Why Are Cats Called Moggies? Full explanation

Moggie cat

Have you ever wondered why cats are sometimes called “Moggies”? I know I did until I set out to find the answer. It might seem like a strange nickname since there are no apparent cat connotations in the word. What does “Moggy” even mean? Luckily, I’ve done the research and I am happy to tell you I have the answer!

Having owned 2 moggies in the past, I do have some experience on the subject. I won’t lie though: when I got these cats I had no idea that this nickname even existed, and subsequently had to learn about the meaning of the word later. These are wonderful pets, and one of the most popular types of cats all over the world. 

Why are cats called Moggies?

Moggies is simply another word for cats. The word “Moggy” is originally an old British word for domestic cats. More recently, people have started using it to describe a cat of mixed breed, (ie. not purebred). Calling a cat Moggy does not mean that it is unhealthy.

The word moggy is primarily used in the United Kingdom as a slang word for cat. You might see the variations “moggy”, “moggie”, or “mog”, which all mean the same thing. The expression originates from old British, where it was used to describe an ordinary cat or a cat that looked untidy.

Nowadays the word has gained some negative connotations. It has become a popular word used to describe cats that are of mixed breed or unknown origins. More and more commonly you will see people use the word as a derogatory term.

Think about the last time you called – or heard someone call – a cat a moggie. In what context was the word used? As I’ve covered already, there are good chances that it was said negatively.

Some people believe that people began calling mixed breed cats “moggies” because of the marking “M” that was often present in their coat. You can often see something resembling the letter on the top of their head, and so naturally, people came up with a nickname because of this. 

Whether this is true or not is often debated, and there is little evidence to suggest that it is. I do find the explanation rather cute, though, so I have no problems letting it pass!

Another origin of the word “Moggie”

Aside from the explanation above, the word does have another historical meaning. In some regions of the UK, such as Lancashire, people used to say Moggy to describe a mouse. Consequently then, cats were nicknamed Moggy Catchers. As often happens, time went on and people became tired of using the wordy phrase. The “Catcher” was dropped, and left was only Moggy. 

“Moggy” is a term similar to “crossbreed”, “mongrel”, and “hybrid”. You can compare the usage of the word to how mixed breed dogs are often called “mongrels”. While some people think these terms sound bad and avoid using them, others think they are cute, and use them frequently. Personally, I have other nicknames for my cats, and the word has never quite stuck with me. Probably because I am not from the U.K!

Is “Moggie” a negative nickname for a cat?

It completely depends on who you ask! Even though the word is increasingly being used in a bad way nowadays, I would say the majority of the time, it is nothing more than a neutral nickname. It will also depend on where in the world the word is being used. In some regions, it is neutral, and in some it is negative. If it is said outside of the U.K it is likely just a neutral nickname.

If you like this post, you might want to check out my big post covering 15 other kitten-related questions!

Should you get a Moggie cat?

Moggies are often very appreciated, and people praise them for how loyal and happy they are. They are often athletic, agile, and sturdy, 3 great traits for any pet cat! Because of their uncertain genetics, it is hard to predict what health problems they are susceptible to, though. 

As a person who’s owned 2 moggies in the past among other pure breed cats, I can vouch for how nice they are. They were the most lively out of the bunch, and always got along well with other cats and dogs. This might have been partly because they grew up as wild cats before I brought them home. In other words, they had some time to get accustomed to other animals on the farm.

If you are looking for a stylish pet, however, a moggy might not be the best choice for you. Because they are of mixed breed, they are not always quite as well put-together as others. If this is a problem, consider getting purebred instead. This way, you can choose a breed that looks like you want it to.

Another thing to remember is that moggies might not be as easy to control as their purebred counterparts. I had a hard time trying to discipline them, and walking with them on a leash was next to impossible! Have a look at my list of 20 cat breeds that can walk on a leash if you are looking for a cat that can do this well!

All in all, I do believe moggies make wonderful pet cats. They are not only loyal and happy, but agile and athletic as well. They are typically easier to buy, and won’t cost nearly as much as a purebred. You can get one of these from a local farmer for little money, so it is much more cost-effective.

2 comments

  1. Hello,
    I must say I learned a great deal from your post about moggies. I am the proud owner of a beautiful, smart, and very healthy and playful moggy who happens to be named Sassy Pants, but we call her Highness Saso, mos of the time.
    I have never owned a pedigreed cat and most say I never think it will happen.
    I have been doing a great deal of reading over the winter and have noticed the word moggy and figured out they were referring to a cat, but did not know what the word meant. I decided to learn about it today. Thank you for doing such a great job sharing your knowledge.

  2. Being english and yorkshire we always called out cats moggies, always with affection and never with any negative connotation.

    To us, moggie was always an indicator of nobility.

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