Why is the discard pile called a kitty?

The term "kitty" for the discard pile in card games likely originates from the Word "kit," which historically referred to a collection or group of items. In some games, the kitty represents a shared pot of cards or chips that players can draw from or contribute to, similar to a collection. Additionally, the term may have evolved from the idea of a "kit" being a gathering place for resources, making "kitty" a playful and informal term for the pile.