23 Most Popular Cat Characters We've Seen in Movies and TV
Cats are a staple in mainstream media.
Who doesn't love the cartoons from their childhood? There are so many colorful characters full of personality, whether they're the protagonist, the sidekick, or the villain of a show.
Even as young people, life can be challenging. Cartoons transport us to a fun-filled world with scenes we can easily relate to.
When we needed an escape, we watched our favorite characters, witnessed their strengths and powers, and found inspiration to reach our dreams. And let's not forget that cartoons feature fascinating effects and mind-blowing scenes that we'll never witness in real life.
No wonder we were hooked! We wouldn't blame you if you still watch cartoons as an adult.
It's simply relaxing to watch them, after all. Among the popular characters in mainstream media are cat characters.
They have made their mark on TV, films, commercials, and comics. You cannot deny that there's something magical about witnessing anthropomorphized cats in action.
We see them do things that go beyond the bounds of reality. They are either mischief-loving felines or, just like real cats, they love to play and chill.
They are so much fun to watch! So in this post, we will appreciate some of the popular cat characters we've seen in cartoon shows and films.
Here are the 23 most popular cartoon felines of all time, ranging from adorable kittens to ferocious lions.
Walt Disney Pictures / Via giphy.com1. Oliver from Oliver & Company
Disney's 1988 film is among the underappreciated ones of the decade, but it is still remembered by many. It follows Oliver, a tabby kitten, as he goes on an adventure through the streets of New York and finally finds his forever home.
Walt Disney Pictures / Via giphy.com2. Lucifer from Cinderella
We definitely believe that Lady Tremaine is a cat person. She owns a cat named Lucifer, who is just as evil as she and her daughters.
Walt Disney Pictures / Via giphy.com3. Garfield
Garfield came even before Grumpy Cat became a phenomenon. He first appeared in a Jim Davis comic strip alongside his owner, Jon, and his dog sibling named Odie.
CBS / Via giphy.com4. Tom from Tom & Jerry
Tom and Jerry are famous for their silly and funny chases. This routine continues in every episode.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, / Via giphy.com5. The Aristocats
The Aristocats are fantastic. You have the queenly Duchess, the debonair Thomas O'Malley the Alley Cat, and Duchess's three cute kitties: Marie, Toulouse, and Berlioz.
Walt Disney Pictures / Via giphy.com6. Sylvester from Looney Tunes
Just like the famous cat-and-mouse duo, Sylvester is constantly hunting for Tweety. This talking cat has appeared in numerous episodes and is among the most well-known animated cats of all time.
Cartoon Network / Via giphy.com7. Rajah from Aladdin
Yes, we've included big cats too! Rajah is the absolutely charming tiger and best friend of Jasmine.
Walt Disney Pictures / Via tenor.com8. Tigger from Winnie the Pooh
Deep in the Hundred Acre Wood is an energetic tiger named Tigger. This character has been a household name since the release of the book in 1926.
Walt Disney Pictures / Via giphy.com9. The Cat in the Hat from Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat
This cat has been causing mayhem with Thing 1 and Thing 2. As Dr. Seuss's titular character in The Cat in the Hat, he is potentially the most popular cat in the world of literature.
Random House, Houghton Mifflin / Via tenor.com
10. Tony the Tiger, the Kellogg's Frosted Flakes mascot
On boxes of cereal, another well-known cartoon tiger can be seen. Tony has been telling us for many years that Frosted Flakes are "grrrreat!"
Kellogg's / Via tenor.com
11. The Pink Panther
Although the franchise focuses on Inspector Jacques Clouseau, the cartoon mascot is arguably more famous. The Pink Panther is also the most talented dancer on today's list.
NBC / Via giphy.com
12. Hello Kitty
This feline Sanrio character has appeared on a variety of themed merchandise and has her own TV show. Her signature pink bow is instantly recognizable.
Sanrio / Via giphy.com
13. The Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland
The Cheshire Cat's face looks peculiar, but he's so popular that you can probably imagine him when you see a waxing crescent moon.
Walt Disney Pictures / Via giphy.com
14. Snowball II from The Simpsons
Fox / Via giphy.com
15. Simba from The Lion King
Simba is a mischievous, troublemaking cat at heart, and he ranks among the most beloved cartoon characters in history.
Walt Disney Pictures / Via giphy.com
16. Puss in Boots from Shrek 2
After captivating viewers with his charm in the Shrek films, this sword-wielding feline was given his own film. He instantly leveled up from sidekick to protagonist.
I mean, just look at that expression!
DreamWorks Pictures / Via giphy.com
17. Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat
Sagwa, based on Amy Tan's children's book, had her own PBS Kids TV show in 2001. She is portrayed as Chinese royalty in the series and goes on a journey with her siblings and a bat friend named Fu-Fu.
PBS / Via tenor.com
18. Cat from CatDog
CatDog was a Nickelodeon show that followed the antics of a conjoined feline and canine. You can already expect that the former is the brains of this duo.
Nickelodeon / Via tenor.com
19. Hobbes from Calvin and Hobbes
Bill Watterson created the well-known newspaper comic series Calvin and Hobbes. Since then, the pair has appeared in numerous books.
Calvin's stuffed cat also comes to life and has become an all-time popular cartoon character.
Universal Press / Via giphy.com
20. Bagheera from The Jungle Book
Mowgli becomes friends with a wise panther named Bagheera. This ruler of the jungle is among the most well-known felines in animation history.
Walt Disney Pictures / Via giphy.com
21. Felix the Cat
Felix is a notable classic cat character. He was developed in 1919 (the era of silent film) and has been reimagined numerous times in cartoons since then.
DreamWorks Pictures / Via giphy.com
22. Figaro from Pinocchio
This adorable black-and-white kitten belonging to Geppetto may have had a minor role in the film, but fans of Disney will recognize him easily. That's because he brings back fond memories.
Walt Disney Pictures / Via giphy.com
23. Chloe from The Secret Life of Pets
While her owner is at work, Chloe spends her days lounging around. She lives a secret life with her canine buddies.
Universal Pictures / Via giphy.com
Cats have long been recurring characters in movies, literature, TV, and other forms of media. Whether they are the main character or a supporting one, their presence is noticeable and usually very welcome.
Do you have friends who love feline characters too? Go ahead and share this list to appreciate these lovely characters together!
