What is a Group of Cats Called? 10 Weird Animal Collective Nouns for Trivia Lover

What Do You Call a Group of Cats? The Ultimate Guide to Unusual Animal Collective Nouns

Let's talk about Animal Group Nouns and why I made a whole list of them to wear or use in your kitchen. Have you ever wondered why a group of owls is called a parliament? Or why a collection of rhinos is known as a crash? Or why a group of kittens is called a kindle?

If you're looking for a gift for that one friend who knows every animal fact is tough. That’s why we created our Best-Selling Animal Collective Nouns Collection.

Animal collective nouns (historically known as "terms of venery") are some of the most whimsical and poetic parts of the English language. Dating back to the Middle Ages, these names were often based on the animal’s behavior, appearance, or the "vibe" they gave off to observers.

The Ultimate Guide to Unusual Animal Collective Nouns

Love these facts? You can find all 100+ of these terms on our signature Animal Lovers Flour Sack Towel, on clothing and a frameable poster!

If you have a friend who is a veterinarian, a biology teacher, or just that person who knows every random fact at trivia night, these terms are pure gold. To celebrate these linguistic quirks, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite (and weirdest) animal group names.

The Top 10 Weirdest Animal Collective Noun
  1. A Clowder of Cats 🐱 – While a group of wild cats is a "destruction," your house cats are officially a clowder.
  2. A Business of Ferrets 🦦 – Because they always look like they’re up to something important (or mischievous).
  3. A Murder of Crows 🐦 – One of the most famous terms, likely originating from old superstitions.
  4. A Shrewdness of Apes 🦍 – A nod to their high intelligence and social complexity.
  5. A Prickle of Porcupines 🦔 – Perhaps the most literal and "on the nose" name on the list!
  6. A Zeal of Zebras 🦓 – Inspired by the dazzling, energetic patterns of their stripes.
  7. An Unkindness of Ravens 🦅 – Similar to crows, ravens have a bit of a "goth" reputation in folklore.
  8. A Wisdom of Wombats 🐾 – Because who doesn't think a wombat looks like a tiny, furry philosopher?
  9. A Piddle of Puppies 🐶 – Accurate for anyone who has ever raised a litter of newborns!
  10. A Memory of Elephants 🐘 – A beautiful tribute to their legendary long-term recall.

The Ultimate Gift for the "Hard-to-Buy-For" Animal LoverIf you’re reading this and thinking, "I need a list of all 100+ of these!"—we’ve got you covered.

At Xenotees, we spent weeks researching the most obscure and delightful terms to create our signature Animal Lovers Flour Sack Towel featuring over 100 animal group names hand-screen printed in a stunning spiral design, this towel is more than just a kitchen essential—it’s a conversation starter.

Why it’s a Zero-Waste Win

  • 100% Cotton: It’s lint-free, pre-shrunk, and ultra-absorbent.
  • Eco-Friendly: Ditch the paper towels! One of these replaces dozens of rolls.
  • Furoshiki wrapping for a bottle of wine or a book to create a sustainable, 2-in-1 gift for your favorite animal enthusiast

Whether you're drying dishes or winning your next trivia round, do it with a bit of "wisdom" (and maybe a "clowder" of cats nearby)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a group of cats called? A group of cats is called a clowder. A group of wild or feral cats is called a destruction.

What is a group of kittens called? A group of kittens is called a kindle or a litter.

What is a group of owls called? A group of owls is called a parliament.

What is a group of crows called? A group of crows is called a murder — one of the most well-known animal collective nouns.

Where can I find a full list of animal collective nouns? We've hand-printed over 100 animal group names in a spiral design on our Animal Lovers Flour Sack Towel — it's become a favorite gift for trivia lovers, teachers, and animal people everywhere.

— Noelle Burke
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