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Collective Nouns · Felines · Animal Facts

What Is a Group of Cats Called?

All Collective Nouns, Explained

From “clowder” to “glaring,” this guide explores the many collective nouns for cats and what actually happens when domestic cats end up in a group.

📖 8 min read 🐱 FELINE SERIES 🔍 Updated August 2026

What Is a Group of Cats Called?

🐱 QUICK ANSWER

A group of cats is called a clowder of cats.

A group of cats is most commonly called “a clowder of cats.” A group specifically of unfriendly or feral cats is sometimes called a glaring of cats, and a mother cat with her kittens is called a litter. Domestic cats are naturally more independent than dogs, but they can form loose social colonies, especially around a shared food source.

Primary noun: clowder of cats
Neutral wording: group of cats
Animal type: domesticated mammal
Scientific name: Felis catus

Domestic cats have a reputation for independence, but they’re more socially flexible than people often assume. While cats don’t rely on a group the way pack animals do, they can form loose, food-driven colonies when circumstances allow.

When several cats live or gather together, the collection is known as a clowder of cats. The term dates back centuries and remains one of the most charming entries in English collective-noun history.

Collective Nouns for Cats

Cats have unusually many collective nouns, likely because of their long, colorful history alongside humans.

Primary Collective Noun

Clowder of Cats
The most widely recognized collective noun for a general group of cats.

Example: A clowder of cats lounged in the sunny window.

Behavior-Based Collective Noun

Glaring of Cats
Used specifically for a group of unfriendly, wary, or feral cats, a fittingly vivid term.

Example: A glaring of cats watched warily from the alley.

Family Collective Noun

Litter of Cats
Refers specifically to a mother cat’s kittens born in the same birth.

Example: A litter of kittens slept in a warm pile in the barn.

Neutral Descriptive Noun

Group of Cats
The straightforward phrase used in everyday conversation.

Example: A group of cats gathered near the porch at feeding time.

Animal Facts

A deep dive into cat biology and behavior.

Are cats really solitary?

Not entirely. Cats are more independent than dogs, but feral cats often form colonies around reliable food sources, typically built around related females.

How long is a cat pregnancy?

A cat’s pregnancy lasts about 63–65 days, roughly two months.

How many kittens do cats have?

The average litter contains 3–5 kittens, and an unspayed female can have multiple litters in a single year.

How long do cats live?

Indoor cats typically live 12–18 years, with many living well into their late teens with good care.

How fast can cats run?

Domestic cats can reach speeds of about 30 mph in short bursts, faster than the fastest human sprinters.

How many hours do cats sleep?

Cats sleep an average of 12–16 hours a day, some of the most sleep of any common domesticated animal.

Strength in Independence

Cats don’t need a group to survive the way pack animals do. A clowder of cats forms more out of convenience, shared territory, or reliable food, than out of the tight cooperative bonds seen in wolves or elephants.

Even so, cats within a colony can develop real social bonds, grooming each other, sleeping together, and recognizing individual colony members over years.

Famous Cats

Stubbs: The Honorary Mayor Cat

One of the most famous house cats in modern history was Stubbs, a tabby who served as the beloved honorary mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska, for roughly two decades starting in 1997. Though the role was ceremonial, Stubbs became a genuine local celebrity and tourist draw, remembered fondly by the town after his death in 2017.

What Is a Group of Baby Cats Called?

Baby cats are called kittens, and a group of kittens born together is called a litter.

Kittens are born blind and deaf, opening their eyes at around one to two weeks old. They typically stay with their mother and littermates for around eight to twelve weeks before being weaned.

The Clowder..

Why Cats Sometimes Form Colonies

Unlike truly solitary wild cats, domestic cats descend from a species that tolerated loose social groups around food. Feral colonies often form around related females who cooperate in raising kittens together.

Male cats generally roam and don’t participate in raising young, which is why colonies tend to center on female relationships.

How Big Is a Cat Clowder

Feral cat colonies can range from just a handful of cats to well over a hundred, depending on food availability and space.

Community-managed colonies are often maintained through trap-neuter-return programs to keep populations healthy and stable.

Example Sentences

• A clowder of cats gathered near the barn at feeding time.
• Volunteers cared for a glaring of feral cats behind the shelter.
• A group of cats napped together in the afternoon sun.
• The rescue organization documented an entire litter of kittens found in the yard.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cats

Do cats actually like being in groups?

It depends on the cat. Some cats tolerate or enjoy company, especially familiar ones, while others strongly prefer to be the only cat in their territory.

What’s the difference between a clowder and a glaring?

A clowder is a general term for any group of cats, while a glaring specifically describes a group of unfriendly or feral cats.

Why do cats purr?

Cats purr for many reasons, including contentment, self-soothing, and even healing. Some studies suggest the frequency of a cat’s purr may promote bone and tissue repair.

Do cats recognize their owner’s voice?

Yes. Studies show cats can distinguish their owner’s voice from a stranger’s, even if they don’t always show an obvious reaction.

Are all domestic cats the same species?

Yes, all domestic cat breeds belong to the single species Felis catus, despite huge variation in size, coat, and appearance across breeds.

Are feral cat colonies a conservation concern?

In some regions, yes. Free-roaming cats can impact local bird and small-mammal populations, which is part of why managed colonies and spay/neuter programs matter for local ecosystems.

Quiz Time! What do you remember about cats?

Quick Quiz: What is the most common collective noun for cats?

  • Clowder of cats
  • Pack of cats
  • Herd of cats
  • Flock of cats

Quick Quiz: What is a group of unfriendly or feral cats called?

  • Glaring of cats
  • Litter of cats
  • Kindle of cats
  • Clutch of cats

Quick Quiz: How long is a typical cat pregnancy?

  • 63–65 days
  • 30 days
  • 120 days
  • 200 days

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