Why Are So Many Iconic Tanks Named After Cats?

A Contentious Debate

A possible answer could relate to the shared characteristics between cats and these powerful machines. The cat family displays fierce, intelligent, nimble, and responsive movements that are easy to associate with tanks as well. For example, the German IVPz.Kpfw. II Luchs (Lynx) was designed to be fast, maneuverable, and agile to keep itself out of trouble and lend itself as a handy armored reconnaissance vehicle. Similarly, the VIIPanther , arguably one of the best German tanks of the Second World War, was a large and powerful tank that proved quick and navigable for its size.

In addition, the answer likely relates to the persistent references to fierce animals that have been a part of military paraphernalia since ancient times. For example, Roman legions often bore lions and eagles on their standards. The aquilifer of the legion, charged with the important task of carrying the standard, would generally dress in a lion cape and headdress. The German army was most prolific in continuing this tradition during the twentieth century.

Left: The Leopard 1. Right: The Pz.Kpfw. II Luchs.

Germany’s “Big Cats”

Initially, the German army didn’t use cat names for their prototypes or tanks. The Panzer I, II, III, and IV were predecessors to the famous Tiger and Panther tanks, and even became the most produced German vehicles during the Second World War, with over 35,000 Panzer I, II, III, and IVs built.

However, the Tiger I and Panther quickly became noteworthy icons that enjoyed legendary status both during and after the war. On paper, the Tiger was officially named the Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausführung H. But since that didn’t really roll off the tongue, automotive engineer Ferdinand Porsche coined the tank “Tiger,” and the nickname was adopted by tank crews almost immediately.

Although the name “Panther” was always the intended moniker for the legendary tank, the vehicle’s initial prototypes from 1938 did not mention any particular cat name. Most were known as “VK” projects, such as the “VK 30.02 (DB).” In fact, the “Panther” name was only introduced once production began on the tank in January, 1943.

Left: Panther tanks rolling into battle. Right: A Tiger I crew preparing for battle.

A Potent Propaganda Tool

The Nazi propaganda machine played a role in glorifying the Tiger and Panther. With instantly recognizable and easy-to-pronounce names, the German public had no trouble idolizing the two tanks alongside the decorated aces who commanded them.

It’s a similar story with Allied tanks. While most American tanks are named after generals, like Lee, Grant, Patton, and Sherman, the American VIM18 Hellcat proved a formidable weapon on the battlefield, and lingered in the minds of soldiers and the public alike. While the American army simply called it the M18, the nickname “Hellcat” was added on by the manufacturer, Buick. As a finishing touch for publicity shots, the company penned a logo for their creation, which became the emblem of America’s entire tank destroyer force. This emblem featured a black cat biting down on tank tracks, and included the tank destroyer motto: “Seek, Strike, Destroy!”

“Seek, Strike, Destroy!” The emblem of the 894th Tank Destroyer Battalion in World War Two.

The Hellcat became the most effective U.S. tank destroyer of World War Two, with a higher kill-to-loss ratio than any other US tank or tank destroyer. The Hellcat was an excellent all-around tank destroyer with good speed, maneuverability, and firepower—the exact characteristics of a predatory cat.

So, to sum it up: tanks were largely named after cats for their ferocity, propaganda potential, and their relationship with military history!