What Is a Group of Wild Cats Called? Names for Feral, Domestic, and Big Cats

You’ve probably seen feral cats skulking through back alleys or lounging in barns, but what do you call a group of these wild felines? The answer is as varied and intriguing as the cats themselves.

Clowder vs. Colony

When it comes to feral felines, the accepted term is a colony—a gathering of three or more cats that live or move together. Domestic cats, on the other hand, are grouped in a clowder, while a group of kittens is simply a litter.

Domestic Outdoor Cast vs. Wild or Feral Cats

Feral cats are former domestic cats that have reverted to a wild lifestyle. They often establish colonies near reliable food sources or shelters such as hay-filled barns. Unlike indoor or outdoor cats with homes, ferals steer clear of humans and form groups for safety and breeding.

Within each colony, females typically remain close-knit, whereas males roam more widely. Parent cats teach the young how to hunt and avoid danger, and shared resources—like food bowls and sheltered corners—serve as territorial markers.

Big Cats, Different Names

When the discussion shifts to big cats, the collective nouns change. A group of lions is called a pride. Tigers, which are largely solitary, rarely form groups, but a small assembly of male cheetahs is known as a coalition.

Unusual Names for Cat Groups

Beyond the standard terms, there are delightfully odd collective nouns for cats. A group might be a glaring—a reference to their intense stares—or a destruction, highlighting the cats’ propensity to overturn objects or battle over food. These playful names echo the cats’ independent, territorial, and social nature on their own terms.

This article was crafted with AI assistance and then rigorously fact‑checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor to ensure accuracy and clarity.