Brainstorm ideas for a unique GCCF cattery prefix. Enter a few words that mean something to you and pick a style — the generator builds a shortlist to choose your four favourites from.
Prefix ideas
Pick your four or more favourites to submit to the GCCF. These are ideas only — the GCCF will check each against existing prefixes, so always have several in reserve. None of these names is checked for availability here.
GCCF prefix rules at a glance
- Submit a list of at least four possible prefixes (the more the better).
- Letters plus a few symbols only (dashes, apostrophes, asterisks, exclamation marks).
- Must be unique and not resemble an existing prefix, and not offensive.
- Keep it short — the office recommends under 20 characters; the full registered name (prefix + cat name) can’t exceed 30.
Choosing a cattery prefix you’ll be proud of
Your cattery prefix is the name that goes in front of every kitten you ever breed — it is your signature in the cat fancy, and you will live with it for decades, so it is worth choosing well. The generator above is a brainstorming tool: feed it a few words that mean something to you, pick the style you like, and it builds a shortlist of ideas with character counts. The GCCF asks you to submit at least four possible prefixes when you apply, so the aim is to come away with a handful you love rather than pinning everything on one. This guide explains what a prefix is, what makes a good one, the rules, and how to register it.
What a cattery prefix actually is
A prefix is the official, GCCF-registered name that appears at the start of a cat’s registered name and shows who bred it. If your prefix were Silkfoot and you named a kitten Blue Moon, the full registered name would be Silkfoot Blue Moon. Once granted, the prefix is yours alone — no one else can use it — and it appears on every certificate and pedigree for the cats you breed. It is the single clearest signal that you are a registered, accountable breeder.
What makes a good prefix
The best prefixes are short, easy to say and easy to spell — remember it will be read out alongside a cat’s name at shows and printed on certificates. Many breeders draw on something personal: a surname, the name of their house or village, a flower or tree they love, or a theme that runs through their cats. Think about how it sounds in front of a name, and steer clear of anything that could be mistaken for an existing cattery. If you want a head start, browse our cattery name ideas by style, then bring a favourite back to the generator to build variations.
The GCCF prefix rules
A prefix is granted by the GCCF and must follow a few rules: it may use letters plus a small set of symbols (dashes, apostrophes, asterisks and exclamation marks); it must be unique and not resemble an existing prefix; and it must not be offensive. Keep length in check — the GCCF office recommends keeping a prefix under 20 characters, and the full registered name (your prefix plus the cat’s own name) cannot exceed 30 characters including spaces. When you apply you provide a list of at least four choices in order of preference, and the GCCF works down the list until it finds one that is free. You can save yourself disappointment by checking your ideas against the GCCF registered prefix list first.
How to apply for your prefix
To apply you must be a member of at least one GCCF member cat club. You can then apply online through your GCCF profile or by downloading the paper form, listing your name choices in order of preference and paying the fee — as of January 2024 this is £75 for a UK applicant and £100 from outside the UK (always check the current GCCF price list). After an initial check, your application goes to the GCCF Board for approval, then your chosen prefix is posted to a public notification list for 21 days before it is formally granted. In practice the whole process takes around 4 to 6 weeks once your club membership is confirmed, so it is wise to apply well before a litter is due — ideally before the mating. For the complete step-by-step, the GCCF’s own guide on what a prefix is and how to apply walks through every stage.
Naming your kittens, once you have a prefix
Your prefix is only half the story — each kitten then gets its own name after it. For how registered names are built, the all-important 30-character rule and what you can and can’t use, see our guide to naming a pedigree kitten. And for keeping a whole litter’s names consistent and elegant on the pedigree, our litter naming themes guide is full of ideas. When a litter is on the way, the litter planner maps out every key date from mating to leaving home.
Common prefix mistakes to avoid
- Making it too long. A long prefix eats into the 30-character total and leaves little room to name your kittens.
- Choosing something too similar to an existing prefix. It will be rejected — check the GCCF list first.
- Picking a name that’s hard to spell or say. It will be read aloud at shows and written on paperwork for years.
- Submitting only one or two choices. Give at least four, ideally more, so the process isn’t held up.
- Leaving it too late. Apply before the mating so your prefix is granted in time to register the litter.
Got your prefix? List your cattery
Once you’re a registered breeder, you can list your cattery and kittens in our GCCF breeder directory.
Cattery prefixes: FAQ
What is a cattery prefix?
A prefix is a unique name, granted by the GCCF, that goes at the start of every kitten’s registered name — effectively your cattery’s identity within the cat fancy.
How many prefix choices do I need?
At least four. The GCCF works through your list in order of preference until it finds one that is unique and available, so it pays to have several you would be happy with.
What does a prefix cost and how long does it take?
As of January 2024 it is £75 in the UK or £100 from overseas, and the process takes around 4–6 weeks once club membership is confirmed, including a 21-day public notification period. Always check the current GCCF price list.
How long can a prefix be?
The GCCF office recommends keeping a prefix under 20 characters, and the full registered name (prefix plus the cat’s name) cannot exceed 30 characters including spaces.
Are these generated prefixes guaranteed to be available?
No — this tool only brainstorms ideas. The GCCF checks each choice against existing prefixes when you apply, which is exactly why you submit several.
Prefix rules and fees can change — always check the current requirements with the GCCF before applying.
