Everyone loves a good story, but we all know that no story can truly be called great unless it involves a cat. There have been many cartoons in the days of yore featuring cats that, for whatever reason, are presented as antagonists. Tom & Jerry, Sylvester & Tweety, and so on and so forth. But cats can be the good guys, too! There’s no need to always paint our beloved feline friends as dopey, rodent-hungry villains. In fact, look closely! You’ll be able to find quite a few television shows that regard our precious cartoon cats as the wise, loving, and hilarious creatures they truly are.
Sagwa
If you were the only kid on your block who grew up without cable, you may remember the PBS Kids show Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat. Sagwa Miao (which literally means “meow” in Chinese) is a curious little kitty who lives with a magistrate of China during the Qing Dynasty with her mother, father, and two siblings. She’s just like any other cat, except that she and her family have a very special talent. They can write with their tails! The series ran from 2001 – 2004, and was based on the 1994 children’s book by Amy Tan. It’s filled with adventure, moral lessons, and an educational glimpse into ancient Chinese culture.
Luna
That’s right, friends, you all saw it coming. We can’t have a discussion about cartoon cats without talking about our favorite trio of magical girl companions. Luna, Artemis, and Diana. But let’s focus in on our main girl, Luna. Luna is the royal advisor of Princess Serenity (aka Sailor Moon) and her girl gang of cosmic guardians. She has the arduous task of not only finding all the Sailor Scouts and awakening them but coaxing Usagi, the reincarnated moon princess, to wake up for school on time and fight evil by moonlight. In fact, Luna is so pivotal a character in the Sailor Moon universe that she got to step out into the limelight for a while as a human woman, Princess Kaguya – a scene that, to this day, makes me tear up. I’m not crying, YOU’RE crying!
Top Cat
If you’re in the mood for some vintage cartoon cats, Top Cat has it all. This series followed the many misadventures of Top Cat (or simply “T.C.”) and his New York gang as they dabble in many a get-rich-quick scheme. The series aired in 1961 on ABC for a run of 30 episodes, and was produced by the prolific Hanna-Barbera studio (The Flintstones, Yogi Bear, Sealab 2020, etc.). Top Cat’s motley crew of schemers included Fancy-Fancy, Brain, Choo Choo, Spook, and Benny the Ball – a group of alley cats living in Hoagy’s Alley, Manhattan. If you love watching something light-hearted and goofy, then Top Cat might just be the thing for you.
ThunderCats
Speaking of vintage cartoon cats, it goes without saying that ThunderCats is another must-see. The series follows the adventures of Lion-O and his band of humanoid cat warriors – Cheetara, Tygra, Panthro, and the young and precocious WilyKit and WilyKat. Oh, and who can forget Snarf! These cat-like aliens hail from a planet known as Thundera. When life on Thundera is threatened beyond all reconciliation, the ThunderCats escape to a planet called Third Earth. They try to make a new life for themselves. The ThunderCats are harassed by enemies who hope to steal the legendary Sword of Omens from Lion-O, the group’s leader. Since its debut in 1985, there have been disgruntled whispers of a reboot, entitled ThunderCats Roar. Many diehard fans are miffed by the direction this reboot is taking, but, um, honestly? It looks pretty cute! So, you know, feel free to burn me at the stake or whatever, but don’t diss it ‘til ya try it – or however the old adage goes.
Gumball Watterson
Listen, I don’t proclaim to know everything, but I do know this. The Amazing World of Gumball is one of the most hilariously original children’s television show in a hot minute. I could go on, but I’ll save all my gushing for another day. Instead, let’s talk about one the show’s main protagonists – Gumball Watterson. He’s your ordinary 12-year-old blue humanoid cat, getting into all sorts of crazy adventures in the town of Elmore. Whether it’s trying to return an overdue DVD or cut through some family tension, he and his adopted brother Darwin (a fish with legs) are always embroiling themselves in some cuckoo-bananas schemes and shenanigans. 10/10 would recommend a watch – or, you know, a full-on binge.
So, there you have it. Whatever your entertainment preference in cartoons may be – whether you have a taste for the vintage or a craving for the next new thing – you’ll be sure to find something that you, your kids, AND your kitties will all enjoy. So crack open a can of tuna and prepare thyself for a marathon of cartoon cats!
