As it stands, there are currently over 900 Pokemon. Of this vast amount of pocket monsters, we have compiled a list of all cat-inspired Pokemon. We will be listing only Pokemon we know without a shadow of a doubt (based on their Pokedex entries) are cats! Everyone is familiar with the world-famous Meowth but what other cat Pokemon are there? Let’s take a dive into the world of Pokemon and embark on a feline frenzy!
How Many Cat Pokemon Are There?
If we look at the long list of Pokemon and take note of their Pokedex entries, we will find that there are currently 31 different cat-inspired Pokemon, some having their own variations (typing/gender). These variations will be listed separately as they have different abilities and/or typing even though they still share the same Pokedex entry number. While there are other Pokemon that have similar qualities to the feline species, they are not exclusively or primarily cats – and thus will not be added to our list. Below is our complete list of all cat-inspired Pokemon!
Meowth & Persian
Arguably the most famous pair of cats in the Pokemon series, Meowth and Persian are well known in the anime series. Team Rocket’s Jessie and James are always up to no good with their third partner in crime, a talking Meowth. The leader of Team Rocket, Giovanni, has a very cynical Persian by his side at most times. These Pokemon are as kitty as cats get!
Variations:
Alolan Meowth Galarian Meowth Alolan Persian
Meowth and Persian both have region-exclusive variations for both the Alolan region and the Galarian region. The Alolan variations change in typing to dark from normal and feature a more devious look to the pair and the Galarian Meowth is a lot more fuzzy and scrappy looking with a new steel typing.
Espeon
While all of the Eeveelutions are primarily based on foxes, one is more cat-like than fox-like. This purple cat Pokemon in particular is based loosely on the Japanese yōkai known as the nekomata. The reason I say “loosely” is down to the temperament of the nekomata and how evil they are. While they share a split tail and psychic abilities, the similarities end there as Espeon is obtained through having a high level of friendship with Eevee during the day.
Raikou
Loosely based on the Japanese thunder beast “Raiju”, Raikou is a saber-tooth tiger-like legendary Pokemon and part of the trio of Legendary Beasts resurrected by Ho-Oh. While Raikou has canine and rodent features, it primarily sports an overall feline look with tiger-striping, short pointed ears, and a shorter snout.
Skitty & Delcatty
Skitty is known as the “kitten Pokemon” and rightfully so. With a delicate small body, tiny legs, and an oversize head – the kitten qualities are greatly exaggerated. Its accents resemble both pollen and young blooms. Delcatty is more mature and is known as the “ prim Pokémon”. Prim meaning stiffly corrected, its accents resemble fully bloomed purple tulips which could be a symbol of its maturity.
Shinx, Luxio, & Luxray
Shinx is a young feline resembling a mix of both a lion cub and a lynx kitten. It has one yellow band on each arm. Luxio follows up with a growing mane that resembles a young male lion reaching maturity or the soft thick tuffs of a lynx in the midst of winter. It has two yellow bands on each arm. Luxray is the final evolution and shows off a full mane going over the brown and front chest. It has three yellow bands now which could be a nod to being fully charged given it is an electric-type Pokemon.
Glameow & Purugly
Glameow is known as the “catty Pokemon” and has a lot of sass behind that grin. It appears to be very proper and posh with a slender frame, like a show-quality cat competing in a best of show competition. Purugly on the other hand is much larger in girth with unkempt whiskers and resembles that of a flat-faced Persian cat which is comically known for being “so ugly they’re cute”.
Purrloin & Liepard
This little kitty is known as the “devious Pokémon” and has the right look for it. Purrloin is a mostly purple cat with pointy fur tuffs and a hooked tail. Liepard is known as the “cruel Pokémon” and this likely comes down to its standoffish stare and careless grin. This cat Pokemon is clearly based on leopards which are known for being relentless hunters and survivors in the wild. Resembling that of an old-time burglar mask, the bright pink markings around its eyes are likely a nod to Catwoman.
Litleo & Pyroar
Known as the “lion cub Pokémon”, Litleo is exactly just that – a lion cub! Its name is a mash-up of the words “little” and “leo” for a cute-sounding name fit for a lion cub. Pyroar is Litleo’s evolution and is known as the “royal Pokemon” as lions, both males and females, have been attributed to royalty throughout history in vastly different cultures around the world.
Variations:
Male Pyroar Female Pyroar
While Pyroar is itself is just one Pokemon, the overall look greatly differs based on whether its gender is male or female. Similar to lions in the wild, a male Pyroar sports a full mane that frames his face. The female Pyroar on the other hand has a top mane (unlike real female lions) that appears to be a feminine ponytail. Both manes resemble flames, fitting for a fire-type Pokemon.
Espurr & Meowstic
With a play on the usage of ESP (extrasensory perception) in its name, Espurr is an adorable almost doll-like kitten that may be able to see deep inside your soul! This bipedal kitty has a very deep stare with brightly colored purple eyes that are both adorable and creepy at the same time. Meowstic is this kitty’s evolution and is also bipedal and sports two tails, likely based on the Japanese yōkai nekomata, just like Espeon.
Variations:
Male Meowstic Female Meowstic
Meowstic comes in two variations that look strikingly different based on what gender it is. The male Meowstic sports a mostly blue fur coat with bright wide green eyes and a spiked tuff around his neck. The female Meowstic has a mostly white fur coat with a more feminine stance and body with her fur resembling that of a skirt or dress.
Litten, Torracat, & Incineroar
Litten is simply known as the “fire cat Pokemon” and it is clear based on its name is a combination of “lit” and “kitten”. Its coat is mostly charcoal black with accents of reddish-orange on its forehead, cheeks, and legs. Torracat is the second evolution and is considerably more reddish-orange with a bright yellow bell around its neck. The final evolution known as the “heel Pokémon” is Incineroar and it is based greatly on the entertainment sport of wrestling. With a bipedal stance, it shows off its muscular build with a brightly glowing championship belt around its waist. A “heel” in wrestling refers to a wrestler being a “bad guy” whereas a “face” refers to one as being a “good guy”.
Solgaleo
This legendary Pokemon takes on the full stance and build of a lion from its crown to the tip of its tail. Solgaleo is said to be “the beast that devours the sun”. In alchemy, the symbol of a sun-eating lion represents the process of purifying metal. This process is said to create steel which leads to its steel typing. The psychic typing, on the other hand, deals more with cosmic energy, and this lion having a very visible “third eye” when using psychic abilities.
Zeraora
When it comes to speed, Zeraora is the fastest cat in the game and the second fastest overall for electric-type Pokemon. This bipedal kitty is known as the “thunderclap Pokemon” and as of now, is the only one able to learn the move Plasma Fists. Zeraora is believed to take inspiration from the Japanese yōkai kasha which is said to appear during thunderstorms.
Perrserker
This cool cat is the evolution of Galarian Meowth and unlike Persian remains bipedal, retaining a lot of similarities to its previous form. Perrserker is known as the “Viking Pokemon” and rightfully so. With battle armor, strong steel claws, and an extra bushy beard – this Norse-inspired kitty loves to battle.
Sprigatito, Floragato, & Meowscarada
Sprigatito is the newest kitty to the Pokemon series and is known as the “grass cat Pokemon”. This little kitten has the ability to make a sweet aroma via kneading that stops all foes from battling. Floragato is a bipedal cat with fur that becomes harder and spikier depending on it’s mood. It wears a small small flower bud attached to a vine which it uses to attack its foes in a yo-yo like manner. Meowscarada is the final stage and is a stealthy masked cat using flower bombs with illusion tricks. This fancy cat likes to put on a show during every battle.
Which Cat Pokemon Are The Best?
If you are looking to build an all-cat team or just want more felines in your pocket squad, there is a lot to consider. While many Pokemon serve a purpose, not all of them are ideal for competitive play. Of the 31 cat-inspired Pokemon, these are the best ones to add to your team:
Zeraora
A super-fast electric type with great coverage moves and attacking prowess.
Incineroar
A bulky fire and dark type with the Intimidate ability to lower the attack of opposing Pokemon. A staple of the doubles metagame.
Espeon
A speedy psychic type with the ability Magic Bounce to bounce entry hazards away from your side of the field.
Liepard
An unusual pick but potentially game-saving thanks to its Prankster ability, making it possible to paralyze other Pokemon before they attack.
