40 Of The Most Iconic Animated Cats

Disney's not the only one with a cat in this race

Kylin

• Published in Animals
• August 1, 2023

With their soft coats, adorable little faces, soothing purrs, and hilarious antics, cats are inherently easy to love and adore. And sure, some cats may be surly and unpredictable with their sharp claws, but I think the same could be said for any other animal.

It’s no wonder cats translate so well into animated characters. They basically market themselves with their cuteness.

Cats seem to be a versatile addition to any story. Their quirkiness and wide range of personalities help add lighthearted fun and energy to the plot.

When you think of cartoons or other animated cats, it’s highly likely that Disney is one of the first animation studios that would come to mind. Disney has been the leading way for nearly a century when it comes to amazing stories and characters, many of which are animal characters.

However, Disney isn’t the only animation studio that has created iconic cat characters. DreamWorks, Warner Bros, MGM, and many other animation studios have churned out cat characters that are just as beloved as Disney’s. 

Keep scrolling to check out the list of 40 of the most iconic animated cats we collected to enjoy with you. From the well-known names that were initially introduced to us on the big screen, such as Simba and Mufasa from The Lion King, to the just as well-known names from our televisions at home, like Garfield and all the cartoon cats in between. 

Lets get right into it

1. Shere Khan (The Jungle Book)

Starting with an infamous antagonist, Shere Khan is an excellent example of cartoon cats not being just sweet cutie-pies. While he may be the "bad guy" in The Jungle Book, he's not just a villain.

While he may be manipulative and feared by the other animals in the forest, ultimately, Shere Khan was just trying to save the forest from mankind.

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2. Felix The Cat (Felix The Cat)

Felix The Cat may be the oldest cat on our list since he was initially created in 1919. But no matter how he's evolved through the times, Felix remained his upbeat, playful self. 

3. Diego (Ice Age)

It could be argued that Diego isn't a cat by modern standards. What with him being a saber-tooth tiger and all, he's cat enough for us.

While Diego may have started out as a cold-blooded hunter, with his eyes on a human child for his next victim, his time with Manny, Sid, and the child softens him up by the end of the first Ice Age film.

4. Oliver (Oliver and Company)

Oliver and Company is the animated-pet film version of the classic tale of Oliver Twist. With the adorable ginger kitten Oliver whose stubbornness and determination help him fit right in with Fagin's gang of dogs.

5. Rufus (The Rescuers)

The Rescuers is an underrated childhood classic. Rufus, the old grandfather-like cat, may be a side character, but his endless support for Penny and kindness to the mice makes him a fan favorite.

6. Nala (The Lion King)

While Nala may have been just as mischievous as Simba when they were cubs, she grew into a much more responsible lioness. Though just as strong-willed and determined as ever.

She risked her life escaping Scar's rule to help restore the ruined Pride Lands and held Simba accountable for his responsibilities. Truly a Queen in the making.

7. Scar (The Lion King)

Speaking of The Lion King, Scar, brother to the King of the Pride Lands, is the antagonist of the film, with an army of hyenas to do his bidding.

With a name like Scar and a menacing look that sends shivers down your spine, there is no argument that Scar was designed to be the embodiment of a Disney villain.

8. Duchess (The Aristocats)

Duchess is very elegant, beautiful, and ladylike, being the pet of an aristocrat. She is devoted to her owner, Madame Adelaide Bonfamille.

While Duchess may be nothing less than sophisticated and refined, that doesn't keep her from getting her paws dirty for the sake of her kittens. She is immensely caring and kind, quickly making friends with any cat no matter their background. 

9. Artemis (Sailor Moon)

While on the topic of white cats, we'd be remiss not to mention Artemis from Sailor Moon. He's the mate to Luna (featured later on this list) and is just as head-over-heels for her as the day they met.

10. Toulouse (The Aristocats)

Toulouse is a ginger kitten and is the oldest son of Duchess and the brother of Marie and Berlioz. He is quite the troublemaker and takes great inspiration from Thomas O’Malley and his alley-cat ways.

11. Marie (The Aristocats)

Marie is the second oldest kitten of Duchess' litter. With the perfect balance of sweet innocence and stuck-up entitlement, Marie is an iconic kitten that we all would love to take home.

12. Berlioz (The Aristocats)

This cutie is the youngest of Duchess' three kittens. While Berolize may be a bit quieter than his siblings, his eagerness to please his family makes him even more loveable.

13. Mittens (Bolt)

Although Mittens is introduced as a sort of Mean Girl who runs the alleys, sort of like a local crime lord, her character becomes much more sympathetic and open as the film progresses.

14. Luna (Sailor Moon)

Most folks who grew up in the 80s or 90s will likely remember Luna, the purple-black talking cat who advises Usagi Tsukino/Sailor Moon and the rest of the Sailor Senshi through the anime series Sailor Moon.

15. Tigress (Kung Fu Panda)

Tigress is the most furious and terrifying of all the Furious Five members. It's no wonder that she was less than pleased when Po accidentally claimed the title of Dragon Warrior, a title she worked hard for.

Regardless, Tigress remains the embodiment of a hero: brave, strong, and protective.

16. Simon’s Cat (Simon’s Cat)

Although Simon's Cat has not been officially named, the titular character from the 2008 original YouTube show, Simon’s Cat, is a well-recognized animated cat. Written by Simon Tofield as a Youtube short film, it was eventually developed into book series along with several video games and other televised shows.

Simon’s Cat is an excellent show if you’re looking for a relatable, lighthearted, and easy-to-watch show.

17. Alex The Lion (Madagascar)

Alex the Lion learned the hard way how cushy his life at New York’s Central Park Zoo really was after becoming stranded on the island of Madagascar.

18. Pink Panther (The Pink Panther)

A cat that has its own iconic trumpet theme song, the Pink Panther is another nostalgic kitty on our list. Since 1969, Pink Panther has had over 125 appearances, including his own show in which he is the titular character.

19. The Cheshire Cat (Alice in Wonderland)

I think the Chesire Cat may be one of the most famous Disney cats on this list. Though, his very unique ability to become invisible and his eccentric colors may lead one to consider whether he's truly a cat at all.

20. Tom Cat (Tom & Jerry)

Tom & Jerry seems like one of those cartoons that everyone has watched growing up. First airing in 1940, Tom Cat set a standard for how following cartoons depicted cats.

And while he seems intelligent for a house cat, Tom is still outsmarted by Jerry time and again.

21. Mufasa (Lion King)

Mufasa was exactly what a king should be: wise, loyal, and caring to his kingdom and family. Even after he died, his lessons and kindness lived on through those who knew him.

For many of us, Mufasa's death in The Lion King may have been the first time parental death was explored in children's media. It is especially heartbreaking because of how wonderful of a father he was to Simba.

22. Sylvester (Looney Tunes)

Sylvester from Looney Tunes is arguably one of the most recognizable Looney Tunes characters. Often portrayed with Tweety Bird, they share a very similar dynamic to Tom and Jerry.

With his overly-emphasized lisp and antagonistic tendencies, this tuxedo cat was one of the hottest cartoon kitties during the American cartoon animation golden age. 

23. Rajah (Aladdin)

Sure, Rajah may be a tiger, but with Princess Jasmine, he's just an oversized house cat. He loves her unconditionally and is determined to protect her from anyone who may hurt her.

24. Garfield (Garfield)

Talk about an iconic cartoon cat. Starting as a comic strip character in 1976, Garfield jumped to television in 1980 and eventually evolved to movie theaters and video games.

Known for his love of lasagna and hatred for Mondays, Garfield is a cat with an audience that spans generations.

25. Meowth (Pokémon)

Sure, technically not a cat, Meowth is a very cat-like Pokémon. Meowth is arguably the most memorable as a member of Team Rocket, and one of the very few Pokémon that can speak like the human characters. 

26. Top Cat (Top Cat)

The original Top Cat cartoon first aired in 1961, full of witty humor and hilarious adventures. Although the show only aired for 1 season, Top Cat made a lasting impression on its audience.

27. Benjamin Clawhauser (Zootopia)

Benjamin Clawhauser is a cheetah with a big heart. He was one of the few Zootopia PD officers who treated Judy Hop with kindness from the get-go.

28. Snowball II (The Simpsons)

While her name suggests she isn't the first cat the Simpson family has had, Snowball II (ironically, an all-black cat) is recognizable to any Simpsons fan.

29. The Cat in the Hat (The Cat in the Hat)

The eccentric, mysterious, and chaotic Cat in the Hat is an undeniable favorite among children. Adapted from the Dr. Seuss stories of the same name, the Cat in the Hat was adapted to a cartoon as an animated musical television special in 1971.

30. Simba (The Lion King)

Simba, the main character of The Lion King, is an extremely complex character. We follow him from childhood, as an excited (albeit annoying) cub, through early adulthood as he grows into the King of the Pride Lands.

31. Cake The Cat (Adventure Time)

Adventure Time is a wacky, mind-bending show with creative characters and plot lines. Cake the Cat actually only exists in a gender-bent fanfiction world created by the Ice King. 

Like her ‘real world’ counterpart, Jake the Dog, Cake is as laid back and carefree as she is loyal to her friends and loves to party.

32. Si and Am (Lady and the Tramp)

Si and Am are a pair of mischievous Siamese cats introduced at the beginning of Lady and the Tramp. The naughty duo are spoiled and overly coddled by Aunt Sarah and get Lady into trouble.

33. Sergeant Tibbs (101 Dalmatians)

Sidekick to Colonel, the Old English Sheepdog, Sergeant Tibbs is the sweet tabby cat from 101 Dalmatians. His optimism and charm help cement his friendship with the pups.

34. Thomas O’Malley (The Aristocats)

The charming stray, Thomas O’Malley makes up for his lack of pedigree in all the ways that matter. He is able to keep things fun and upbeat while he helps Duchess and her kittens get back home.

Also, it's worth mentioning that Thomas’s full name is Abraham de Lacy Giuseppe Casey Thomas O'Malley, which he tells us during his “Thomas O’Malley” song.

35. Bagheera (The Jungle Book)

Bagheera seems to be the only responsible character throughout Disney’s The Jungle Book. He obviously loves Mowgli, as portrayed through his overprotectiveness, he wants the "man-cub" to live a good, safe life.

36. Hello Kitty (Sanrio)

Hello Kitty is an anthropomorphized Japanese Bobtail cat. Introduced to the world in 1974 and hit television screens in 1987, Hello Kitty took the world by storm.

She has a twin sister, Mimmy, and lives with her family just outside of London.

37. Figaro (Pinocchio)

Figaro may be the most cat-like of the Disney cats. He is much less personified than the other cats on this list and is more like a typical, playful kitten.

38. Puss in Boots (Shrek)

Making his first appearance in Shrek 2, Puss in Boots quickly became a fan favorite. A formidable swordsman with just as skillful cute-eyes, this loyal cat enjoys a great adventure.

39. Penelope Pussycat (Looney Tunes)

Penelope Pussycat is probably most known for her role as the love interest of Pepé Le Pew. In recent depictions, Penelope seems to reciprocate Pepé's interest.

40. Tigger (Winnie the Pooh)

The loveable, bouncy stuffed tiger of Christopher Robin is undoubtedly one of the most beloved characters from Winnie-the-Pooh stories. While each stuffed animal in the Hundred Acre Wood has their own unique, loveable personality, Tigger is the most eccentric, bouncing around in his springy tail with an endless stream of energy.

Which of these cartoon cats we gathered for this list are your favorites, or did we happen to miss adding your number one top cat? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

Bonus points for a specific scene or episode starring your favorite kitty. And be sure to share this collection of various animated felines with your cat-loving friends.

Kylin