Pokémon Cats: A Comprehensive Guide to Feline Pokémon

Cats are beloved animals worldwide, and it’s no surprise that Pokémon, drawing inspiration from the real world, features a plethora of feline-inspired creatures. The world of Pokémon cats is diverse, encompassing everything from cuddly domestic-like Pokémon to majestic, lion-esque legends. This list delves into the various Pokémon that embody the spirit of cats, exploring both the obviously feline and those whose cat connections are a bit more… debated.

It’s fascinating to note that discussions about whether certain Pokémon are truly “cats” have been ongoing for years. This reflects a design philosophy in earlier Pokémon generations where creatures were often conceptual blends rather than strictly based on single species. To acknowledge this, Pokémon that aren’t definitively cats but possess feline traits or are often considered cat-like by fans will be noted. Ultimately, this exploration is for those who appreciate Pokémon with a feline flair, regardless of their official classification.


Meowth & Persian	Alolan Meowth & Persian	Galarian Meowth & Perrserker

Electabuzz	Eeveelutions	Mewtwo

Mew	Hoppip & Skiploom	Raikou

Entei	Suicune	Skitty & Delcatty

Shinx, Luxio, & Luxray	Glameow & Purugly	Purrloin & Liepard

Landorus Therian	Litleo & Pyroar	Espurr & Meowstic

Pumpkaboo	Litten, Torracat, & Incineroar	Solgaleo

Zeraora	Sprigatito, Floragato, & Meowscarada	Chien-Pao

Kotora (Beta Pokémon, art by RacieB)

Officially Feline Pokémon

This section highlights the Pokémon that are undeniably cats, often explicitly based on domestic cats or larger wild felines.

Meowth and Persian Line: Starting with the most iconic Pokémon cat, Meowth and its evolution Persian are classic examples. Based on domestic cats, they are known for their cunning and love of coins. The Alolan and Galarian forms add regional variations, with Alolan Persian being rounder and darker, and Galarian Meowth evolving into the Viking-like Perrserker.

Skitty and Delcatty: This Normal-type duo embodies the playful and graceful nature of cats. Skitty is known for its chasing tail, while Delcatty is depicted as elegant and adored for its beauty and gentle demeanor.

Purrloin and Liepard: These Dark-type Pokémon exude a mischievous and sleek feline aesthetic. Purrloin is known for its thieving nature and cute appearance used to trick people, evolving into the stylish and powerful Liepard, a Pokémon that embodies the grace and cunning of a panther.

Litleo and Pyroar: Inspired by lions, Litleo and Pyroar represent the majesty and power of big cats. Litleo is a Fire/Normal type cub full of energy, while Pyroar evolves into a magnificent Pokémon with a distinct male and female mane, showcasing regal lion-like qualities.

Sprigatito, Floragato, and Meowscarada: The newest additions to the feline Pokémon family, this Grass-type starter line from Generation IX is explicitly cat-like. Sprigatito is a playful and attention-seeking kitten, evolving into the more mature Floragato, and finally the enigmatic Meowscarada, a magician-themed Pokémon with a distinctly feline grace.

The Cat-Like Question: Debatable Feline Pokémon

This section explores Pokémon whose feline status is more open to interpretation, often due to conceptual designs or shared traits with multiple animal types.

Eeveelutions: While often likened to foxes, the Eeveelutions, especially Espeon and Umbreon, possess undeniable feline characteristics. Espeon’s elegant appearance and psychic abilities, and Umbreon’s sleek dark form and nocturnal nature, resonate with cat lovers. Their classification remains open, adding to their unique charm as adaptable “Evolution Pokémon.”

Legendary Beasts (Raikou, Entei, Suicune): The debate around the Legendary Beasts as “dogs” or “cats” has been long-standing. Raikou, Entei, and Suicune are often interpreted as feline legendaries. Raikou, the Electric-type, is often seen as a sabertooth tiger; Entei, the Fire-type, as a lion; and Suicune, the Water-type, as a leopard. Their powerful and majestic designs lend themselves well to feline interpretations.

Electabuzz: Admittedly a more monstrous Pokémon, Electabuzz makes this list due to its tiger-like tail and overall vaguely feline stance. If one had to compare Electabuzz to a real-world animal, “tiger” might come to mind, justifying its inclusion as a more abstract feline-inspired Pokémon.

Landorus Therian Forme: This Ground/Flying-type Legendary Pokémon in its Therian Forme could arguably be based on a big cat. While its overall design is complex and mythical, a feline influence is plausible, contributing to its powerful and imposing presence.

Pumpkaboo: A Ghost/Grass-type Pokémon, Pumpkaboo is obviously a pumpkin Pokémon for Halloween. However, its association with Halloween imagery, which often includes black cats as symbols of the holiday, lends it a subtle feline connection, making it a conceptually interesting, if not literal, “Pokemon Cat.”

Chien-Pao: This Ice/Dark-type Legendary Pokémon blends weasel and snow leopard characteristics. Chien-Pao’s design incorporates the sleekness of a weasel with the powerful build and spotted pattern reminiscent of a snow leopard, making it a fascinating fusion of feline and mustelid traits.

Hoppip and Skiploom: Revealed in the Spaceworld leak, the Hoppip line originally had more explicitly cat-like designs. While their final designs are more plant-like, their initial feline concept earns them a place on this list as a nod to Pokémon design history and their hidden cat origins.

Mewtwo and Mew: These Psychic-type legendary Pokémon, while more broadly “creatures,” possess feline features. Mew, considered the ancestor of all Pokémon, has a distinctly kitten-like face, and Mewtwo, its powerful clone, retains some of these feline qualities in its facial structure and posture.

Zeraora: This Electric-type Mythical Pokémon is a bipedal feline with a sleek and powerful design. Zeraora embodies the speed and agility of a wild cat, making it a more modern and dynamic interpretation of a feline Pokémon.

Kotora (Beta Pokémon): Kotora, a Beta Pokémon that never made it to official release, is undeniably a tiger cub. While not officially part of the Pokémon canon, Kotora represents the many fan-loved and lost designs, and its clear feline inspiration makes it a worthy inclusion for dedicated “pokemon cat” enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The world of Pokémon cats is rich and varied, extending beyond the explicitly feline to include creatures that capture the essence of cats in diverse ways. From domestic-inspired companions to legendary beasts and conceptual blends, the feline influence in Pokémon design is undeniable and continues to fascinate fans. Whether officially classified or debated, these Pokémon offer a delightful array of options for trainers who appreciate the grace, power, and mystery of cats.