Cats are undeniably beloved creatures, and it’s no surprise that Pokémon, drawing inspiration from the real world, features a delightful array of feline-inspired creatures. The world of Pokémon boasts a diverse and sometimes perplexing collection of cat Pokémon, ranging from domestic housecat look-alikes to majestic lion-esque figures. This guide will explore all cat Pokémon, delving into those that are clearly cats and those whose feline status is a bit more open to interpretation.
| Meowth & Persian, Classic Cat Pokémon | Alolan Meowth & Persian, Dark Cat Variations | Galarian Meowth & Perrserker, Steel Wool Cat Evolution |
The core of the cat Pokémon family starts with Meowth and Persian. These are arguably the most iconic feline Pokémon, directly inspired by domestic cats. Their evolution line showcases regional variations, with Alolan Meowth and Persian taking on a darker, more sinister aesthetic, while Galarian Meowth evolves into Perrserker, a Steel-type Pokémon with a wild, Viking-like appearance, a departure from the typical elegant cat. These variations highlight how even within a clear cat archetype, Pokémon designs can explore diverse concepts.
| Electabuzz, Striped Feline-like Pokémon | Eeveelutions, Diverse Elemental “Creatures” | Mewtwo, Genetically Engineered Feline Shape |
Moving into less definitively feline territory, we encounter Pokémon like Electabuzz. While not explicitly a cat, Electabuzz possesses a distinct tiger-like tail and a generally feline stance. If we consider broad feline characteristics, Electabuzz, with its stripes and powerful build, can be seen as a more monstrous, electric-powered take on a tiger. The Eeveelutions, a fan-favorite group, present another interesting case. While often compared to foxes, some Eeveelutions, particularly Espeon and Umbreon, exhibit strong feline features in their sleekness and facial structures. They are intentionally designed as adaptable “creatures,” allowing for flexible interpretations, and a feline reading is certainly valid for some. Mewtwo, the genetically engineered Pokémon, also shares some feline qualities in its overall shape and posture, further blurring the lines of what constitutes a “cat” in the Pokémon world.
| Mew, Ancient Pink Feline Mythical Pokémon | Hoppip & Skiploom, Conceptual Cat Pokémon Lineage | Raikou, Legendary Beast of Thunder |
Mew, the ancestor Pokémon, while often considered to be more of a general mythical creature, also carries a subtle feline grace in its movements and design. The Hoppip line, evolving into Skiploom, is a more surprising inclusion. Early concept art revealed a much stronger feline influence in their initial designs. While the final versions leaned more towards floral and plant-like forms, their origins as cat-like Pokémon are undeniable, adding a layer of hidden feline history to this seemingly gentle, grass-type family. Raikou, one of the Legendary Beasts, is widely debated as to its animal inspiration. However, its design strongly evokes a sabertooth tiger, placing it firmly within the big cat family for many fans.
| Entei, Legendary Beast of Fire and Volcanoes | Suicune, Legendary Beast of Water and Purity | Skitty & Delcatty, Playful Cat Pokémon Duo |
Entei and Suicune, the other Legendary Beasts, further contribute to the feline representation within the legendary Pokémon. Entei’s majestic mane and powerful stance clearly draw inspiration from lions, embodying fire and volcanic strength. Suicune, often debated, leans towards a leopard or panther in its sleekness and elegant design, representing water and purity. Returning to more explicitly cat Pokémon, Skitty and Delcatty are pure feline joy. These Pokémon embody the playful and charming nature of domestic cats, making them fan favorites for those who appreciate the lighter side of cat Pokémon.
| Shinx, Luxio, & Luxray, Electric Lynx Pokémon Family | Glameow & Purugly, Skitty’s Rival Cat Pokémon | Purrloin & Liepard, Devious Dark Cat Pokémon |
The Shinx line, evolving into Luxio and Luxray, presents a powerful electric lynx family. Luxray, in particular, with its intense gaze and strong build, is a popular choice for trainers seeking a cool and powerful cat Pokémon. Glameow and Purugly offer a different take on cat Pokémon. Often seen as rivals to the Skitty line, they represent a less conventionally “cute” feline, with Purugly specifically designed to be… well, purugly, highlighting the diverse interpretations of cat-like aesthetics in Pokémon. Purrloin and Liepard introduce the Dark-type feline to the list. These Pokémon embody a more mischievous and cunning side of cats, with Liepard’s elegant yet sly design making it a memorable feline addition.
| Landorus Therian Forme, Forceful Feline Genie Pokémon | Litleo & Pyroar, Royal Lion Pokémon Family | Espurr & Meowstic, Psychic Restraint Cat Pokémon |
Landorus in its Therian Forme is an arguable inclusion, its design hinting at a powerful, possibly feline-based genie. While not overtly cat-like, a case can be made for a big cat influence in its imposing posture and facial features. The Litleo and Pyroar line brings us explicitly to lions once again. Pyroar, with its magnificent mane (especially the male form), is the quintessential lion Pokémon, representing royalty and fire. Espurr and Meowstic offer a unique take on psychic cat Pokémon. Their designs focus on restraint and hidden power, with Meowstic’s differing genders showcasing distinct visual and behavioral traits, adding depth to the psychic cat concept.
| Pumpkaboo, Halloween Black Cat Conceptual Pokémon | Litten, Torracat, & Incineroar, Fire Wrestling Cat Evolution | Solgaleo, Legendary Pokémon of the Sun |
Pumpkaboo, while primarily a pumpkin Pokémon, has a strong conceptual link to black cats, a prominent Halloween symbol. Its inclusion highlights how Pokémon can draw inspiration from cultural associations, even if the Pokémon itself isn’t literally a cat. The Litten line, evolving into Torracat and Incineroar, culminates in a powerful Fire/Dark-type wrestling cat. Incineroar’s design is a departure from typical feline grace, embracing a more humanoid and muscular form, showcasing the breadth of feline interpretations in Pokémon. Solgaleo, a Legendary Pokémon, is clearly based on a lion, specifically a celestial lion representing the sun. Its majestic design and powerful presence solidify the lion as a recurring and important feline archetype in the Pokémon world.
| Zeraora, Mythical Electric Feline Pokémon | Sprigatito, Floragato, & Meowscarada, Grass Magician Cat Evolution | Chien-Pao, Ruinous Ice Weasel-Leopard Pokémon |
Zeraora, a Mythical Pokémon, is an unequivocally feline creature, described as a thunderclap Pokémon with clear cat-like agility and features. The Sprigatito line, evolving into Floragato and Meowscarada, brings a playful and magical Grass-type cat to the forefront. Meowscarada, with its magician theme, is a recent fan favorite, showcasing the continued appeal of cat Pokémon in newer generations. Chien-Pao, one of the Ruinous Quartet, is a fascinating blend. While described as a weasel, its design heavily incorporates snow leopard elements, creating a unique and powerful Ice/Dark-type feline-like legendary.
| Kotora (Beta Pokémon), Unreleased Tiger Cub Pokémon |
Finally, Kotora, a Beta Pokémon, represents a glimpse into what could have been. This unreleased Pokémon is clearly a tiger cub and serves as a reminder of the many Pokémon designs that, for various reasons, don’t make it into the final game. Despite being unofficial, Kotora holds a special place in the hearts of some fans as a lost feline Pokémon.
In conclusion, the world of Pokémon is rich with feline inspiration. From the clearly defined cat Pokémon like Meowth and Skitty, to the more conceptually feline creatures like the Eeveelutions and Legendary Beasts, the variety is vast and fascinating. Whether you prefer domestic cat Pokémon, powerful lion Pokémon, or the more mysterious and debatable feline forms, there’s a cat Pokémon for everyone to appreciate.
| Created | Last Updated |
|---|---|
| January 16th, 2023 | February 13th, 2024 |
