Looking for some feline fun? We have you covered.
Cats, from adorable little housemates to massive predators, are one of the most popular animals. People all over the world take in these fluffy aloof creatures as pets, and love them. It seems that the anime world is also not immune to their charms. From lovable housemates to giant talking ones, there is a cat-themed anime for everyone out there. And we have made a list of some of the greatest animated series and movies featuring feisty felines.
10. Too Cute Crisis
Image: SynergySP
Based on Mitsuru Kido’s manga series, Too Cute Crisis is about all things adorable. However, the focus mostly remains on adorable kitties. The protagonist is Liza Luna, a humanoid alien who comes to earth to inspect it as a first step of invasion. She wished to destroy all humanity so that her species could take over the planet. However, things change when she visits a cat cafe and falls in love with the extremely adorable felines that don’t exist anywhere else in the universe. Deeming them to be dangerously cute, Liza settles on earth to study cute animals. The series is filled with Liza meeting different cats and other animals, making it a heartwarming watch.
9. She and Her Cat: Everything Flows
Image: J.C. Staff
This four-episode mini series is a serene and peaceful story about a girl named Kanojo, who is looking for a job. Even amongst all the stress, her sweet black cat Dara is a constant source of peace and support. Although there’s not much to the plot, it shows us how important pets are in the lives of their humans. It's based on Makoto Shinkai's original short film, She and her Cat. The calm nature of the show is perfect for a cosy night.
8. Kiki’s Delivery Service
Image: Studio Ghibli
Jiji, the talking black cat assistant of the young witch Kiki is one of the most famous anime cats. The only reason this Ghibli movie isn’t higher on the list is because it’s mostly focused on the witch and not her cat. However, Jiji still manages to steal the show with his wit and snark, helping Kiki every step of the way. This adorable feline companion even finds himself a beautiful wife and makes a family with her by the end of the film. If you love magic and cats, you need to watch this Hayao Miyazaki masterpiece asap.
7. The Masterful Cat is Depressed Again Today
Image: GoHands
A massive cat who does all the housework and takes care of his human? Yes, please! Based on Hitsuji Yamada’s manga series, The Masterful Cat is Depressed Again Today is a hilarious slice-of-life series focusing on a neglectful office worker Saku, and her giant cat Yukichi. Not only is Yukichi as big as a human, he is also extremely intelligent. When Saku is off at work, Yukichi can be seen doing various chores around the house in his apron. With his diligent work, he is able to help Saku lead a healthier lifestyle while making her home a better place. Despite being massive, Yukichi still behaves like a cat, which makes the series even more funny.
6. A Whisker Away
Image: Studio Colorido, Toho Animation, Twin Engine
From a human-sized cat to a human who turns into a cat! This anime movie by Junichi Sato tells the story of a 14-year-old girl named Miyo Sasaki. Much like any other teenage girl, Miyo has a massive crush on a boy named Kento Hinode. Unfortunately, he seems to hate her. One day, a mysterious mask seller gives Miyo a Noh mask, which turns her into a cat upon wearing it. As a cat, Miyo approaches Kento and starts living with him. The dual life of Miyo as a human and a cat is both beautiful and tragic. This magical journey is a unique take on the relationship between cat and human.
5. Nights with a Cat
Image: Studio Puyukai
Adapted from Kyuryu Z’s manga series, the Nights with a Cat anime is quirky, hilarious, and a painfully realistic rendition of owning a cat for the first time. It follows Fuuta-kun, who has never owned a pet before. But when his younger sister Pii-chan moves in with him along with her round grey cat Kyuruga, things change. The hilarious journey of Fuuta and his new pet is endearing and funny. The mix of realism and the absurd also makes it enjoyable. If you’re looking for a relaxing and funny cat show, then this is where you should start.
4. The Cat Returns
Image: Studio Ghibli
This 2002 Ghibli movie by Hiroyuki Morita is a spin-off of the Yoshifumi Kondō 1995 classic Whisper of the Heart. Although the stories aren’t connected too much, both the movies feature Baron, a cat statue that comes to life. In The Cat Returns, Baron has a much more important role throughout the film. His relationship with Haru and Muta is depicted incredibly well. If you want to experience more of Ghibli’s magic and a unique take on the relationship between humans and cats, then this movie is a must-watch.
3. My New Boss is Goofy
Image: A-1 Pictures
Admittedly, this series, based on Dan Ichikawa's manga, isn’t centered around a cat. However, Hakuto is way too cute and important to the plotline to ignore. The series’s protagonist Momose and his amazing yet goofy boss Shirosaki find an abandoned kitten on the street one day. Despite the cat being aggressive, Shirosaki falls in love with him and brings him home. Slowly, the two grow an amazing bond as Momose becomes part of their life. The kitten, Hakuto, is a tsundere cat who loves his owner but doesn’t always show it. But the precious bond between them shines through and makes the series an absolute heart-melting watch.
2. Chi’s Sweet Home
Image: Madhouse
Konami Kanata’s adorable manga series received an anime adaptation in 2008, and became one of the best shows about a cat. It revolves around Chi, a tiny kitten who gets separated from her mother and siblings. She is found by a young boy named Yohei and his mother Miwa. At first, they are doubtful about adopting her as their apartment complex doesn’t allow pets. But when everyone in the house falls in love with the clumsy and cute kitten, Chi becomes a member of their family. Her adorable adventures as a cat experiencing home life for the first time is almost therapeutic to watch. A 3DGC anime also aired from 2016 to 2018. A third season of the same, titled Chi’s Sweet Adventure was released by Netflix in 2024.
1. My Roommate is a Cat
Image: Zero-G
The final entry on our list is a testament of how a pet and their human can make each other’s lives better. Subaru is a shut-in mystery writer who started to hate mingling with people after his parents’ death. Haru is a stray tuxedo cat who survived many harsh conditions. When Subaru adopts Haru, he’s initially awkward and cold towards her. But slowly, the two start to understand each other and grow a strong bond, much like two roommates who become friends. With Haru’s help, Subaru starts interacting with more people. The series features other cats and even a dog, making it an adorable yet heartwarming show to binge for animal lovers.
Wondering which anime to watch next season? Crunchyroll releases full Spring 2025 anime lineup you can check out before creating your watchlist.
