Once you have your cattery prefix, the next happy job is naming the kittens themselves. A pedigree cat’s registered name is more than a pet name — it is the official name on its GCCF certificate and pedigree, and it follows a few simple rules. This guide explains how registered names are built, the all-important character limit, what you can and can’t use, and how to choose names that suit your cattery. It is written from a GCCF breeder and judge’s perspective.
How a registered name is built
Every pedigree kitten you register gets a full name made of two parts: your prefix at the front, then the kitten’s given name. If your prefix were Silkfoot and you named a kitten Blue Moon, the full registered name would be Silkfoot Blue Moon. The prefix instantly tells anyone — another breeder, a judge, a future owner — that you bred this cat. The given name is yours to choose, and it stays with the cat for life on every certificate, pedigree and show entry.
The 30-character rule
The single most important thing to know is the length limit: a full GCCF registered name — prefix plus given name, including the spaces — cannot exceed 30 characters. This is why experienced breeders favour a short prefix: a long one eats into the count and leaves little room for a meaningful name. If your prefix is 10 characters, you have around 19 left (allowing for the space) for the kitten’s name; if your prefix is 18 characters, you are very tight. It is worth counting before you commit — our prefix generator shows the character count of each idea so you can keep room to spare.
What you can and can’t use
Registered names use letters and a small set of symbols, the same family of characters allowed in a prefix. A few sensible principles apply: the full name must be distinct, it should not be offensive or inappropriate, and it should not include words that imply a show title or award (titles such as Champion or Grand Champion are earned at shows, not built into a name). Beyond that you have plenty of freedom — single words, two- or three-word names, alliteration, or a themed name all work, as long as you stay within the character limit. Always check the current GCCF Rules for Registration if you are unsure, as the detail is set out there.
Choosing names that suit your cattery
The nicest registered names feel of a piece with the prefix. If your prefix is elegant, a graceful given name completes it; if it is playful, you have licence to have fun. Many breeders give a whole litter names on a shared theme — flowers, gemstones, constellations, a letter of the alphabet — which looks lovely on a pedigree and makes the kittens easy to tell apart in your records. For a full set of ideas and how to plan them, see our guide to pedigree litter naming themes, and if you are still settling the prefix itself, browse our cattery name ideas.
A few breeder tips
Say the full name out loud before you settle — it will be read at shows, so it wants to flow. Think about the everyday “call name” the new owner will actually use day to day, which is often drawn from the registered name (Silkfoot Blue Moon might simply be “Moon” at home). Keep a running list of names you like so you are never scrabbling when a litter arrives, and avoid reusing a name you have given before. And remember the practical timeline: kittens are registered before they leave, so have names ready in good time — our litter planner shows when each milestone falls.
Not got your prefix yet?
Brainstorm a unique, GCCF-friendly cattery prefix — with character counts so your kittens’ names still fit.
Naming a pedigree kitten: FAQ
How long can a registered cat name be?
A full GCCF registered name — prefix plus given name, including spaces — cannot exceed 30 characters. A shorter prefix leaves more room for the kitten’s name.
Does every kitten’s name start with my prefix?
Yes — the prefix sits at the front of the registered name of every kitten you breed and register, identifying you as the breeder.
Can I give two cats the same name?
Best avoided. Keep each registered name distinct so there is no confusion across your cats, on pedigrees or at shows.
Is the registered name the same as the cat’s pet name?
Not usually. The registered name is the formal name on the pedigree; owners typically use a shorter everyday “call name” drawn from it.
Registration rules can change — always check the current GCCF Rules for Registration before naming and registering a litter.
