Looks like you found yourself staring into the mysterious, stormy eyes of a grey cat, and couldn’t resist getting it home. On the way back home, you might have wondered if they hold the secrets of the universe—or at least the secret to your missing socks. Grey cats have always had a special place in history and human hearts. From ancient folklore to modern-day memes, these misty-colored felines have been seen as mystical, magical, and occasionally, mischievous.
They say that grey cats were the chosen companions of witches, able to blend into the shadows and move silently through the night. It’ll be difficult to digest this fact as you’ll see yours lounging regally in your living rooms, plotting world domination. But most probably it’ll be their next nap.
Grey Kitten Names
To name such a creature of myth and mystery, you need a name that is elegant and enigmatic. Here’s some help from our side to name your grey kitty –
Earl Grey – Tea lover?
Smokey – For the color and the mystic nature.
Ash – Talking about fiction, why not a fictional hero from Pokémon?
Wiz – Not as in Wiz Khalifa but Wizard.
Dust Bunny – Just a cute name.
Luna – As mysterious and magical as the moon.
Nebula – Just as mysterious.
Pandora – A box full of surprises.
Zelda – It means "dark battle" or "grey warrior" but otherwise any Phoebe Buffay fans?
Circe – The enchantress from Greek mythology.
Whisper – As soft as one.
Bellatrix – Potterhead?
Hermoine – Don’t we all love her?
Glinda – The good witch from The Wizard of Oz.
Sabrina – The teenage witch.
Grey – We know it’s obvious but does sound cool.
Maleficent – The dark fairy from Sleeping Beauty.
Vesper – The Evening Star.
Althea – Means ‘healer’.
Selena – Gomez if you’re a fan but otherwise it means ‘moon goddess’.
What do Grey Cats Symbolize? (4)
The grey coat on our feline buddies symbolizes several things. Some are even contradictory to each other. Some link the color to demons, witchcraft, darkness demons, witchcraft, and darkness, while others associate it with positive characteristics, such as independence, liberty, spiritual enlightenment, intuition, balance, and hope. There is a reason we call it a ‘grey area’.
They symbolize the mystery of life and the uncertainty of our experience of it. They say that these cats are the guardians of the veil between the physical and the spiritual world. They balance light, dark, positive, and negative energies perfectly. Some also believe that grey cats represent a deceased loved one. (don’t know about others but Miss Phoebe Buffay surely does believe it)
There are multiple beliefs about these cats. The important thing here is to embrace the ones that make us love them more.
Are Grey Cats Affectionate?
Some studies show a correlation between a cat’s coat color and its personality. Grey-colored cats are usually found to be peaceful, affectionate, gentle, and calm. (1)
However, they are mostly independent and prefer being let alone most of the time. This doesn’t mean that they will not enjoy an occasional play or cuddle session.
The Russian Blue, for example, is affectionate but usually only towards the owner. They will resist strangers and new environments. The Korat, on the other hand, is a social and attention-seeking breed. They love to snuggle, play, and bond with their family. The British Shorthair is a quiet and reserved breed. But once they open up, they can be very warm and affectionate towards the family. The Scottish Folds, one of the most popular breeds in the US and Europe, are a happy and affectionate breed as well. (2)
What is the Myth of the Grey Cat?
This question could be better framed as ‘What are the ‘myths’ around grey cats?’ as there isn’t just one. There is a collection of beliefs, stories, and folklore from various cultures that ascribe mystical and magical qualities to these cats.
Norse Mythology
The goddess Freyja, who is associated with love, beauty, and fertility, rode a chariot pulled by two large grey cats. These cats were believed to bring good luck and protection.
Celtic Beliefs
Grey cats were often considered to be enchanted beings. The Celts believed that grey cats could see into the spirit world and could bring messages from the other side. They were even seen as witches in disguise or animals that could shape-shift.
Russian Folklore
In Russian folklore, grey cats were often associated with domestic spirits called "domovoi," which were believed to protect the home and its inhabitants.
Even literature has its own share of grey cat myths. The Cheshire Cat in Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" is a grey tabby known for its mischievous grin and ability to appear and disappear at will.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
While you have the answers to your curiosities regarding grey cats and even some great names for yours, it is important to know some facts relating to medical predispositions in cats now that you’re a parent of one. (3)
The most common health problems in spayed/neutered cats include hyperthyroidism, flea-bite hypersensitivity, obesity, periodontal disease, cardiac dysrhythmia, constipation and lameness.
Common health problems in intact cats include heart murmur, urinary tract infections (UTI), anemia, anorexia, complications and infections of the reproductive system, and overgrooming.
With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% of the associated treatment costs that can at times put a big dent in your savings.
With a Spot accident and illness plan, you can take your cat for treatment at any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Spot plans don’t have networks, so whether you’re home or traveling within the U.S, veterinary services your cat receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of eligible services can be covered. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions, ranging from broken bones and bite wounds to behavioral conditions, and cancer. While base plans do not offer coverage for preventive care services, Spot’s Wellness Riders can be added to any base plan for an additional fee and can help cover the eligible costs of wellness exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more!
Learn more about cat insurance or get a free quote.
Dickert, L. T. (2011, August 11). Cats color linked to determining personality - All pet news. All Pet News. https://allpetnews.com/cats-color-linked-to-determining-personality
Gardner, L. (2024, April 18). Grey Cat Breeds: Traits, Personality & How to Adopt. https://www.litter-robot.com/blog/grey-cat-breeds/
Vetic. (2023, August 18). 20 Common cat health problems: Signs, symptoms and solutions. Vetic | Pet Care Reimagined. https://vetic.in/blog/pet-health/common-cat-health-problems/
Admin. (2024, March 10). Spiritual Meaning of Grey Cat - Gaiansoul. Gaiansoul. https://www.gaiansoul.com/cat-dreams/spiritual-meaning-of-grey-cat/
