Cats are independent creatures that have managed to win over humans with their erratic actions. In reality and anime, cats often offer emotional support to humans. Hence, if you love cats and want to watch some of the best anime movies or shows with or about cats, we have you covered. Today, we have handpicked the top 15 anime for cat lovers like you. So, let’s get purring!
Note:
If you want to learn about the greatest cats in anime history. Don’t worry, as we have already covered the likes of Luna, Artemis, Korin, Kura, and other cats in a dedicated article.
Best Anime With Cats to Stream
We have made this list with a mix of Cat anime series, movies, and even shorts from the OG Kiki’s Delivery Service to the latest Nyaight of the Living Cat anime, so you can experience the best of everything in these cat anime:
| Anime Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Nyaight of the Living Cat | Release Date: July 8, 2025 Episode Count: 12 Ratings: 6.6/6.3 Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll |
| The Masterful Cat Is Depressed Again Today | Release Date: July 8, 2023 Episode Count: 13 Ratings: 7.2/7.64 Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll and Prime Video |
| Windy Tales | Release Date: Sep 11, 2004 Episode Count: 13 Ratings: 7.1/7.2 Streaming Platform: Prime Video |
| She and Her Cat: Everything Flows | Release Date: March 4, 2016 Episode Count: 4 Ratings: 7.7/7.8 Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll |
| Stand by Me Doraemon | Release Date: 2014 Duration: 1 hour 35 minutes Ratings: 7.3/8.1 & 7.5/8.2 Streaming Platform: Netflix |
| Nights With a Cat | Release Date: August 4, 2022 Episode Count: 69 Ratings: 7/7.1 Streaming Platform: BiliBili |
| Chi’s Sweet Home & Chi’s Sweet Adventures | Release Date: March 31, 20008 Episode Count: 104 & 22 Ratings: 7.7/7.8 & 8.2/6.8 Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll |
| Suzume | Release Date: November 11, 2022 Duration: 2 hours 2 minutes Ratings: 7.8/8.4 Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll and Netflix |
| My Ordinary Life | Release Date: April 3, 2011 Episode Count: 26 Ratings: 7.5/7.7 Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll |
| Natsume’s Book of Friends | Release Date: January 9, 2019 Episode Count: 12 Ratings: 7.7/7.7 Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll |
| My Roommate is a Cat | Release Date: January 9, 2019 Episode Count: 12 Ratings: 7.7/7.7 Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll |
| The Cat Returns | Release Date: July 20, 2002 Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Ratings: 7.1/7.7 Streaming Platform: Netflix |
| Kiki’s Delivery Service | Release Date: July 29, 1989 Duration: 1 hour 42 minutes Ratings: 7.8/8.2 Streaming Platform: Netflix |
| Dandadan | Release Date: October 4, 2024 Episode Count: 24 Ratings: 8.6/8.5 Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll |
| Fruits Basket | Release Date: April 6, 2019 Episode Count: 63 Ratings: 8.6/8.2 Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll |
Top 3 Cat Anime I Truly Loved Watching
Before we move on to the best cat anime titles celebrated by the anime community, here are my top 3 favorite anime I enjoyed watching:
Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket is a Shoujo anime that I’ve been holding for years. When I finally decided to watch the anime, as it featured an orange cat, it ended up not just one of the best cat anime but also one of my favorite anime of all time. The perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and drama in Fruits Basket won me over, and I recommend this anime with all my heart.
Dandadan
Dandadan is the modern anime that impressed me the most in recent times. Science SARU’s flawless adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s manga included an eccentric cat who tags along with the main cast. The fantastic action sequences, blooming romance between the leads, and the spooky, mysterious storyline hooked me in, and I’ve been wanting more new seasons lately.
The Cat Returns
Sometimes all we need is a light-hearted adventure to chill, and The Cat Returns offered me the exact comfortable experience I was looking for. There is not just one but plenty of cats in this anime, as it takes place in the kingdom of Cats. It’s a heartwarming adventure with a short runtime, perfect for binging in one go.
Best Cat Anime of All Time
Without any further ado, here are our picks for the best cat anime of all time, from Nyaight of the Living Cat to Fruits Basket:
Nyaight of the Living Cat
- Title: Night of the Living Cat
- Genre: Animation, Action, Horror
- Episodes: 12
- IMDB/MAL: 6.6/6.3
If you consume an unhealthy amount of zombie movies like me, then you might be aware of George A. Romero’s iconic Night of the Living Dead movie. Inspired by this zombie title, a new anime called Nyaight of the Living Cat came out in 2025. It’s about how a cat apocalypse breaks out after people who touch cats turn into one.
The humans are pushed to the brink of exinction, and can they turn the odds in their favor during the Nyandemic? As you can see, this anime has a distinct and special plot compared to any other cat anime we have on this list. This anime caught everyone’s attention in 2025 with its peculiar plot and interesting characters. Thus, check out the Nyaight of the Living Cat if you want to watch a cat anime apart from the regular wholesome dramas with cats.
The Masterful Cat Is Depressed Again Today
- Title: Dekiru Neko wa Kyou mo Yuuutsu
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Slice of Life
- Episodes: 13
- IMDB/MAL: 7.2/7.64
Cats come in different shapes and colors, but how about a cat taller than a normal human? One day, Saku Fukuzawa rescues a black maine coon cat, and now it has grown into a gigantic cat. While cats are known for their talent to make their master their pet, the opposite happens in the The Masterful Cat Is Depressed Again Today. Yes, Yukichi the cat is a master chef and even takes care of the household chores when her master is busy with her work.
Now this is a unique plot for an anime with a cat, right? The Masterful Cat Is Depressed Again Today is a comedy and slice-of-life anime that you can stream and chill. With just 13 episodes, this cat anime offers a relaxing and comforting SOL ride. Thus, you can watch all the stuff in your watchlist later. Make sure to stream this anime first to watch a hilarious drama centered around a black cat.
Windy Tales
- Title: Fuujin Monogatari
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Slice of Life, Family
- Episodes: 13
- IMDB/MAL: 7.1/7.2
I’m sure you would have noticed the strange animation style of this anime from the poster by now. Once again, we have a short anime with a unique slice-of-life drama. The animation style is a hit or miss, and it totally depends on you. But we can assure you that it’s entertaining, as it’s an experimental anime in the genre. The cat in this anime also plays a vital role, which needs to be mentioned.
It’s about three eighth-grade friends who are in a Digital Camera Club. They like to take pictures of the clouds and skies, and one day they find a cat capable of changing the direction of the wind. Now you know why they have chosen the title Windy Tales. It focuses on their tale, along with the cat trying to capture the moment. It’s a short anime series that you can binge on a weekend.
She and Her Cat: Everything Flows
- Title: Kanojo to Kanojo no Neko: Everything Flows
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Slice of Life, Family
- Episodes: 4
- IMDB/MAL: 7.7/7.8
If you are looking for a simplistic anime with cats, She and Her Cat is the right pick for you. Told through her cat Daru’s point of view, it tells the tale of a lady who is now looking for work and going through substantial changes in her life. Daru is the only constant emotional support in the woman’s life, and explores the deep bond between them.
It’s only four episodes long, but the impact it will leave on you is immeasurable. It handles the themes of loneliness and depression well with a wholesome dose of the cat. You can binge-watch this anime within just two hours, and you will love every bit of it. Make sure to watch this one along with your cat.
Stand by Me Doraemon Trilogy
- Title: Stand by Me Doraemon 1, 2, and 3
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Slice of Life, Family
- Duration: 1 hour 35 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.3/8.1 & 7.5/8.2
Despite being a kids’ anime, Doraemon quickly gained popularity among fans of all ages. Even today, adults like rewatching this anime to relive their youth memories. In the history of anime, Doraemon will always be a cultural icon that cannot be replaced. And well, that’s why Doraemon has been getting various kinds of adaptations throughout the years. Stand By Me Doraemon is a 3D CG adaptation of the story, retelling the same events.
Two movies out of this trilogy have been released already, and the third one is expected to drop soon. The first two movies are considered to be near masterpieces by Doraemon fans. For those unfamiliar with this figure, Doraemon is a robotic cat that was brought back in time to the owner’s great-great-grandfather, Nobita Nobi, from the future. It was intended particularly to assist Nobita in becoming a wonderful human being throughout his lifetime. That said, you should check out this futuristic cat to have the most fun time.
Nights With a Cat
- Title: Yoru wa Neko to Issho
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Slice of Life, Family
- Episodes: 69
- IMDB/MAL: 7/7.1
We all must have been in a situation where we never thought we would share our homes with a cat, right? Fuuta-kun, the main character of this anime, also faces a similar situation when his sister, Pii-chan, brings home a cat named Kyuruga one day. Thus, Fuuta’s life takes a sudden turn as the nights are no longer calm at his house; instead, it gets chaotic and cheerful upon the arrival of his new cat.
In a nutshell, Nights With a Cat is a direct portrayal of all our lives who own a cat in their homes. Each episode is only a minute long, and you can easily binge-watch this series to have an amazing time, reminding you of your time with your cats. Nights With a Cat is an amusing watch that deserves to be seen by every cat lover.
Chi’s Sweet Home & Chi’s Sweet Adventures
- Title: Chi’s Sweet Home & Chi’s Sweet Adventures
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Slice of Life, Family
- Episodes: 104, 22
- IMDB/MAL: 7.7/7.8 & 8.2/6.8
A young boy named Youhei runs into a little kitty on his way home and decides to take it home. He and his mother adopt Chi despite their apartment having a no pets allowed rule. From there on, we start to follow the tales of Chi and her adventures. Honestly, watching the daily life of a cat and her family is heartwarming and refreshing.
A remake of the old anime show was done a few years ago, and you can check out the new one if you like the new animation. But personally, I would recommend the old show with its nostalgic animation. Therefore, this anime featuring a kawaii cat is a must-watch for all ailurophiles.
Suzume
- Title: Suzume no Tojimari
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
- Duration: 2 hours 2 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.8/8.4
Suzume is the latest addition to Makoto Shinkai’s magical filmography. The main reason we have recommended this movie is that it features a cat-like mythical creature that plays a vital role in the movie. Makoto is well-known for his visuals and never fails to amaze us.
Even with Sumuze, he tells a fantastic story with lots of captivating characters and offers a surreal experience. You can read our in-depth review of Suzume here. Thus, you have to check out this incredible anime with a cat as a pivotal character, and I’m sure you will fall in love with it.
My Ordinary Life
- Title: Nichijou
- Genre: Animation, Drama, Slice of Life, Family
- Episodes: 26
- IMDB/MAL: 7.5/7.7
As the title suggests, the story of this anime is about the ordinary lives of three friends, Mio Naganohara, Yuuko Aioi, and Mai Minakami. And the special thing in their lives is the talking cat named Sakamoto. Sakamoto was also featured in our best anime cats list for his best character. And that is more than enough reason to start watching this slice-of-life drama. Additionally, it is one of those good ol’ dramas recommended by every fan.
The characterization of Sakamoto is absolutely crazy and makes us fall in love with his character. Apart from the cat, this anime depicts a great drama revolving around the lives of three friends. It’s just a 26-episode short anime with a cat that deserves a watch for its heartfelt performances.
Natsume’s Book of Friends
- Title: Natsume yûjinchô
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Slice of Life, Family
- Episodes: 13
- IMDB/MAL: 8.1/8.3
A spirit that manifests as a cat appears in the supernatural anime Natsume’s Book of Friends. It is one of the highest-rated anime on My Anime List. The main character, Takashi Natsume, has the power to perceive the fabled Youkai creatures. One day, he manages to shatter the barrier and summons a powerful spirit in the form of a fortunate cat. Yet, there is already a mysterious connection between these two, and the rest of the anime will focus on what they accomplish together going forward.
The amazing story with interesting characters keeps you engrossed and gets emotional as the story progresses. It has outstanding visuals, especially for supernatural aspects, along with a good soundtrack. So if you want to try a distinct anime with a cat, you could check out Natsume’s Book of Friends.
My Roommate is a Cat
- Title: Doukyonin wa Hiza, Tokidoki, Atama no Ue.
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Slice of Life, Family
- Episodes: 12
- IMDB/MAL: 7.7/7.7
I’m sure that most of the cat owners reading this list would have adopted a cat from the streets at some point (I did it, too). Well, if you did, then this anime will be relatable to you. After losing his parents in a tragic accident, Subaru Mikazuki grows up to be an introverted and lonely person. He works as a novelist, and one day, while visiting his parents’ grave, he meets a cat. And like everyone, he immediately adopts the cat, marking the start of a beautiful journey.
This anime is regarded as relatable to all cat lovers, and even if you are not a cat lover, it will be an exhilarating watch. The interaction between our MC and his cat is heart-warming. And we bet this slice-of-life drama will leave the best impression on you. This is possibly the best relatable anime with cats on our list.
The Cat Returns
- Title: Neko no ongaeshi
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Slice of Life, Family
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.1/7.7
How could we not include a Ghibli movie on this list? Studio Ghibli movies are known for their amazing theater and visuals. And they have a dedicated movie surrounding the magical land of cats, The Cat Returns. It’s about a girl named Haru Yoshioka who saves the prince of the Cat Kingdom.
The prince, in return for saving his life, invites Yoshioka to the magical land and asks her to become his wife. In a twist of events, the prince thought that she had accepted the offer and took her to his land. But did she? How will Haru overcome the obstacles that are covered in the rest of the story?
The Cat Returns is considered to be the spin-off of another blockbuster Ghibli movie named Whisper of the Heart. One of the cats from that movie was also featured in our best anime cats article. So, you should check out both of these anime about cats if you are a fan of the Studio Ghibli art style and a cat lover.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
- Title: Majo no Takkyuubin
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
- Duration: 1 hour 42 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.8/8.2
Some of the best Ghibli movies of all time have always featured a cat, and the best among them is Kiki’s Delivery Service without a doubt. This Ghibli movie follows the life of Kiki, a witch-in-making, and she also raises a black cat named Jiji, who helps her become a witch in return. Without spoiling anything, Jiji also meets the love of his life in the movie.
So, there are two lovely cats to watch in Kiki’s Delivery Service. Aside from the cats, Kiki’s Delivery Service is hailed as one of the greatest Ghibli movies ever made to this day. So, set out on a journey with Kiki and her cat Jiji in an amazing journey of self-discovery!
Dandadan
- Title: Dan Da Dan
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Action, Supernatural
- Episodes: 24
- IMDB/MAL: 8.6/8.5
If you are wondering why we have included the breakout modern shonen series, Dandadan, in our list, the answer is simple: it’s because of Turbo Granny. This may be a minor spoiler for the series, but we need to explain why. Turbo Granny is a yokai haunting people in a tunnel, but her spirit gets confined within a cat doll (Maneki-neko doll).
Thus, Turbo Granny acts akin to a chaotic and hilarious cat for the rest of the series, and that is why we have decided to give a place to the Dandadan series here. Moreover, this anime features excellent romance between the leads, incredible action sequences, and more, which you can consider a bonus after mainly following a sassy cat.
Fruits Basket
- Title: Fruits Basket
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Slice of Life, Family
- Episodes: 63
- IMDB/MAL: 8.6/8.2
Fruits Basket anime is just not for cat lovers. It features 12 different animals, thanks to the story being based on the Chinese zodiac. It’s an amazing tale about a young girl named Tohru Honda who discovers a secret about the Soma family. The rest of the plot focuses on the daily lives of Honda and the Soma family. One of the main characters (Kyo Sohma) covers the tale of the cat, which is heartbreaking and moving at the same time.
It’s not just an anime with cats; Fruits Basket is recognized as one of the greatest anime ever produced. Its final season topped the My Anime List charts upon its release recently. Hence, this anime shouldn’t be missed at any cost. Grab your handkerchief, it’s going to be the most beautiful emotional journey you are going to experience in your life.
Best Cat Anime to Look Out For in 2026
Apart from the best anime with cats we have listed above, a few more titles are releasing in 2026. Based on the 2026 anime calendar, here are some of the cat anime you can look out for this year:
- The Cat and the Dragon: In most of the cat anime, cats are the ones who get adopted. But here in this anime, a cat adopts an orphaned baby dragon and raises it in a fantasy land. If this plot caught your attention, you can stream The Cat and the Dragon in July 2026.
- The Classroom of a Black Cat and a Witch: Spica Virgo aims to become the best sorceress in the world. However, her idol and mentor goes MIA the moment she joins the Royal Diana Academy. But Spica encounters a black cat who soon becomes her magic teacher. The Classroom of a Black Cat and a Witch is scheduled to premiere in April 2026.
That’s a wrap on our list of the best cat anime of all time. Cats are not just making their way into people’s hearts as more and more new anime featuring new sassy cats are coming out. So, make sure to bookmark this article to keep finding new cat anime. In the meantime, let us know which is your favorite cat anime in the comments below.
Yes, there are lots of anime where the central plot revolves around cats. We have mentioned the 12 best anime with cats from Fruits Basket to She and Her Cat in our list.
Apart from the anime that have cats as the main theme, there are also many anime that feature cats as supporting or background characters in the movie or series.
The anime in which the girl can turn into a cat is Netflix’s A Whisker Away. The main female lead of this movie can turn herself into a white cat.
