Chinese names carry meaning in a way few languages match — a single word can mean luck, jade, or “little black one.” That makes them wonderful for cats, especially since so many Chinese pet names double a syllable for cuteness — Mimi, Beibei, Lele — the same way we say “kitty.” Here are 55 Chinese cat names with their meanings and a rough pronunciation, so you can pick one that sounds as good as it means.

Cute Chinese Cat Names

Chinese pet names love a repeated syllable — it’s the equivalent of adding “-y” in English:

Mimi (mee-mee) — a common Chinese pet name for cats, echoing a cat’s cry
Mao (maow) — literally “cat”
Lele (luh-luh) — happy, joyful
Beibei (bay-bay) — precious, baby
Doudou (doe-doe) — bean; a very common cutesy pet name
Nuannuan (nwan-nwan) — warm and cozy
Momo — a soft, affectionate pet name
Tangtang (tahng-tahng) — sugar, sweet
Huanhuan — joyful
Pangpang (pahng-pahng) — chubby, for a round cat
Qiuqiu (cheo-cheo) — little ball
Niuniu (nyo-nyo) — a sweet, playful pet name

Lucky & Meaningful Chinese Cat Names

Fu (foo) — good fortune, luck
Cai (tsai) — wealth, fortune
Xing (shing) — star
Yun (yoon) — cloud, or luck
Ping (ping) — peace
Le (luh) — joy
An (ahn) — peace, calm
Jin (jin) — gold
Yu (yoo) — jade; precious
Bao (baow) — treasure, precious
Xi (shee) — happiness
Long (long) — dragon, for a bold cat
Hu (hoo) — tiger
Feng (fung) — phoenix; wind

Color-Inspired Chinese Cat Names

Xiao Hei (shao hay) — “little black one,” perfect for a black cat
Xiao Bai (shao bye) — “little white one”
Hui (hway) — grey
Hong (hong) — red
Jinse (jin-suh) — golden
Mo (mwoh) — ink, for a jet-black cat
Xue (shweh) — snow, for a white cat
Hua (hwah) — flower; also used for a calico or “mixed” coat

Food-Inspired Chinese Cat Names

Bao (baow) — bun (also means “treasure”)
Baozi (baow-dzuh) — steamed bun, for a round fluffy cat
Tangyuan (tahng-ywen) — sweet glutinous rice ball
Nai (nye) — milk
Boba — the tapioca pearls in bubble tea
Mifan (mee-fahn) — rice
Doufu (doe-foo) — tofu, soft and white
Congee — warm rice porridge
Youtiao — the long fried dough stick, for a lanky cat

Elegant Chinese Cat Names

Yuyan — jade-like beauty
Lian (lyen) — lotus
Mei (may) — beautiful, plum blossom
Yue (yweh) — moon
Ling (ling) — delicate, spirit
Ying (ying) — brave, or a cherry blossom
Zhen (jen) — precious, treasure
** Juan** (jwen) — graceful
Bi (bee) — green jade
Xiang (shyang) — fragrant

How to Pick a Chinese Cat Name

If you want authentic and cute, a doubled syllable is the classic move — Mimi, Lele, Doudou. If you want meaning, pick the quality you love in your cat: Fu for luck, Bao for treasure, Yu for jade. And for a black cat, it’s hard to beat Xiao Hei — “little black one” is one of the most common and affectionate cat names in China.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chinese word for cat?

The Chinese word for cat is Mao (猫), pronounced “maow” — which, fittingly, sounds a lot like a cat’s meow. It makes a simple, on-the-nose name.

What is a lucky Chinese name for a cat?

Fu (fortune), Cai (wealth), Bao (treasure), and Jin (gold) all carry lucky meanings. Fu is especially fitting — it’s the character you see on red decorations during Lunar New Year.

What should I name a black cat in Chinese?

Xiao Hei — literally “little black one” — is the classic, affectionate choice. Mo (ink) and Hei (black) also work for a deep-black coat.

For more, try our cat name generator or explore Japanese cat names and unique cat names.