If you’re often called the crazy cat lady (or the male version of it), you’re definitely going to love this recommendation of best cat anime!
This list is filled with some heartwarming, some adventurous, and some even mysterious stories! Check out the best cat anime recommendations down below!
My absolute favorite from this list of best cat anime is ‘She and her Cat’ and Natsume Yuujinchou (Natsume’s Book of Friends) – watching these series made my whole entire heart so happy.
And another best cat anime I want to point out is Chi’s Sweet Home – this cat anime series is just too adorable to handle!
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Which is the best cat anime?
Being a anime fanatic and a cat lover, watching cat anime is second nature to me. Having watching countless of cat anime the best one is the Youkai watch.
Youkai watch is the best cat anime for you to watch. This cat anime is based on a video game. The anime is about how Keita Amano befriends Youkai (mythical Japanese monsters) with the help of Whisper and goes on various exciting adventures. It features 214 episodes and is a great show for kids.
| Best Cat Anime | Best For | Genre |
| Youkai Watch Series | Children | Comedy, Supernatural |
| Fuujin Monogatari (Windy Tales) | Children And Adults | Slice of life, Alternative Anime |
| Ginga Tetsudou no Yoru (Night on the Galactic Road) Anime Movie | Family | Fantasy, Philosophical |
| Nekojiru Sou (Cat Soup) – Anime Movie | Adults | Comedy, Fantasy |
| Fruits Basket | Adults | Harem, Occult Fiction, Rom-Com |
| She And Her Cat | All Ages | Drama |
| Chi’s Sweet Home | All Ages | Slice of life |
| Neko no Ongaeshi (The Cat Returns) | All Ages | Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance, Fantasy, Adventure |
| Natsume Yuujinchou (Natsume’s Book of Friends) | Kids | Mystery, Slice Of Life, Occult Fiction, Comedy |
| Stand by Me Doraemon! | All Ages | Sci Fi, Adventure, Drama, Comedy, |
- Which is the best cat anime?
- Top Cat Anime
- Lupin the 3rd vs Cat’s Eye (2023)
- Nights With A Cat (Yoru Wa Neko To Issho)
- A Whisker Away
- Youkai Watch
- Fuujin Monogatari (Windy Tales)
- Ginga Tetsudou no Yoru (Night on the Galactic Road)
- Nekojiru Sou (Cat Soup)
- Fruits Basket
- She And Her Cat
- Chi’s Sweet Home
- Neko no Ongaeshi (The Cat Returns)
- Natsume Yuujinchou (Natsume’s Book of Friends)
- Stand by Me Doraemon!
- Best Anime Cats
Top Cat Anime
Lupin the 3rd vs Cat’s Eye (2023)
The Kisugi sisters, better known as Cat’s Eye, are on a mission to recover three paintings by Michael Heinz that once belonged to their missing father.
These paintings hold a hidden clue to his whereabouts. However, their plans are complicated by the arrival of the world-renowned gentleman thief, Lupin III, who also sets his sights on the same paintings.
A thrilling game of cat and mouse ensues, with both sides employing their signature skills and gadgets to outmaneuver each other. This new cat anime is definitely worth the watch!
Characters:
- The Kisugi sisters (Hitomi, Rui, and Ai): Skilled acrobats and gymnasts, each with their own unique talents and personalities. They are fiercely protective of each other and determined to solve the mystery of their father’s disappearance.
- Lupin III: The charming and cunning master thief, always up for a good challenge. He sees the heist as a game and enjoys the competition with Cat’s Eye.
- Inspector Zenigata: Lupin’s long-time nemesis, determined to capture the elusive thief. He provides some comedic relief with his bumbling attempts to thwart Lupin’s plans.
Animation:
The film is beautifully animated, capturing the sleek and stylish aesthetic of both franchises. The action sequences are dynamic and exciting, showcasing the impressive acrobatic skills of the Cat’s Eye sisters and Lupin’s clever use of gadgets.
Reception:
Lupin the 3rd vs Cat’s Eye received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its animation, action sequences, and nostalgic appeal. Some found the plot predictable, but overall, the film was considered a fun and entertaining addition to both franchises.
Overall:
Lupin the 3rd vs Cat’s Eye is a thrilling heist film that brings together two beloved anime icons. It’s a visually stunning film with an engaging story, well-developed characters, and plenty of action. If you’re a fan of either franchise, or simply enjoy heist films, then this is definitely worth checking out.
Nights With A Cat (Yoru Wa Neko To Issho)
- Genre: Comedy
- Age Rating: All Ages
Nights With a Cat is an anime adaptation of the manga of the same name. When the protagonist Fuuta’s sister comes to stay with him, she brings her cat along. This anime features super short episodes of about 1 minute each.
The anime is very simple but extremely cute. If you’re a cat person then you’ll definitely love the antics of this cat in the series.
Nights with a Cat basically shows all the bizarre and adorable things house cats do. Like head butting which is so cute or pushing the glass off the table (not so cute).
This anime was released in 2022 and season 2 of nights with a cat anime is due in 2023!
A Whisker Away
- Genre: Drama, Adventure
- Age Rating: TV-PG
The Japanese title of the anime film A Whisker Away, which is now available on Netflix, translates as Wanting to Cry, I Pretend to Be a Cat.
Miyo (Mirai Shida) classmates call her Muge, which stands for “Miss Ultra Gaga and Enigmatic.” She surely lives up to her moniker. When she sees her crush, Hinode (Natsuki Hanae), the world turns pink and everyone else disappears.
Rather than just greeting him, she flings herself at him backward, butt-bumping him in a technique she nicknames the “Hinode Sunrise Attack.”
Despite his best efforts to ignore her, she remains undaunted, swooning over the few words he says to her.
Her domestic problems are obvious from the start of the film. Taking on a new life as a cat appears to be an excellent opportunity, which is offered to Miyo by a mask seller who appears as she expresses her desire to escape her life.
Furthermore, Hinode seemed to like her when she is in feline shape. But turning into cat form all the time comes with a cost. The lines between her human and cat form starts to blurr.
Youkai Watch
Best Cat Anime For Children
- Genre: Comedy, Supernatural
- Age Rating: All Ages
Yo-Kai watch is an anime based on a video game that will remind you of Pokemon (my absolute favorite anime series btw, unfortunately, it doesn’t have a cat which is why it’s not a part of this list). This anime revolves around traditional Japanese Yokai that Keita Amano (the main character) befriends in his journey.
When he’s lost in the woods, he has no other option but to set Whisper, a Youkai, free. Whisper rewards Amano with a Youkai watch which enables him to interact with other Youkai. Now along with the cat spirit Jibanyan, Keita and Whisper try to help Youkai.
| Episodes | Aired |
| 214 | January 8, 2014 – March 30, 2018 |
Related: Want some more thrilling, action-packed anime? Check out these Japanese demon anime here!
Fuujin Monogatari (Windy Tales)
Top Cat Anime For Children And Adults
- Genre: Slice of life, Alternative Anime
- Age Rating: All Ages
Nao and Miki, two best friends, who are the only members of the Digital Camera Club in their school. Nao loves taking pictures of the skies on the rooftop. And one day she finds a cat who can manipulate the wind! What more strange characters will the two of them find in their world?
Windy Tales is one of the best cat anime stories – a little bit magic and a lot of creative imagination. This anime is a bit deeper than your average anime and is definitely worthy of your time! Check it out!
| Episodes | Aired |
| 13 | September 11, 2004 – February 26, 2005 |
Related: Your kids will definitely love these Japanese cartoons (I still do!)
Ginga Tetsudou no Yoru (Night on the Galactic Road)
Best Cat Anime Movie Recommended For Family
- Genre: Fantasy, Philosophical
- Age Rating: All Ages
Giovanni, the cat, is a lonely guy who takes a mysterious train to the galaxy! In this journey, Giovanni sees many unusual sights and even more unusual beings. This anime is filled with life lessons that both kids and adults will enjoy! It was adapted from Kenji Miyazawa’s unfinished children’s novel.
| Episodes | Aired |
| 1 | Jul 13, 1985 |
Related: Love supernatural anime? Then you’ll love these Japanese angel anime. Check it out!
Nekojiru Sou (Cat Soup)
Best Cat Anime Movie For Adults
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
- Age Rating: 18+
If you like happy cats then this isn’t for you. It also not recommended for kids as this cat anime movie, Nekojiru Sou, can get a bit dark. But if artistic anime is something you’re interested in then Cat Soup will definitely peak your interest.
This anime is about two siblings Nyatta and Nyako. Nyako, only a little kitten, faces the Jizou, a death spirit who slices Nyako’s soul in two halves. And her little brother, Nyatta manages to hold on one half of her soul while Jizou takes away the other.
Will Nyatta and Nyako find the other half of her soul? How will they find Jizou and put her soul back together?
| Episodes | Aired |
| 1 | Feb 21, 2001 |
Related: Some crazy adventures and battles wait for you in this list of awesome dragon anime. Check it out!
Fruits Basket
Best Cat Anime For Adults
- Genre: Harem, Occult Fiction, Romantic Comedy
- Age Rating: 16+
After her mother’s death, Tooru decides to live by herself, going away from her family. In the woods, she loses her tent after which she is invited by Yuki and Shigure Souma to live with them.
Here Tooru learns and discovers that everybody in this family can transform into different zodiac animals. Tooru falls in love with Kyou Soma who can transform into an adorable cat but that’s not his true form.
Will Tooru find happiness with the Soma family? Will she find a cure to the curse they’re living with?
| Episodes | Aired |
| 26 | Jul 5, 2001 to Dec 27, 2001 |
Related: Check out these heartwarming and adorable baby anime!
She And Her Cat
Best Cat Anime Recommended For Cat Lovers
- Genre: Drama
- Age Rating: All ages
Miyu’s college life doesn’t seem so difficult with her fluffy black cat around to keep her company. This anime is based on a short film that goes by the same name. With only 4 short episodes, this show is just too adorable to handle.
So all those who live with a little furry feline will definitely enjoy this series from the cat’s perspective. Maybe we all can finally understand what goes on your kitty’s minds!
| Episodes | Aired |
| 4 | Jul 5, 2001 to Dec 27, 2001 |
Chi’s Sweet Home
Top Cat Anime Recommended For Family
- Genre: Slice of life
- Age Rating: All ages
Here’s another anime that might give you some insight on what goes on in an ordinary cat’ life. After being separated from her mother, Miss Chi Yamada, a little kitty is adopted by Youhei Yamada and his mother. With her new adoptive family, kitty Chi experiences what a good domesticated life has to offer her. In my opinion, Chi is the most adorable cat anime ever!
| Episodes | Aired |
| 104 | Mar 31, 2008 to Sep 25, 2008 |
Neko no Ongaeshi (The Cat Returns)
Top Cat Anime Movie For Kids
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance, Fantasy, Adventure
- Age Rating: All Ages
Haru Yoshioka, a high school going girl, one day saves a cat from an accident. Only later to learn that the cat she saved was none other than Lune, the Prince of Cats. And to show his gratitude, Prince Lune and his father (the Cta King), invite Haru to the magical Cat Kingdom.
Things get complicated when Prince Lune and his father ask Haru to marry Prince Lune, the Cat prince!
What will Haru do? Marry Lune and live in the Cat Kingdom or escape? Find out in this adventure cat anime movie filled with magic!
| Episodes | Aired |
| 1 | July 20, 2002 |
Natsume Yuujinchou (Natsume’s Book of Friends)
Top Cat Anime For Kids
- Genre: Mystery, Slice Of Life, Occult Fiction, Comedy
- Age Rating: 8+
Natsume Takashi has always seen unusual creatures called Youkai but could never figure out why. Until, one day, Madara the cat, saves takashi from a Youkai. Madara tells Takashi about the book of friends and how he can break the curse of the Yo-kai by setting them free.
Madara and Takashi go on an incredible journey, befriending Yokai. But why does Madara decide to help Takashi? And will Takashi finally be able to get rid of the chasing Yokai? Find out in this shoer cat anime series!
| Episodes | Aired |
| 13 | July 8, 2008 to September 30, 2008 |
Stand by Me Doraemon!
Best Cat Anime Movie For Kids
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Drama, Comedy, Family
- Age Rating: All Ages
This list of best cat anime would be incomplete without Doraemon, a cat from the 22ns century.
Doraemon is requested by Sewashi Nobi to go to the past so he can help Nobi’s ancestor Nobita, otherwise the future will not look so good. And so Doraemon, the robot cat, travels to past to help Nobita in anyway he can.
The story of Doraemon and Nobita is a cult-favorite amongst many kids, not just in Japan, but all over the world. The anime is much more than Doraemon travelling to the past.
It’s a symbol of how technologically advanced Japan is and also about a sweet friendship between Doraemon and Nobita. Stand by Me Doraemon! is a great cat anime movie for kids who are just starting to discover the world!
| Episodes | Aired |
| 1 | Aug 8, 2014 |
Best Anime Cats
Jiji from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Jiji is one my favorite anime cats! Jiji is a black cat that lives with Kiki.
Kiki is a young witch who has moved to a new town and is in ‘Witch delivery business’ and Jiji, her black cat, helps her with the deliveries.
Jiji is super adorable (but then I’m definitely biased to black cats since I have one myself). His personality is calm and humble, if you see the Japanese version of this anime. But in the English version, Jiji is a bit more satirical, proud and cynical too!
Also, in the Japanese version, Kiki loses her ability to speak with Jiji as she grows older and gains wisdom and maturity. But in the English version, she never loses the ability to speak with Jiji. In the Japanese version, Jiji was often the sound of wisdom to Kiki.
Sakamoto from Nichijou
Okay I know I am totally crazy about cute, super adorable black cats!!
Sakamoto is such a cutie! Unlike other cats in anime that can speak, or are some sort of magical creature – Sakamoto is just your regular cat!
Sakamoto initially has a terrible owner who treats him really badly. But one day Sakamoto flees and encounters Hakase, who takes him in. Hakase is an inventor. And doing what she does best, she designs Sakamoto a scarf that lets him talk!
And once Sakamoto can talk, his cat personality really comes out!
Korin from Dragon Ball
Korin is shown as the master of master arts in Dragon Ball and eventually trains Goku. Korin comes initially in the anime before all universe destruction begins.
Korin lives in a giant tower and is an immortal cat.
Baron from The Cat Returns
If you’ve watched The Cat Returns, you know Baron is slik! The way Baron dresses and behaves will remind you of a proper gentleman. He owns the Cat Bureau and is the Prince of the Cat Kingdom!
Happy and Carla from Fairy Tail
Happy and Carla aka Charles aren’t exactly cats, but their furry features make them look like cats so they can pass as best anime cats!
Happy and Carla are supernatural creatures called Exceed and they can talk, fly, do magic and even dance!
Luna and Artemis from Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon
I love cat duo from Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon – Luna and Artemis. Luna is one of the favorite anime cats ever!
In the anime, Artemis and Luna help sailor scouts to find and protect the princess. They help the Sailor scouts by providing them with magical gadgets to make their quest easier.
They have crescent moons on their heads which makes them super adorable!
Arthur from Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch
Here’s another anime cat that’s just too adorable! Arthur from Code Geass has managed to carve a soft spot for himself in Suzaku’s heart. Even though it may appear that Suzaku is constantly irritated by him. But it’s too hard to resist Arthur – he’s just a fun loving, sweet kitty!
Who is the cutest anime cat?
My vote for the cutest anime cat goes to Chi from Chihiro and the Spirit Away for pure purrfect charm and vulnerability in a magical world she doesn ten understand – her big eyes welling up when she thinks she loses her parents melts hearts every time I watch the film (just try not to say ‘awww’).
Also Read:
Hiya! I’m the main author of Japan Truly. I love everything Japan and love testing out Japanese products, be it skincare and makeup or gadgets! You’ll find reviews of some of the best selling Japanese products (tried and tested) right here!
