What Is a Group of Cats Called? Clowder, Colony & More

What Is the Name for a Group of Cats?

A group of cats is described with special terms that have a long and interesting background. Some of these words are still used today, while others have faded from common language.

Origin of the Term Clowder

• The word clowder is the most widely accepted collective noun for a group of cats. Its roots go back to the English language of the 1700s. It is believed to have come from the word clutter, which means a group or cluster of things.
• Linguists think that as people looked for ways to describe different animal groups, they borrowed and adapted words that fit each animal’s social habits. Because cats often gather in loose groups, “clowder” became the chosen term.
• Clowder is not used by everyone in daily conversation, but if you want to be precise or impress someone with your vocabulary, it is the correct word. You might see it used in writings about animals or in trivia games. You can read more about this on Rover’s guide to cat group names.

Alternative Names for Groups of Cats

Besides clowder, there are other words that refer to groups of cats. These terms are less common but still accepted, especially in certain situations.

• Colony: Often used for groups of feral cats that live together in the wild.
• Glaring: Refers to a group of cats, especially when they seem to be watching each other with suspicion.

You may hear colony used by people who work with animal rescues or cat shelters, as it describes how groups of stray cats often form in a specific area. In comparison, glaring is seen less often in conversation but is accepted in more formal writing.

Historical Usage of Cat Collective Nouns

• Historically, collective nouns for animals—including cats—were a mark of educated speech. In the Middle Ages, writers created lists of “terms of venery,” or group names, for many animals. This tradition gave us words like clowder and glaring for cats.
• For domestic cats, clowder became established over centuries. In older English texts, you might also find terms like kindle (for kittens) or rare words no longer in use today. The choice of words depended on both the context and formality of speech.
• Today, clowder remains the main term in most dictionaries, while colony is common in modern discussions about stray or feral cats.

Unique Terms for Groups of Kittens

When you see several kittens together, you might wonder what to call them. There are a few different words for a group of kittens, and each has a specific history and meaning.

Litter and Its Meaning

• The word litter is the most common term for a group of kittens, especially when they are born to the same mother at the same time. When you hear someone mention a “litter of kittens,” they are talking about kittens that are siblings.
• People usually use “litter” to describe young kittens who have not been separated from their mother yet. Unlike cats, who live in groups called clowders, kittens stick with their littermates for the first weeks of life.
• Shelters and breeders often mention the number and health of kittens in a litter. This helps track their care. If you adopt a young cat, you might learn which litter the kitten came from.

Kindle: Origins and Usage

• The term kindle is much less common, but it is a valid word for a group of kittens. The word “kindle” traces back to old English and means to give birth, fitting because it describes new life.
• You may see “kindle” in some older books or in trivia about animal group names. It is not often used in everyday talk about pet cats. However, some breed organizations and writers use “kindle” for variety, especially when discussing history or tradition.
• If you want to use a more unusual term, you can call a group of kittens a kindle. This shows you know your cat vocabulary, even if most people prefer simpler words.

Group of Kittens in Different Contexts

• A group of kittens can be called different names depending on their age or setting. For example, if the kittens are newborns, “litter” is almost always used. If you see several young kittens playing together at a shelter, people may still call them a litter unless they come from different mothers.
• In rare cases, when talking about kittens that are not siblings or are simply together by chance, the group can just be described as a “group of kittens.” Unlike adult cats, where you might use “clowder” or “glaring,” kittens do not have as many collective nouns.
• If you are at a cat show, breeders or workers might use precise terms like “litter” or mention individual group names to keep records straight. For most uses, it’s correct to say litter, kindle, or group of kittens based on the situation.

Lesser-Known Names for Cat Groups

Several rare and interesting words describe groups of cats. These terms offer more precise or playful alternatives to the commonly used “clowder” and can help expand your knowledge about how cats are seen in different contexts.

What Is a Glaring of Cats?

• A glaring is one of the lesser-known words for a group of cats. This term is used when cats are gathered together in a way that seems tense or watchful, often in unfamiliar situations. If you see several cats staring at each other or at a common point, you can call that group a glaring.
• The word comes from how cats may glare or watch each other closely when they do not trust one another yet. This is especially common with outdoor or stray cats that are not part of the same social group.
• A glaring is different from a clowder, which is a general group of cats that are more familiar and comfortable with each other.

Understanding Cluster and Clutter

• The words cluster and clutter can also be used for groups of cats, though these are not as common. Both words describe groups that are loosely gathered, but there are differences.
• A cluster usually refers to cats grouped closely together, almost packed. You might see this during cold weather when cats gather for warmth. “Cluster” can also be used to describe other animals or objects in close formation.
• A clutter paints a slightly different picture. This word is used when cats seem more scattered or disorganized, often moving in a way that appears chaotic or unplanned. It fits a scene where cats, for example, are exploring a new place and moving in different directions.
• Having the choice between cluster and clutter depends on how the cats are behaving and positioned.

Intrigue and Pounce Explained

• The names intrigue and pounce are even more rare. They are playful but recognized in some lists used for animal group names.
• An intrigue of cats refers to their curious and investigative behavior. When cats are exploring together, appearing focused and interested in something new, you might call them an intrigue. The term matches the mysterious nature often associated with cats.
• A pounce of cats uses the word often connected to their hunting and playful instincts. If you see a group of cats, especially kittens, leaping and playing together, describing them as a pounce is fitting. This name captures their energetic and lively movements as a group.
• These creative names highlight both the social and solitary sides of cat behavior.

Groups of Feral and Domestic Cats

Feral and domestic cats may both form groups, but their ways of organizing and interacting can be very different. The terms used for these groups, and the behavior you see, can depend on their environment and the relationships between the cats.

Colony Structure and Dynamics

• A group of feral cats is often called a colony. Colonies usually form when several cats share access to shelter or food, such as behind restaurants, in alleys, or near abandoned buildings. These colonies are not just random gatherings; they have a loose structure based on family lines and shared space.
• Female cats, called queens, often remain near their birthplace and form the social center of the colony. Queens help raise kittens together and defend their territory against uninvited cats. Male cats, or toms, are more likely to roam and may come and go.
• In contrast, a gathering of domestic cats inside a home is called a clowder. These groups tend to be less structured. Cats in a clowder are together because people brought them into the same space, not because of natural behavior.
• The size of a colony or clowder can vary. Colonies can have just a few cats or more than a dozen, depending on food and shelter. Domestic clowders are usually smaller, mostly because of space and resources in a household.

Observing Cat Group Behavior

• When you watch a colony, you may notice certain patterns. Female cats spend time together, grooming, playing, or resting in groups. They share food sources and help protect kittens from threats. Cooperation between queens makes the colony stronger and safer for everyone.
• Toms often act differently. They may compete with each other for mating rights. Some toms are not seen very often, only visiting the colony at certain times. Fights between males can be noisy and aggressive, but long-lasting injuries are rare.
• In a domestic clowder, cats may not always get along. Some cats are social, lying together and grooming each other, while others prefer their own space. How cats behave in a group often depends on their age, personality, and past experiences with other animals.
• You can spot some social bonds by watching which cats nap together or share food bowls. Even in clowders, cats use body language—like tail position, grooming, and playful swats—to communicate and show their place in the group.