- Cat lovers who enjoy anime have plenty of shows featuring endearing cat characters and moving plots.
- Anime such as Kiki’s Delivery Service and The Cat Returns are filled with delightful scenes and a passion for cats.
- Whether it’s the comforting stories in My Roommate is a Cat or the mystical adventures in Natsume’s Book of Friends, these series are essential for cat enthusiasts to watch.
Cat owners may not know, but there are plenty of anime series that feature cats. The best cat anime are a must-watch for any cat lover.
If you enjoy cats and anime, you’ll find many series in different genres with lovable cat characters. These series often deliver touching and memorable stories.
Whether the cats act like humans or are just regular cats, they have long been featured in anime. Cat lovers will discover that these top anime series are full of cute scenes and many cats to adore.
Kuruneko
- Release Year – 2009
- Runtime – 100 episodes of 2 minutes each
- Where to Stream it – vintage, simulcast.
An anime featuring cats doesn’t have to be very imaginative. In Kuruneko, it tracks the everyday life of a woman who has many cats. The art style is as simple as the story.
This straightforward art style makes the anime calming, adorable, and easy for cat owners to relate to. Each cat is introduced gradually, and each new part of the story gently reveals more about the unique personalities of the cats and their owner.
Fruits Basket – The Manga Creation of Natsuki Takaya
- Year Released – 2019
- Number of Episodes – 63
- Where to Stream it – Funimation, Hulu
In “Fruits Basket,” cats have a significant role. The plot revolves around Tohru, a young woman who starts living with the Sohma family. Members of this family transform into Zodiac animals when they become emotional.
The series draws from the Zodiac story and explores why the cat is not part of it. Tohru sympathizes with the cat’s exclusion and grows to love it. Only certain members of the Sohma family embody these Zodiac animals, including the cat that is left out.
The narrative highlights Tohru’s experiences, the Sohma family’s sad past, and the close bonds she develops with its members, particularly Kyo, who embodies the cat.
The Original Legend of Hei Film from Joy Pictures
- Release Year- 2019
- Runtime – 101 Minutes
- Where to Stream it – Hoopla, Tubi
“The Legend of Hei” is a stunning 2D-animated prequel to the “The Legend of Luo Xiaohei” series. It features beautiful animation and a moving story. It tells the tale of Xiao-Hei, a forest spirit who is forced to leave his home when the forest is destroyed.
Another spirit rescues Xiao-Hei, and he gets caught up in a battle between humans and spirits.
Xiao-Hei resembles a tiny black cat but transforms into a boy with black cat ears and a tail later in the movie.
The film includes other spirits who also appear in animal forms and introduces a variety of delightful characters.
My Roommate is a Cat: From the Manga by Minatsuki & Asu Futatsuya
- Release Year – 2019
- Number of Episodes – 12
- Where to Stream it – Crunchyroll, Funimation
The title “My Roommate is a Cat” follows Subaru Mikazuki, a reserved writer, and Haru, a stray cat. This touching slice-of-life anime presents the viewpoints of both Subaru and Haru as they get to know and live with each other.
It focuses on their developing relationship and how Haru motivates Subaru in his writing and broadens his life experiences. People who get creative ideas from their pets will find the connection between Subaru and Haru very relatable.
The Masterful Cat is Depressed Again Today: Adapted from Hitsuji Yamada’s Manga
- Release Year – 2023
- Number of Episodes – 13
- Where to Stream it – Crunchyroll
“The Masterful Cat is Depressed Again Today” portrays the life of Saku, a hardworking individual, and Yukichi, a stray cat she takes in. Yukichi begins to grow unexpectedly, eventually becoming as large as a bear. He starts doing housework and excels at cooking.
The series offers many humorous and touching scenes as viewers follow Saku and Yukichi. Typically, cat owners feel they cater to their cats, but in this show, the roles are reversed. Any cat owner would appreciate having a cat as helpful as Yukichi.
Natsume’s Book of Friends: Yuki Midorikawa’s Manga Brought to Life
- Release Year – 2008
- Number of Episodes – 74
- Where to Stream it – Crunchyroll, Funimation
“Natsume’s Book of Friends” is a soothing anime about everyday life. The main character, Takashi Natsume, inherits a mysterious Book of Friends from his grandmother.
This book holds the names of many spirits she had collected. Takashi finds out that the book could be used for harmful purposes and decides to free the spirits.
In the opening episode, Takashi encounters Madara, a powerful spirit resembling a cat, who is also known as Nyanko-sensei. Madara agrees to protect Takashi in exchange for inheriting the Book of Friends when Takashi dies.
Over time, Madara grows attached to Takashi. Despite claiming he is not a cat, he behaves like one and takes on the appearance of a “beckoning cat.”
The Manga Behind Nights With A Cat by Kyuryu Z
- Release Year – 2022
- Number of Episodes – 16
- Where to Stream it – Currently unavailable to stream
“Nights With A Cat” is a charming anime featuring Fuuta and Kyuruga, the cat his sister brings home. Kyuruga’s quirky and endearing traits shine throughout the show.
The series is noted for its unique art style and the touching interactions between Fuuta and Kyuruga. Released in March 2023, the second season has left fans eagerly anticipating a third. For any cat owner, “Nights With A Cat” is essential viewing.
Anime lovers and cat enthusiasts have a variety of stories that highlight cats. The best cat-themed anime are known for their distinctive artwork, moving narratives, and memorable scenes, making them must-haves for any cat owner’s collection.
These shows are especially loved for their feline characters, who are both unique and charming.
The Cat Returns – An Original Movie by Hiroyuki Morita
- Release Year – 2002
- Runtime – 75 Minutes
- Where to Stream it – Max
“The Cat Returns” is a charming film from Studio Ghibli. It features a young woman named Haru who embarks on incredible adventures after rescuing a cat.
She finds out the cat is actually a prince from the Cat Kingdom. Soon after, Haru is mistakenly promised marriage to the prince. She turns to The Baron, Toto, and a cat named Muta for assistance.
Haru is forcefully brought to the Cat Kingdom. There, she begins to transform into a cat the more time she spends. In the Cat Kingdom, Haru discovers the importance of self-belief. “The Cat Returns” is an enjoyable movie, ideal for young cat owners seeking adventure.
She and Her Cat -Everything Flows-: From the Vision of Makoto Shinkai
- Release Year – 2016
- Number of Episodes – 4
- Where to Stream it – Crunchyroll
This touching four-episode series features college student Miyu and her black cat Daru.
The poetic story is mainly told from Daru’s perspective, highlighting his love, admiration, and support for Miyu in all aspects of her life.
Viewers should know that the series ends with Daru’s death and his suggested reincarnation as another kitten, who reunites with Miyu. The show beautifully explores the deep bonds between people and their beloved cats.
My New Boss Is Goofy
- Release Year: 2023
- Runtime: 23 minutes per episode
- Where to Stream: Available on Crunchyroll and Crunchyroll Amazon
Kentaro Momose begins a new job after suffering health issues due to an abusive boss. He finds his new boss, Yusei Shirosaki, to be eccentric and isn’t sure what to think at first. However, he quickly realizes that Shirosaki is kind and there’s nothing to worry about.
After moving in with Shirosaki, they discover and take in a stray kitten. The kitten pretends to be tough and claims he left his previous owner.
He has a hard time expressing his enjoyment when playing with his new owners. His behavior is typical of a cat in anime, making him an ideal character.
Chi’s Sweet Home – Inspired by Konami Kanata’s Manga
- Release Year – 2008
- Number of Episodes – 284
- Where to Stream it – Prime Video, Crunchyroll
“Chi’s Sweet Home” follows Chi, a playful young kitten who gets separated from her family. The Yamada family finds and adopts her.
The show depicts Chi’s discoveries and growing bond with her new family. Each episode is a few minutes long and corresponds to a manga chapter. There are more than two hundred episodes for viewers to watch.
Kiki’s Delivery Service: Adapted from Eiko Kadono’s Book
- Release Year – 1989
- Runtime – 102 Minutes
- Where to Stream it – Max
“Kiki’s Delivery Service” is a beloved film from Studio Ghibli. It tells the story of Kiki, a young witch, and her cat Jiji as they settle in a coastal town.
This touching film focuses on Kiki’s journey of self-discovery and her transition into the working world. While addressing themes of burnout, the movie also features many delightful scenes with Jiji to lighten the mood.
As Kiki explores her new environment, Jiji is often by her side, offering his witty support.
Even though he sometimes grumbles, he stays loyal and always ready to assist, making him a faithful companion. “Kiki’s Delivery Service” is a timeless movie, particularly resonant for those who have had cats.
Windy Tales
- Release Year: 2004
- Runtime: 13 episodes (approximately 25 minutes each)
- Where to Stream it: Crunchyroll, Tubi
Cats are charming creatures, and they’re even more fascinating when they possess superpowers. Nao, an eighth-grade student, is one of just two members of her school’s digital camera club.
She likes photographing regular scenes, such as the sky. However, her discovery of a cat with the ability to control the wind begins the story.
Despite its unusual concept, “Windy Tales” remains a peaceful slice-of-life anime where seeing a flying cat is typical.
