23 Most Popular Cat Characters We've Seen in Movies and TV
Cats are a staple in mainstream media.
Cat characters have a way of stealing every scene, whether they are mischievous, glamorous, or just plain unforgettable. From classic cartoons to blockbuster movies, these feline favorites have stayed popular for generations.
This list brings together 23 of the most popular cat characters in movies and TV, along with the animated icons and mascots that helped make them famous. Some are heroes, some are troublemakers, and some are simply impossible to forget.
From childhood favorites to modern standouts, these cats still have plenty of fans. Read on.
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.com
3. 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.
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4. Tom from Tom & Jerry
Tom and Jerry are famous for their silly and funny chases. This routine continues in every episode.
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5. 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.com
6. 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.
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7. Rajah from Aladdin
Yes, we've included big cats too! Rajah is the absolutely charming tiger and best friend of Jasmine.
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8. 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.
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9. 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
And if you’re wondering about cat limits, the guy refusing his girlfriend’s second cat obsession is a must-read.
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.
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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.
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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.
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14. Snowball II from The Simpsons
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
Want more cat drama, read the AITA about building a separate room for the cat.
