How To Say Kitty In French

If you love cats or have one as a pet, you might want to know how to say “kitty” in French. Learning how to talk about animals in different languages can be fun, especially when you get to know how words change. In French, the word for “kitty” is cute and easy to say. It’s also a great way to impress your friends if they speak French or to sound like a true cat lover.

In this article, we will teach you how to say “kitty” in French and give you a few other ways to express it. We will also show you some common phrases you can use when talking about your pet or someone else’s kitty in French. By the end of this article, you will know how to speak about kitties like a pro, whether you are at home or in a French-speaking country.

Ways to say “Kitty” in French

In French, there are different ways to say “kitty” depending on the context and formality of the situation. Here are 25 different ways to say “kitty” in French, including the pronunciation, meaning, and examples in sentences.

1. Kitty

Pronunciation: /kee-tee/
Meaning: This is the most common way to say “kitty” and is used in informal settings. It is borrowed directly from English.
In a Sentence:

“Regarde, il y a un petit kitty dans le jardin!” (Look, there’s a little kitty in the garden!)
“Mon kitty adore jouer avec des ficelles.” (My kitty loves playing with strings.)

2. Minou

Pronunciation: /mee-noo/
Meaning: This is a common and affectionate way to refer to a cat, often used for both kittens and adult cats.
In a Sentence:

“J’ai un minou qui aime se coucher sur le canapé.” (I have a kitty that likes to lie on the couch.)
“Minou, viens ici!” (Kitty, come here!)

3. Minette

Pronunciation: /mee-net/
Meaning: This is a gentle and loving way to refer to a female cat, especially a kitten. It’s often used as a nickname.
In a Sentence:

“La minette mange ses croquettes.” (The kitty is eating her kibble.)
“Ma minette est toute mignonne.” (My kitty is so cute.)

4. Chaton

Pronunciation: /sha-ton/
Meaning: This word specifically refers to a kitten, the baby cat stage.
In a Sentence:

“Le chaton est tout petit et tout doux.” (The kitten is so small and soft.)
“Le chaton joue avec une balle.” (The kitten is playing with a ball.)

5. Peluches

Pronunciation: /pe-loosh/
Meaning: This is an affectionate way to refer to a soft and cuddly kitty, like a plush toy.
In a Sentence:

“Regarde ma peluche, elle est si douce!” (Look at my little plush, it’s so soft!)
“Cette peluche ressemble à un chaton.” (This plush looks like a kitten.)

6. Choupinette

Pronunciation: /shoo-pee-net/
Meaning: A very sweet and cute way to refer to a small or very adorable cat or kitten.
In a Sentence:

“Ma choupinette est trop mignonne!” (My little kitty is so adorable!)
“J’ai trouvé une choupinette abandonnée.” (I found an abandoned little kitty.)

7. Nounou

Pronunciation: /noo-noo/
Meaning: Sometimes used for a kitten, especially one that is being cared for or pampered.
In a Sentence:

“Je suis allé chez ma nounou pour caresser son minou.” (I went to my grandmother’s to pet her kitty.)
“Le nounou aime bien être câliné.” (The little kitten loves being cuddled.)

8. Câline

Pronunciation: /ka-leen/
Meaning: Refers to a cat or kitten that loves being cuddled.
In a Sentence:

“Cette câline adore s’endormir dans mes bras.” (This kitty loves to fall asleep in my arms.)
“Ma câline ronronne quand je la caresse.” (My kitty purrs when I pet her.)

9. Mimi

Pronunciation: /mee-mee/
Meaning: An informal, playful term for a small or cute cat.
In a Sentence:

“Regarde ce petit mimi, il est trop chou.” (Look at this little kitty, it’s so cute.)
“Mon mimi aime sauter dans la boîte.” (My kitty loves jumping into the box.)

10. Pépette

Pronunciation: /peh-pet/
Meaning: An endearing term, often used to refer to a cute kitten.
In a Sentence:

“Ma pépette fait ses premières découvertes.” (My little kitty is making her first discoveries.)
“Elle est vraiment une petite pépette.” (She’s really a little cutie.)

11. Minouchet

Pronunciation: /mee-noo-shet/
Meaning: A playful and affectionate variation of “minou” used for kittens.
In a Sentence:

“Mon minouchet adore jouer avec des jouets.” (My kitty loves playing with toys.)
“Je vais caresser mon minouchet.” (I’m going to pet my kitty.)

12. Moustache

Pronunciation: /moos-tash/
Meaning: Referring to a kitty with a noticeable mustache, often used affectionately for any cat with distinct features.
In a Sentence:

“Ton moustache est vraiment mignonne.” (Your little kitty is really cute.)
“Je vais nourrir moustache maintenant.” (I’m going to feed my kitty now.)

13. Petite boule de poils

Pronunciation: /pe-teet bool duh pwahl/
Meaning: Literally translates to “little ball of fur,” commonly used for very fluffy kittens.
In a Sentence:

“C’est une petite boule de poils toute douce!” (It’s a little ball of fur, so soft!)
“Ma petite boule de poils adore les câlins.” (My little ball of fur loves cuddles.)

14. Tigrou

Pronunciation: /tee-groo/
Meaning: A cute and playful name often given to cats, especially those with stripes like a tiger.
In a Sentence:

“Mon tigrou court partout dans la maison.” (My kitty is running all around the house.)
“Tigrou, viens manger.” (Tiger, come eat.)

15. Chichi

Pronunciation: /shee-shee/
Meaning: A lighthearted term often used for a small, delicate, or prissy cat.
In a Sentence:

“Mon chichi aime rester dans son panier.” (My kitty likes staying in its basket.)
“Chichi, viens ici!” (Chichi, come here!)

16. Miaou

Pronunciation: /mee-ow/
Meaning: This is the French onomatopoeia for a cat’s meow, used sometimes affectionately for a kitty.
In a Sentence:

“Le miaou de mon chaton est si mignon!” (The meow of my kitten is so cute!)
“Miaou, je suis ici!” (Meow, I’m here!)

17. Grisou

Pronunciation: /gree-soo/
Meaning: Used for a gray kitty, usually affectionately.
In a Sentence:

“J’ai un grisou qui adore les poissons.” (I have a gray kitty who loves fish.)
“Le grisou dort sur le canapé.” (The gray kitty is sleeping on the couch.)

18. Gribouille

Pronunciation: /gree-boo-ee/
Meaning: A nickname used for a messy or playful cat.
In a Sentence:

“Mon gribouille aime courir après ses jouets.” (My kitty loves running after its toys.)
“Gribouille, viens manger!” (Gribouille, come eat!)

19. Fripouille

Pronunciation: /free-pwee/
Meaning: An affectionate term for a mischievous little kitty.
In a Sentence:

“Cette fripouille a tout renversé!” (This little kitty knocked everything over!)
“Le fripouille adore grimper aux arbres.” (The mischievous kitty loves climbing trees.)

20. Chatou

Pronunciation: /sha-too/
Meaning: A playful and informal name for a kitten or small cat.
In a Sentence:

“Regarde chatou, il est tout mignon.” (Look at the kitty, it’s so cute.)
“Chatou, viens ici!” (Kitty, come here!)

21. Poussin

Pronunciation: /poo-seen/
Meaning: Means “chick,” but can also be used affectionately for a kitten.
In a Sentence:

“Le poussin aime jouer avec sa balle.” (The little kitty loves playing with its ball.)
“Mon poussin est tout doux.” (My little kitty is so soft.)

22. Choupie

Pronunciation: /shoo-pee/
Meaning: A very cute and sweet way to refer to a kitty, especially a small one.
In a Sentence:

“Ma choupie adore courir dans le jardin.” (My little kitty loves running in the garden.)
“Choupie, viens ici!” (Choupie, come here!)

23. Caramel

Pronunciation: /ka-ra-mel/
Meaning: Used for a sweet, light-brown-colored kitty.
In a Sentence:

“Mon caramel a des yeux magnifiques.” (My caramel-colored kitty has beautiful eyes.)
“Caramel, viens jouer!” (Caramel, come play!)

24. Bichon

Pronunciation: /bee-shon/
Meaning: Often used for a small or fluffy kitty.
In a Sentence:

“Le bichon a un pelage tout doux.” (The fluffy kitty has such soft fur.)
“Mon bichon dort toute la journée.” (My kitty sleeps all day.)

25. Patte

Pronunciation: /paht/
Meaning: This refers to a kitty’s paw, but can also be used in a cute or affectionate way for the whole cat.
In a Sentence:

“Regarde ses pattes! Elles sont si petites.” (Look at her paws! They’re so tiny.)
“Mon patte adore les câlins.” (My kitty loves cuddles.)

26. Chiffon

Pronunciation: /shee-fohn/
Meaning: An affectionate, cute way to refer to a small, soft kitty, often used in a playful tone.
In a Sentence:

“Ma chiffon aime dormir sur le canapé.” (My kitty loves to sleep on the couch.)
“Le chiffon ronronne toujours quand je le caresse.” (The little kitty always purrs when I pet it.)

27. Puce

Pronunciation: /poos/
Meaning: A term of endearment used for small, playful kittens, like calling them a “little flea.”
In a Sentence:

“Ma puce court partout dans la maison!” (My little kitty runs all over the house!)
“La puce aime jouer avec des jouets en plume.” (The little kitty loves playing with feather toys.)

28. Loulou

Pronunciation: /loo-loo/
Meaning: Often used as a nickname for a cat, especially when it’s affectionate and playful.
In a Sentence:

“Mon loulou adore se cacher sous le lit.” (My kitty loves hiding under the bed.)
“Viens ici, loulou, c’est l’heure de manger!” (Come here, kitty, it’s time to eat!)

29. Bébé

Pronunciation: /beh-beh/
Meaning: This means “baby” and can be used for a tiny, cute kitten or a very young cat.
In a Sentence:

“Mon bébé chat est si mignon!” (My baby kitty is so cute!)
“Bébé, tu veux un câlin?” (Baby kitty, do you want a cuddle?)

30. Doudou

Pronunciation: /doo-doo/
Meaning: An endearing term often used for pets that are soft and cuddly, like a stuffed animal or kitty.
In a Sentence:

“Mon doudou ronronne chaque matin.” (My kitty purrs every morning.)
“J’adore câliner mon doudou.” (I love cuddling my little kitty.)

Other Ways to Say “Kitty” in French

Here is a table of additional ways to say “kitty” in French. These terms may vary based on the situation or affection level. Each one has a special meaning and is often used for different types of cats or kittens.

Other ways to say	Pronunciation	Meaning	Example Sentences
Minou	/mee-noo/	Common and affectionate term for a cat.	“Le minou aime jouer avec ses jouets.” (The kitty loves playing with its toys.)
Chatounet	/sha-too-net/	A playful and affectionate term for a small cat.	“Mon chatounet adore se cacher sous le canapé.” (My little kitty loves hiding under the couch.)
Félin	/feh-lan/	Refers to any type of cat, used in a more general sense.	“Le félin se repose dans son panier.” (The cat is resting in its basket.)
Choupinet	/shoo-pee-net/	A cute term for a playful, adorable cat or kitten.	“Ma choupinet aime grimper aux arbres.” (My little kitty loves climbing trees.)
Tigris	/tee-grees/	A name often given to striped or tiger-like cats.	“Le tigris est très actif.” (The tiger kitty is very active.)
Moussaillon	/moo-sah-yon/	An affectionate term for a kitten, like calling it “little sailor.”	“Mon moussaillon adore les câlins.” (My little kitten loves cuddles.)
Bébé chat	/beh-beh sha/	Literally means “baby cat,” used for very young kittens.	“Le bébé chat dort toute la journée.” (The baby kitten sleeps all day.)
Mignonnet	/mee-yon-nay/	Refers to a very cute, small cat, usually a kitten.	“Ma mignonnet mange des croquettes.” (My little kitty is eating kibble.)
Grignote	/gree-nyot/	A playful term for a kitten that likes to nibble or snack.	“Le grignote mange des friandises.” (The kitty is eating treats.)
Chachou	/sha-shoo/	A very affectionate and cute term for a kitty.	“Mon chachou est vraiment adorable!” (My kitty is really adorable!)

Response to “Kitty” in French

When someone calls their cat or “kitty” in French, there are many cute and common ways to respond. Whether you’re talking to your own pet or responding to someone else’s, these phrases will help you sound like a true French cat lover. Here are some typical responses you might use when addressing or talking about a “kitty” in French.

1. Viens ici, mon minou !

Pronunciation: /vee-ahn ee-see, mon mee-noo/
Meaning: “Come here, my kitty!” A common way to call a cat to come to you.
In a Sentence:

“Viens ici, mon minou ! Il est temps de manger.” (Come here, my kitty! It’s time to eat.)
“Viens ici, mon minou ! J’ai une surprise pour toi.” (Come here, my kitty! I have a surprise for you.)

2. T’es trop mignon(ne), mon chat !

Pronunciation: /teh troh mee-nyon, mon sha/
Meaning: “You’re so cute, my cat!” An affectionate compliment for your kitty.
In a Sentence:

“T’es trop mignon(ne), mon chat !” (You’re so cute, my cat!)
“T’es trop mignon, mon chat ! J’adore te caresser.” (You’re so cute, my cat! I love petting you.)

3. Ça va, mon chaton ?

Pronunciation: /sa vah, mon sha-ton/
Meaning: “How are you, my kitten?” A way to check on your kitty, especially if they’ve been playing or resting.
In a Sentence:

“Ça va, mon chaton ? Tu as bien dormi ?” (How are you, my kitten? Did you sleep well?)
“Ça va, mon chaton ? Viens faire un câlin.” (How are you, my kitten? Come for a cuddle.)

4. Bon appétit, mon minou !

Pronunciation: /bohn a-pey-tee, mon mee-noo/
Meaning: “Enjoy your meal, my kitty!” A playful way to wish your cat a good meal.
In a Sentence:

“Bon appétit, mon minou !” (Enjoy your meal, my kitty!)
“J’ai préparé ton repas. Bon appétit, mon minou !” (I prepared your food. Enjoy your meal, my kitty!)

5. Tu veux des câlins, mon petit chat ?

Pronunciation: /tu veh day ka-leen, mon puh-tee sha/
Meaning: “Do you want cuddles, my little cat?” A gentle way to ask your kitty for some cuddle time.
In a Sentence:

“Tu veux des câlins, mon petit chat ? Viens ici.” (Do you want cuddles, my little cat? Come here.)
“Tu veux des câlins, mon petit chat ? Tu es si doux.” (Do you want cuddles, my little cat? You are so soft.)

6. Alors, tu fais ta petite sieste, mon chéri(e) ?

Pronunciation: /ah-lohr, too feh tah puh-teet see-ehst, mon sheh-ree/
Meaning: “So, are you taking your little nap, my darling?” A way to comment on a resting kitty.
In a Sentence:

“Alors, tu fais ta petite sieste, mon chéri(e) ?” (So, are you taking your little nap, my darling?)
“Tu es trop mignon quand tu dors, mon chéri.” (You’re so cute when you sleep, my darling.)

7. Bien joué, mon tigrou !

Pronunciation: /byan zhoo-ay, mon tee-groo/
Meaning: “Well done, my tiger!” A playful way to praise your kitty, especially after a fun or successful play session.
In a Sentence:

“Bien joué, mon tigrou ! Tu as attrapé la balle.” (Well done, my tiger! You caught the ball.)
“Bien joué, mon tigrou ! Tu es vraiment rapide.” (Well done, my tiger! You’re really fast.)

8. Tu es mon petit trésor, mon minou !

Pronunciation: /too eh mon puh-tee tray-zor, mon mee-noo/
Meaning: “You are my little treasure, my kitty!” A loving way to express affection for your kitty.
In a Sentence:

“Tu es mon petit trésor, mon minou !” (You are my little treasure, my kitty!)
“Tu es tout pour moi, mon minou.” (You mean everything to me, my kitty.)

9. C’est bien, mon chat !

Pronunciation: /seh byan, mon sha/
Meaning: “Good job, my cat!” A simple and encouraging phrase.
In a Sentence:

“C’est bien, mon chat ! Tu as bien mangé.” (Good job, my cat! You ate well.)
“C’est bien, mon chat ! Tu as bien joué.” (Good job, my cat! You played well.)

10. Tu as l’air fatigué, mon chaton.

Pronunciation: /too ah lehr fah-tee-gay, mon sha-ton/
Meaning: “You look tired, my kitten.” A caring response when your kitty seems worn out.
In a Sentence:

“Tu as l’air fatigué, mon chaton. Viens te reposer.” (You look tired, my kitten. Come rest.)
“Tu as l’air fatigué, mon chaton. Repose-toi un peu.” (You look tired, my kitten. Take a little rest.)

11. Tu es un vrai petit aventurier, mon minou !

Pronunciation: /too eh uh vray puh-tee ah-vahn-too-ree-ay, mon mee-noo/
Meaning: “You’re a real little adventurer, my kitty!” A playful response for a curious or energetic cat.
In a Sentence:

“Tu es un vrai petit aventurier, mon minou ! Tu explores partout!” (You’re a real little adventurer, my kitty! You’re exploring everywhere!)
“Tu es un vrai petit aventurier, mon minou ! Fais attention!” (You’re a real little adventurer, my kitty! Be careful!)

12. Allez, viens te coucher, mon chouchou !

Pronunciation: /ah-lay, vee-ahn tuh koo-shay, mon shoo-shoo/
Meaning: “Come on, go to bed, my sweetie!” A way to tell your kitty it’s time for bed.
In a Sentence:

“Allez, viens te coucher, mon chouchou ! Il est tard.” (Come on, go to bed, my sweetie! It’s late.)
“Allez, viens te coucher, mon chouchou ! Tu as eu une longue journée.” (Come on, go to bed, my sweetie! You’ve had a long day.)

13. Tu es mon petit rayon de soleil, mon chat.

Pronunciation: /too eh mon puh-tee ray-ohn duh so-lay, mon sha/
Meaning: “You are my little ray of sunshine, my cat.” A sweet way to show how much you love your kitty.
In a Sentence:

“Tu es mon petit rayon de soleil, mon chat. Tu rends ma journée meilleure.” (You are my little ray of sunshine, my cat. You make my day better.)
“Tu es mon petit rayon de soleil, mon chat. Tu illumines ma vie.” (You are my little ray of sunshine, my cat. You brighten my life.)

14. Alors, tu veux jouer encore, mon petit loulou ?

Pronunciation: /ah-lohr, too veh zhoo-ay ahn-kor, mon puh-tee loo-loo/
Meaning: “So, do you want to play more, my little sweetie?” A fun and gentle way to ask your cat to continue playing.
In a Sentence:

“Alors, tu veux jouer encore, mon petit loulou ? Tu sembles tellement content.” (So, do you want to play more, my little sweetie? You seem so happy.)
“Alors, tu veux jouer encore, mon petit loulou ? Viens ici!” (So, do you want to play more, my little sweetie? Come here!)

15. Tu as un bon appétit, mon chaton !

Pronunciation: /too ah uh bohn a-pey-tee, mon sha-ton/
Meaning: “You have a good appetite, my kitten!” A compliment when your kitty eats well.
In a Sentence:

“Tu as un bon appétit, mon chaton ! Mange tout!” (You have a good appetite, my kitten! Eat it all!)
“Tu as un bon appétit, mon chaton ! Tu es toujours affamé.” (You have a good appetite, my kitten! You’re always hungry.)

16. Ma petite boule de poils, tu es trop mignonne !

Pronunciation: /mah puh-tee bool duh pwahl, too eh troh mee-nyon/
Meaning: “My little ball of fur, you’re so cute!” An affectionate way to describe a fluffy or cuddly kitty.
In a Sentence:

“Ma petite boule de poils, tu es trop mignonne !” (My little ball of fur, you’re so cute!)
“Ma petite boule de poils adore se faufiler sous la couverture.” (My little ball of fur loves to sneak under the blanket.)

17. Oh là là, tu es une vraie star, mon tigre !

Pronunciation: /oh lah lah, too eh un vray star, mon tee-gruh/
Meaning: “Oh wow, you’re a real star, my tiger!” A fun way to praise your kitty, especially when it’s doing something impressive.
In a Sentence:

“Oh là là, tu es une vraie star, mon tigre ! Regarde comment tu sautes !” (Oh wow, you’re a real star, my tiger! Look at how you jump!)
“Oh là là, tu es une vraie star, mon tigre ! Tu as bien attrapé la souris.” (Oh wow, you’re a real star, my tiger! You caught the mouse!)

Exercise to Practice Success “Kitty” in French

Here is a list of 12 fill-in-the-blank exercises using the ways to say “kitty” in French. Each sentence is in French, and after the exercises, you will find the answers along with the meaning of each sentence. This will help you practice and improve your understanding of how to talk about your kitty in French.

Fill-in-the-Blanks

_______, viens ici, c’est l’heure de manger !
Mon _______ adore dormir sur le canapé.
Regarde _______, elle a trouvé une souris !
Viens ici, _______ ! Tu veux des câlins ?
Ma _______ est toute douce.
_______, viens jouer avec ma balle !
________, arrête de courir partout !
Tu es mon _______ préféré !
_______, tu veux faire une sieste avec moi ?
_______ est très curieux et aime explorer.
Mon _______ aime regarder les oiseaux par la fenêtre.
Tu es un vrai _______ !

Answers

Minou
Meaning: “Kitty, come here, it’s time to eat!”
Chaton
Meaning: “My kitten loves sleeping on the couch.”
Minette
Meaning: “Look, my kitty found a mouse!”
Minou
Meaning: “Come here, kitty! Do you want cuddles?”
Bébé chat
Meaning: “My baby kitty is so soft.”
Tigrou
Meaning: “Tiger, come play with my ball!”
Choupinette
Meaning: “Sweetie, stop running everywhere!”
Minou
Meaning: “You are my favorite kitty!”
Minouchet
Meaning: “Kitty, do you want to take a nap with me?”
Grisou
Meaning: “My gray kitty is very curious and loves to explore.”
Mimi
Meaning: “My kitty loves watching the birds from the window.”
Tigre
Meaning: “You’re a real tiger!”

Conclusion

Learning how to say “kitty” in French can be a fun way to expand your language skills, especially if you’re a cat lover! Whether you choose to use minou, chaton, or any of the other adorable terms, you now have a variety of ways to express your affection for your furry friend in French. These phrases and responses will help you speak more naturally about your kitty, whether you’re at home or chatting with French-speaking friends.

With the exercises and examples, you’ve also learned how to practice these words in real-life conversations. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll feel comfortable using these terms to talk about your pets in French! So, next time you see your kitty, try saying one of these French phrases—you might just make them purr even more!