Today is International Cat Day and as such we wanted to take a look at some of the iconic cats in anime. Cats have played everything in anime from mascot characters to sidekicks, protagonists to antagonists, and whether they’re a traditional cat or a very non-traditional cat we love them all the same!
Read further to see our list and let us know in the comments if we missed out on your favorite anime cat!
Kuroneko Sama – “Trigun”
Kuroneko Sama (Trigun)
If you grew up in the 90s then undoubtedly you know Kuroneko Sama. Yes this cat falls squarely in the mascot character, with little to do nor hardly any (if any at all) impact on the plot itself; however, it’s mere presence scene to scene was a delight. Even now you’ll still see sketches of the cat and plushies at cons and in anime fans rooms.
Jiji – “Kiki’s Delivery Service”
Jiji (Kiki’s Delivery Service)
In Kiki’s Delivery Service, we see Kiki set off to become the witch of a new city alongside her trusty traveling companion Jiji. Jiji is a dependable cat who is a bit on the skittish side, and while he’s more integral than a mascot he has the loveable qualities that an anime cat needs to take over the fan art and merch scene. More importantly Jiji’s journey really mirrors Kiki’s in many ways as both have arcs of their own, which is rare in most series let alone films but trust Miyazaki and Ghibli to find a way to have it all.
Daijin – “Suzume”
Daijin is that rare cat that is not only an antagonist, infrequent enough, but for most of the film a largely dislikeable one. Even though Daijin is clearly the impetus for Suzume’s hero’s journey, we aren’t rooting for the trouble and mischief caused by Daijin hardly ever. Still it’s hard not to think of Daijin in quieter moments as quite cute and its no wonder that he’s become a mascot character as well with a significant amount of presence in Suzume’s merchandise.
Luna, Artemis, and Diana – “Sailor Moon”
The 90’s were a banner decade for cats in anime as we not only had the aforementioned Kuroneko Sama in Trigun, but we also had three cats in the legendary Sailor Moon with Luna, Artemis, and Diana! Each served as guardians for their respective characters, with Luna being perhaps the most famous as Sailor Moon’s guardian. Thus making them your pretty magical guardian’s favorite pretty magical guardian!
Meowth – “Pokémon”
Meowth (Pokemon)
Meowth as a member of Team Rocket is effectively another antagonist cat; however, to call Team Rocket effective antagonists might be stretching it a bit. Still he’s a regular presence in the series that alongside Jessie and James attempts to foil Ash at every turn, which even as cat lovers we have to agree feels right at times.
Catbus – “My Neighbor Totoro”
Catbus and Totoro in My Neighbor Totoro
Perhaps one of the most functional cats in all of anime, the Catbus in My Neighbor Totoro stands apart as a cat that’s cute and a mode of transit! (Get a cat that can do both, am I right?) Ghibli films are so often fantasyscapes for incredible animals of all sorts so it’s no surprise that a Catbus would be found in such a whimsical world as that of Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro.
Ryo-Ohki – “Tenchi Muyo!”
Ryo-Ohki – “Tenchi Muyo!”
Though Roy-Ohki is only half cat (and is all Cabbit), Ryo-Ohki’s beloved presence in Tenchi Muyo has solidified her as an icon. We also would be remiss to mention she joins Catbus as a function cat since she can turn into a spaceship! Adorable and integral to the team? Check and check!
Baron Humbert von Gikkingen – “The Cat Returns”
The Baron – “The Cat Returns”
More commonly known as The Baron, he is a cat among cats. It’s hard to stand apart in a film that’s 99% filled with cats (including the titles); however, when you’re a cat with this much rizz people take notice. (Having Cary Elwes as your voice actor certainly never hurts too.)
Kirara – “Inuyasha”
Kirara – “Inuyasha”
Inuyasha is a series known for its tough, fluff boys – looking at you Sesshomaru – but when it comes to most loyal fluffy companion Kirara’s certainly top of mind. Kirara’s also highly intelligent and can transform into an even fiercer and more ferocious cat of size too when needed, so you can always count on Kirara no matter the situation.
Let us know your favorite anime cat(s) in the comments!
