12 Best Anime for Cat Lovers

Cats are independent creatures that have managed to win over humans with their erratic actions. In reality and anime, cats are regarded as many of humans’ primary sources of emotional support. 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 12 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.

We have made this list with a mix of anime series, movies, 3D animation, and even shorts. So you can experience the best of everything in these best cat anime:

1. Fruits Basket (2019-2021)

• 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 to be 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.

2. The Cat Returns (2002)

• 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 accepted the offer and takes her to his land. But did she? How will Haru overcome the obstacles 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 Hearts. 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.

3. My Roommate is a Cat (2019)

• 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 introvert 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 to be relatable to all the 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.

4. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008-2017)

• 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 the 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.

5. Suzume (2022)

• 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. And the reason why we have recommended this movie is, it has a cat-like mythical creature that plays an important 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 this. Furthermore, it is still running in theatres in many parts of the world. I highly recommend watching Suzume on big screens if it’s possible.

6. Chi’s Sweet Home (2008) & Chi’s Sweet Adventures (2016)

• 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 with a kawaii cat is a must-watch for all ailurophiles.

7. My Ordinary Life (2011)

• 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 heartful performances.

8. Stand by Me Doraemon Trilogy (2014 – )

• 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 kid’s 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 with the retelling of 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 the fans of Doraemon. For those who are 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 in his lifetime. That said, you should check out this futuristic cat to have the most fun time.

9. She and Her Cat: Everything Flows (2016)

• 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 balance of wholesome dose from 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.

10. A Whisker Away (2020)

• Title: Nakitai watashi wa neko o kaburu
• Genre: Animation, Adventure, Slice of Life, Family
• Duration: 1 hour 44 minutes
• IMDB/MAL: 6.7/7.3

A Whisker Away is presented to us by the renowned global streaming service Netflix, and it’s a good anime with cats as the main theme. A high school student named Miyo Sasaki develops feelings for her classmate Kento Hinode. She comes up with a strategy to become a white cat and get along with him rather than attempting to impress him with herself.

But, will she ever get over this plan and tell him she loves him for real? As you can see, this anime has a distinct and special plot than any other anime we have on this list. This movie has spectacular visuals and interesting characters to get you hooked. Thus, do check out this 100-minute movie that will be definitely worth your time.

11. Windy Tales (2004 – 2005)

• 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 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 the skies and one day they find a cat capable of changing the direction of 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.

12. She and Her Cat: Their Standing Points (1999)

• Title: Kanojo to Kanojo no Neko
• Genre: Animation, Drama, Slice of Life, Family
• Duration: 5 minutes
• IMDB/MAL: 7.1/7.3

Did you know that Makoto Shinkai made a short film before his major film debut and it features a cat? Even I was unaware and only found it after sifting through his filmography. This short story is just under 5 minutes but the impact it creates is much bigger. I can’t believe my eyes after watching the visuals of this short, Makoto Shinkai was a master when it comes to visual grandeur right from the start.

Similar to She and her cat, this anime also tells the tale of the main character from the eyes of her cat. And what’s more special is that Makoto Shinkai himself lent his voice to the cat character. If you’re a Makoto Shinkai fan like me, you need to watch this short first!