Cat cartoon characters have captivated audiences long before they graced the silver screen. Whether you are brainstorming names inspired by pop culture icons or simply yearning for a nostalgic journey through cherished animated felines that have warmed our hearts, we’ve curated the ultimate list for you. Discover the most famous cartoon and anime cats that have become household names!
The 44 Most Famous Animated Cats from Cartoons & Anime
Iconic Cartoon Cats
1. Garfield — Garfield
Garfield, the iconic animated orange tabby cat known for his love of lasagna, as seen in various cartoon adaptations.
Image by: Piqsels
Garfield’s journey began as a local comic strip in 1976 before rapidly expanding nationwide in 1978. This orange tabby cat, with an insatiable appetite for lasagna and a cynical worldview, quickly won over audiences globally. Chronicling the humorous escapades of Garfield, his often-exasperated owner Jon Arbuckle, and their perpetually cheerful dog housemate, Odie, Garfield’s immense popularity led to successful transitions into television series and feature films. His witty remarks and relatable laziness have cemented his place as a top animated cat.
2. Felix — Felix the Cat
Created in 1919 during the silent film era, Felix the Cat emerged as a prominent comedic cartoon character. Felix is one of the earliest and most universally recognized Animated Cats in history. Known for his magical bag of tricks, Felix navigated his adventures with a blend of slapstick humor and clever problem-solving. “Felix the Cat” cartoons transitioned to American television in 1956, further solidifying his legacy as a pioneering figure in animated feline characters.
3. Tom — Tom & Jerry
Tom from Tom and Jerry, an animated grey cat character known for his comedic rivalry with Jerry Mouse in the classic cartoon series.
Image Credit: nextpraveen, Pixabay
“Tom and Jerry,” a timeless animated series of short films launched in 1940, revolves around the uproarious rivalry between Tom, the determined house cat, and Jerry, the resourceful mouse. This classic cartoon showcases the comical conflict between these eternal adversaries, who engage in elaborate and often destructive schemes against each other, all while remaining mostly silent. Tom’s persistent but often failed attempts to catch Jerry are a hallmark of animated comedy.
4. Sylvester — Looney Tunes
Sylvester James Pussycat Sr., a celebrated “Looney Tunes” personality, debuted in 1939. This animated feline is instantly recognizable for his distinctive lisp and habit of showering others with saliva during speech. Sylvester is perpetually driven by the desire to catch Tweety Bird or Hippety Hopper, often ending in comical mishaps and explosions. He is best remembered for his signature catchphrase, “Sufferin’ succotash!”
5. The Cat in the Hat — Dr. Seuss
The Cat in the Hat, a tall, whimsical animated cat wearing a red and white striped hat, a famous character from Dr. Seuss books.
Dr Seuss cartoon (Image Credit: Greg Williams via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5)
The iconic Cat in the Hat, a creation of Dr. Seuss, first appeared in a beloved children’s book in 1957. He has since become the most recognizable and celebrated character from the vast Dr. Seuss universe. The Cat in the Hat, with his tall red and white striped hat and mischievous personality, has jumped from the pages to the big screen, embodying the joy of reading and sparking imagination in children worldwide.
6. The Cheshire Cat — Alice in Wonderland
The Cheshire Cat, a key figure in “Alice in Wonderland,” acts as a cryptic guide for Alice during her journey through Wonderland. This enigmatic and unpredictable purple and pink striped animated cat sports a perpetual grin and is renowned for his philosophical musings and ability to disappear and reappear at will. His most famous quote, “Most everyone’s mad here. Aha . . . HAHAHAHAHA! You may have noticed that I’m not all there myself,” perfectly encapsulates his whimsical and slightly unsettling nature.
7. Pink Panther — The Pink Panther
The Pink Panther stands as one of the most globally recognized animated cats, making his debut in 1963. Starring in 124 short films and 10 television series, this cool and collected pink feline is known for his suave demeanor and talent for silent pranks. He cleverly uses tricks and wit to achieve his goals, often outsmarting his human adversaries. The “Pink Panther” cartoons became a staple of NBC’s Saturday morning cartoon lineup in 1969, further cementing his place in popular culture.
8. Figaro — Pinocchio
Figaro, Geppetto’s cherished pet tuxedo cat, is a delightful character in Disney’s classic “Pinocchio” from 1940. While Figaro might display a somewhat grumpy and mischievous side, he is, at heart, a total sweetheart and fiercely loyal. Following his debut in “Pinocchio,” Figaro’s popularity led to appearances in several Minnie Mouse cartoon shorts, expanding his role in the Disney animated universe.
9. Top Cat — Top Cat
Top Cat, a charismatic Hanna-Barbera creation, first charmed audiences in the 1960s. Affectionately known as TC by his gang, Top Cat is the leader of a group of alley cats navigating the streets of New York City. He embodies a blend of cleverness, laziness, and humor, constantly devising schemes to improve his street life and outwit Officer Dibble. Top Cat’s get-rich-quick schemes are a source of endless comedic situations.
10. Duchess — The Aristocats
Duchess, the elegant former opera singer and devoted mother to Marie, Berlioz, and Toulouse, is a central character in Disney’s 1970 animated film, “The Aristocats.” After being abandoned in the French countryside with her kittens, Duchess encounters the charming alley cat Thomas O’Malley. Together, they embark on an adventurous journey back to their beloved Paris home, encountering a colorful cast of characters along the way.
11. Tigger — Winnie the Pooh
Tigger, the bouncy animated tiger character from Winnie the Pooh, known for his energetic and impulsive personality.
Image by: maikausminga, Pixabay
Tigger, the bouncy and perpetually energetic tiger from “Winnie the Pooh,” is a beloved member of the feline family, albeit a tiger rather than a domestic cat. Known for his boundless enthusiasm and impulsive nature, Tigger approaches every task with his signature phrase, “Bouncing is what Tiggers do best!” His iconic bouncing through the Hundred Acre Wood is a defining characteristic and source of joy for fans of all ages.
12. Penelope Pussycat — Looney Tunes
Penelope Pussycat is primarily known as the often unwilling object of affection for Pepé Le Pew, the relentlessly romantic skunk. Penelope, a black and white animated cat, is frequently seen with a white stripe, either naturally or accidentally applied, which mistakenly leads Pepé to believe she is also a skunk, resulting in humorous and persistent pursuit scenarios.
13. Hobbes — Calvin and Hobbes
Hobbes, Calvin’s stuffed tiger and inseparable best friend, is brilliantly portrayed as a real, living tiger from Calvin’s perspective and for the readers of the iconic “Calvin and Hobbes” comic strip. Running daily from 1985 to 1995, “Calvin and Hobbes” explored the imaginative world of a young boy and his philosophical tiger companion, tackling complex themes with humor and heart.
14. Simba — The Lion King
“The Lion King,” released in 1994, rapidly ascended to become one of Disney’s most enduring and iconic animated classics. The film narrates the compelling story of Simba, the lion cub and heir to Mufasa, who eagerly anticipates his future reign over Pride Rock. Following a devastating tragedy, Simba must journey through self-discovery and ultimately return home with Nala to confront his villainous uncle, Scar, and reclaim his rightful place as king.
15. Puss in Boots — Shrek
Voiced by Antonio Banderas, Puss in Boots charmed audiences upon his introduction in the 2004 animated family comedy, “Shrek 2.” This adorable, fluffy, orange animated cat character, donning distinctive large black boots and always armed with a sword, initially appears as an antagonist but quickly becomes a beloved ally. His signature wide-eyed innocent look is a particularly memorable and humorous trait.
16. Snowball — The Simpsons
“The Simpsons,” a long-running animated series, has featured multiple iterations of Snowball, the family’s beloved pet cat. The recurring name Snowball has been passed down as the family replaces their cats due to various unfortunate and often comedic demises. Snowball is a consistent presence in the Simpson household, though her appearance and personality have varied over the seasons.
17. Bagheera — The Jungle Book
Bagheera, the wise and protective black panther, served as Mowgli’s steadfast mentor and guardian in “The Jungle Book.” Intelligent and deeply caring, Bagheera guides Mowgli through the perils and wonders of the jungle, offering wisdom and protection throughout his many adventures. Bagheera’s calm and collected demeanor contrasts with the wilder aspects of the jungle, providing a grounding presence for Mowgli.
18. Tony the Tiger — Frosted Flakes
Trademarked by Kellogg’s in 1952, Tony the Tiger is an instantly recognizable animated mascot. He is the face of Frosted Flakes cereal, known for his enthusiastic personality and iconic catchphrase, “They’re grrrrrreat!” Tony the Tiger embodies energy and positivity, associating Frosted Flakes with a sense of fun and vitality.
19. Snagglepuss — Snagglepuss
“Heavens to Murgatroyd!” Snagglepuss, a pink-colored animated mountain lion, is known for his flamboyant personality and love for the finer things in life. Sporting a bowtie, upturned collar, and sleeve cuffs, this character emerged in 1959 and became a regular in Hanna-Barbera productions by 1962. Snagglepuss is particularly fond of the theater arts and often finds himself in comedic mishaps while pursuing his refined interests.
20. Mr. Jinks — The Huckleberry Hound Show
“The Huckleberry Hound Show,” which premiered in 1958, may have centered on Huckleberry Hound, but Mr. Jinks, the cat character, was equally memorable. Constantly exasperated, Mr. Jinks is perpetually chasing Pixie and Dixie, two mischievous mice who delight in pranking him. His frustrated attempts to outsmart the mice are a recurring comedic element of the show.
21. Sgt. Tibbs — 101 Dalmatians
Sgt. Tibbs, though a sidekick to Colonel the Sheepdog in Disney’s “101 Dalmatians,” played a crucial role in the plot. This brave and resourceful tabby cat significantly aids Pongo and Perdita in their daring mission to rescue their stolen puppies from the clutches of the villainous Cruella De Vil. Sgt. Tibbs’ courage and determination are essential to the puppies’ successful rescue.
22. Lucifer — Cinderella
Lucifer, the plump and cunning cat belonging to Cinderella’s cruel stepmother, is a classic Disney animated antagonist. Lucifer is perpetually plotting against Cinderella, scheming to sabotage Bruno the bloodhound, and relentlessly pursuing Jaq, Gus, and the other mice. His selfish and spiteful nature makes him a memorable and hateable villain.
23. Stimpy — Ren and Stimpy
Stimpy, or Stimpson J. Cat, is a central figure in the controversial and surreal 1990s Nickelodeon cartoon, “Ren and Stimpy.” In stark contrast to the ill-tempered Ren, Stimpy is good-natured and optimistic, albeit incredibly dim-witted. His naive and gentle personality often leads him to endure Ren’s anger and abuse, creating a dynamic of extreme personalities.
24. Pete — Pete the Cat
Pete the Cat, the cool and optimistic protagonist of the popular children’s book series “Pete the Cat,” created by James Dean and Kimberly Dean. Pete is inspired by a real-life kitten rescued by the author in 1999. Pete is known for his laid-back attitude and ability to take life’s challenges in stride, often accompanied by catchy songs and positive messages.
25. Cat — CatDog
Cat is the more intelligent and fastidious half of the conjoined duo known as CatDog, from the eponymous Nickelodeon cartoon launched in 1998. The show follows the bizarre and often hilarious lives of Cat and Dog, two conjoined “twins” facing everyday challenges and extraordinary situations as a single, two-headed entity. Cat’s witty and often sarcastic personality contrasts with Dog’s boundless enthusiasm.
26. Klondike Kat — Klondike Kat
“Klondike Kat,” debuting in the 1960s on CBS Network, featured Klondike Kat, an animated feline perpetually in pursuit of Savoir Faire, a French mouse with a knack for stealing treats. The cartoons centered on the comedic chases and elaborate schemes Klondike Kat employed to try and catch the elusive Savoir Faire.
27. Rajah — Aladdin
Rajah, Princess Jasmine’s loyal and protective pet tiger, is a significant character in the Disney animated hit, “Aladdin.” Rajah is fiercely devoted to Jasmine, acting as her constant companion and defender throughout the 1992 film. His imposing presence and protective instincts underscore his role as more than just a pet, but a true friend and guardian.
28. Bill — Bill the Cat
Bill the Cat, also known as Bill D. Cat, is the iconic animated feline from the 1980s comic strip “Bloom County” and later “Outland” and “Opus.” Bill is famous for his bizarre appearance, perpetually disheveled state, and signature nonsensical utterances, “Ack! Thppt!” His offbeat humor and surreal adventures made him a cult favorite.
29. Mr. Kitty — South Park
Mr. Kitty, Eric Cartman’s gray pet cat in the satirical animated series “South Park,” first appeared in season one. Despite the masculine name, Mr. Kitty is actually female and often on the receiving end of Cartman’s misplaced anger and bizarre affections, leading to darkly comedic and often disturbing situations.
30. Heathcliff — Heathcliff the Comic Strip
Heathcliff, an American comic strip launched in the 1970s, quickly gained widespread popularity. Heathcliff, an orange tabby animated cat, is known for being a tough, street-smart feline always on the lookout for food and mischief. His escapades often involve petty theft, confrontations with other cats, and generally causing humorous chaos in his neighborhood.
31. Azrael — The Smurfs
Azrael serves as the secondary antagonist in the world of “The Smurfs.” This orange animated cat is the pet of Gargamel, the Smurfs’ sworn enemy. Often portrayed as more intelligent than Gargamel, Azrael frequently provides (unheeded) advice and identifies flaws in Gargamel’s elaborate, yet consistently failing, schemes to capture the Smurfs.
32. Oliver — Oliver & Company
The 1988 Disney film “Oliver & Company” tells the heartwarming story of Oliver, an orphaned animated kitten who is taken in by a gang of street dogs in New York City. Navigating life on the streets, Oliver eventually finds a loving home with Jenny. However, his newfound comfort is threatened by his past associations, leading to a story of loyalty and belonging.
33. Mochi — Big Hero 6
Mochi, a small Japanese bobtail animated cat, may not be a central character in the Disney film “Big Hero 6” from 2014, but he is a memorable pet of Aunt Cass, Hiro, and Tadashi. Mochi embodies the typical calm and lazy house cat persona, occasionally revealing a mischievous streak when Aunt Cass is absent, adding touches of humor to domestic scenes.
34. Yzma — The Emperor’s New Groove
Yzma, the scheming and villainous sorceress from “The Emperor’s New Groove,” is responsible for transforming Emperor Kuzco into a llama. Her magical abilities also allow her to transform herself into a small, seemingly harmless animated cat. This feline form belies her true nature, as she remains cold-hearted and evil, even in her cat guise.
Famous Anime Cats
35. Meowth — Pokémon
“Pokémon” is undeniably one of the most globally recognized anime franchises. Meowth, a bipedal, talking Pokémon, is a nocturnal creature characterized by cunning and self-importance. He is sensitive to criticism and dislikes anything that diminishes his high self-esteem. As a member of Team Rocket, Meowth is a consistently featured and popular anime cat.
36. Jiji — Kiki’s Delivery Service
Jiji is Kiki’s magical, black pet cat in Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved 1989 anime film, “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” Jiji is Kiki’s steadfast and articulate companion as she embarks on her journey to become a witch. He provides witty commentary and emotional support, acting as Kiki’s confidant throughout her coming-of-age story.
37. Chi — Chi’s Sweet Home
Chi is the endearingly sweet and curious kitten protagonist of the Japanese manga and anime series, “Chi’s Sweet Home.” Accidentally separated from her mother, Chi is adopted by the Yamada family, experiencing the joys and challenges of domestic life as she grows and explores her new surroundings.
38. Luna and Artemis — Sailor Moon
Luna, a sophisticated black female cat with the power of speech, serves as a wise mentor to the Sailor Guardians in “Sailor Moon.” Artemis, a pure white male cat, acts as a guardian and mentor to Sailor Venus (Minako). Both Luna and Artemis are distinguished by a crescent moon mark on their foreheads and share a close, implied romantic relationship throughout the series.
39. Mao Mao — Heroes of Pure Heart
Mao Mao, the protagonist of the newer anime-inspired comedy “Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart,” is a small, determined black cat with striking wide green eyes. He is characterized by his unwavering heroism, wearing a red cape and sash as he embarks on adventures to protect Pure Heart Valley.
40. Bananya — Bananya and The Curious Bunch
The anime series “Bananya and The Curious Bunch” features a cast of characters all named with variations of “Bananya.” However, the central character, Bananya, is the most memorable of these feline-themed anime creations from 2016. Bananya are cats that live inside bananas, engaging in whimsical and lighthearted adventures.
41. Blair — Soul Eater
Blair from the anime series “Soul Eater” possesses the ability to transform between human and feline forms. Though not inherently evil, Blair is often associated with mischief, and trouble tends to follow her. She is known for her playful and sometimes chaotic nature, often engaging in pranks and causing humorous disruptions.
42. Sakamoto — My Ordinary Life
Sakamoto, a black cat with large, expressive eyes and minimal other facial features, is a prominent character in the anime series “My Ordinary Life.” Found by Nano and Hakase, Sakamoto is always seen wearing a distinctive bright red scarf. His dignified and slightly formal demeanor contrasts with the often absurd humor of the show.
43. Kuroneko — Trigun
Kuroneko, a black cat with large, captivating eyes, is a recurring visual gag in every episode of the anime “Trigun.” Often appearing in the background or briefly in the foreground, Kuroneko serves as a subtle, consistent element of visual humor throughout the series, becoming a recognizable and endearing mascot.
44. Nyanko-Sensei — Natsume’s Book of Friends
Nyanko-Sensei, also known as Madara, from “Natsume’s Book of Friends,” is a powerful spirit who typically takes the form of a calico cat. He acts as Natsume’s bodyguard and protector, motivated by the condition that he will inherit the Book of Friends upon Natsume’s death. Despite his initially gruff exterior, Nyanko-Sensei develops a close bond with Natsume, becoming a complex and beloved character.
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Conclusion
The history of famous animated cats stretches back to the early 20th century, with new iconic feline characters continuously being created. This is excellent news for cat enthusiasts, as you can enjoy your favorite felines across comics, books, television, and films, all while cuddling with your own real-life companion. Animated cats continue to enrich popular culture and bring joy to audiences worldwide.
See Also:
Featured Image Credit: Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Pixabay
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