My large black cat hates being called "kitty". His majesty prefers the title "panther". Calling him "kitty" will get you a nip, a smack with his tail and/or a few hours of shuning. Whereas if you call him a "panther", he'll strut around and graciously allow you to bask in the glory of his handsomeness. However, my smaller cat loves being called "kitty".