Crookshanks Cat Name {Fun Facts About Hermione Granger’s Cat}

From his first appearance in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the character of Crookshanks, the cat of Hermione Granger, cast a spell on fans of felines. If you’re looking for a name that might conjure up memories of this magical series, the Crookshanks cat name just might be magical for your new kitty!

What Does the Name Crookshanks Mean?

Crookshanks is a Scottish surname for a family on the banks of the Cruick River. Some believe the name first began as Cruickshank.

Shanks is a term for a peak of a hill.

However, others believe that the name comes from a nickname for someone with bowed–or crooked–legs (or shank). Could the name refer to Hermoine’s cat’s back legs? Only J.K. Rowling knows for sure!

Whichever the root, Crookshanks does make a striking Harry Potter cat name!

What Kind of Cat is Crookshanks?

Following are a few fun facts about the half-Kneazle cat and the kitties who inhabited the role!

On the screen, Hermoine’s cat was portrayed by two red Persian cats.

Their names were Crackerjack, a male, and Pumpkin, a female. Walking away from her career on a high note, 10-year-old Pumpkin– who lived at a rescue before her adoption by her trainer/Mother Donna McCormick-Smith–went on to enjoy her retirement on the Isle of Man.

To help Crackerjack and Pumpkin get into character, pieces of their shed fur were reattached to the Persians’ coats to emulate the cat’s scruffy appearance.

Which Harry Potter Actor Had a Real Life Crookshanks?

Crookshanks may have been Hermione Granger’s feline friend in the Harry Potter series of book and movies, but it was cast member Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) who has a Crookshanks in real life.

The actress is the proud pet parent to two cats with J.K. Rowling-inspired monikers, naming her other purring pal after her own character.

A cat dubbed Dumbledore also brought magic into the star’s life until his passing.

What Other Cats Were in Harry Potter?

Crookshanks wasn’t the only purrer whose paws promenaded across the big screen in the Harry Potter series. Three Maine Coon cats stepped into the role of Mrs. Norris: Cornilus, Alanis and Maximus.

More Trivia

J.K. Rowling’s kitty creation has been immortalized in music by the Wizard rock band The Hermione Crookshanks Experience.

Fans can cuddle with their own Crookshanks. Universal Studios has an exclusive look-alike plush toy of the Persian.

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