ever noticed your cat stretched...

cat-sleeping-with-their-face-down

Can Cats Sense the Death of Another Cat? Feline Truth Unveiled

Cats have many strange behaviors and are associated with many myths and legends. People often even attribute magical properties to them. However, one power that might have some truth is that cats can sense the death of another cat. Keep...

Cats Cudduling in a couch

Are Catnip Sticks Safe for Cats? Vet-Reviewed Health & Safety Explored

Catnip is a minty herb that has light-green foliage and lavender-colored flowers. Catnip has unique effects on many cats, and while some become affectionate and playful, others become more vocal, start drooling or relax, and may develop dilated pupils. These...

Catster_Are Catnip Sticks Safe for Cats

8 Best Dental Treats for Cats in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

No one is exempt from bad breath or dental issues, not even cats! In fact, dental disease is quite common among felines, so it’s a necessity that we take care of their teeth. Since some cats aren’t that cooperative when...

Training a cat with treats

Cat FIP Signs & Treatment: Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a disease caused by a mutation of the FeCv virus. Known as the feline coronavirus, FeCv isn’t the same as COVID-19 and isn’t contagious to humans. Most of the time, a cat exposed to FeCv...

cat and vet.

Can Cats Eat Cactus? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Cats are curious creatures, so it’s no surprise that they get into things that they shouldn’t from time to time. But what do you do if they get into a cactus, and should you be worried? While cacti aren’t usually...

Can Cats Eat Cactus