One of my absolute favorite things about Pokemon is how you can truly create the team of your dreams. There are over 1,000 Pokemon and counting, and each of them fills a niche that can make even the most picky trainer happy.
In my dreams, I’m handling a six-person team of all cat Pokemon who are not only adorable but pack a mean punch as well.
Fortunately, there are well over six cat and cat-like Pokemon out there to catch, battle, and trade with. From saber-toothed predators to legendary and partner Pokemon, the Pokemon series features an impressive line of feline-inspired creatures, and each of them deserves all the scoops of cat food and all the pets.
Well, unless that’s going to make them throw up on the carpet.
14
Glameow Evolution Line (Glameow & Purugly)
#431 and #432
Glameow and Purugly are ranked at the very bottom of this list, both because I don’t really like them, as well as for being pretty simple Normal-types.
These two are also not really used outside of the Sinnoh region, with the exception being in Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity, when Purugly was one of Munna’s lead commanders enlisted by Kyurem.
Interestingly enough, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which takes place in an ancient version of the Sinnoh region, did reintroduce Glameow and Purugly into the meta, but that was the very last time. Since then, the two haven’t appeared in any regional Pokedexes, meaning that the devs must agree with me.
13
Sprigatito Evolution Line (Sprigatito, Floragato, and Meowscarada)
#906, #907, and #908
Sprigatito is one of the partner Pokemon you can earn in the Paldea region, alongside Feucoco and Quaxly. Of course, that also means that they were the first to be revealed to the public when Pokemon Scarlet and Violet were announced.
As a result, I’m pretty tired of seeing this Pokemon, and especially so after memes parodying Despacito by Luis Fonsi bombarded every social media platform.
When it comes to Floragato, it is always pretty easily forgotten, as most second evolutions for partner Pokemon tend to be.
Meowscarada is definitely the coolest of the bunch, having also appeared in Pokemon UNITE as a playable unit and as an important character in Pokemon: Paldean Winds. But overall, even for a starter Pokemon, this feline friend is a little forgettable.
12
Skitty Evolution Line (Skitty & Delcatty)
#300 and #301
Skitty is also similar to Glameow in the fact that it’s become forgotten over the various main entries of the Pokemon franchise. The last time Skitty was even involved in a mainline game was in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
However, I’ll admit to always liking Delcatty’s design and would have loved to see a Mega evolution or Tera for it at some point.
Something about the adorable, cute, and friendly companion-type with soft colors and rounder shapes just has a much cuter appeal that would have likely translated nicely to a new evolution or narrative in the mainline games.
11
Purrloin Evolution Line (Purrloin & Liepard)
#509 and #510
The entire Purrloin evolutionary line is stylish, sleek, and oozes mischief. Purrloins are better known for being playful, sneaky, and a bit of a troublemaker, which are exactly the traits that cats in real life have.
So, they’re authentic if nothing else. Of course, Liepard is a completely different beast, encompassing a bit more of an elegant villain aesthetic.
Then as for in competitive battles, Purrloin may be as flimsy as they come, but due to Liepard’s ability to act fast with status effect moves, this Pokemon makes for an excellent support pokemon.
10
Galarian Meowth Evolution Line (Galarian Meowth & Perrserker)
#52 and #863
I absolutely love Galarian Meowth’s evolutionary line because it takes a super familiar Pokémon and transforms it into something wild, scruffy, and unexpectedly metal. Galarian Meowth was already a cool addition, but paired with a completely new evolution, Perrserker, it ups the ante significantly.
The tiny berserker warrior definitely encompasses the chaos of cats, but mixes it with a much more barbaric energy that makes them memorable.
For a really long time, I had a Dark/Metal deck that utilized Zacian, Zamazenta, Galarian Meowth, and Perrserker as the primary Pokemon. So, I can’t be the only one that has a soft spot for this darker, edgier take on a fan favorite.
9
Alolan Meowth Evolution Line (Alolan Meowth & Persian)
#52 and #53
Not many Pokemon get multiple regional variants, but Meowth is one that has earned this acolade.
If you thought that the regular versions of Meowth and Persian were filled with sass, attitude, and personality, then you ain’t seen nothing yet. In a lot of ways, these two both give off massive diva energy. Of course, what do you expect from a line of Pokemon cared for and pampered by Alola’s royal families?
The two are also dark types that help draw even more attention to their stylish and expressive designs. Personally, I love their super round faces and cheeks because they feel as though the Pokemon themselves are saying that they’re better than me. And, honestly, they probably are.
8
Meowth Evolution Line (Meowth & Persian)
#52 and #53
Meowth once again! I think there doesn’t need to be an explanation as to why the OG Meowth is in front of all the others. Not only is the evolutionary line a part of the original 151 Pokemon, but the television show also made Meowth an incredibly important character, being a member or Team Rocket alongside Jessie and James.
When it comes to Persian, I feel the same sense of nostalgia because I remember watching Pokemon: The First Movie, and genuinely being intimidated by Giovanni’s right-hand Pokemon, Persian.
While Meowth might be funny and sarcastic, Persian is far more elegant, smooth, and classy, making it among the most refined felines in all the games.
7
Chien-Pao
#1002
This Pokemon is a Dark/Ice Legendary who joins Wo-Chien, Ting-Lu, and Chi-Yu as one of the four treasures of ruin.
It’s hard not to see how lethal Chien-Pao’s design is, with shards of sword-like ice acting as its canine teeth and a massive sabertooth/snow leapord aesthetic. Overall, its design is stellar and an incredible addition to the many legendaries within the series.
It is also among the most competitive Pokemon you can use in Gen 9, seeing as its Sword of Ruin ability lowers the Defense of all other Pokemon by 25%, which is one hell of a head start if you have a hard-hitter in your ranks.
6
Espurr Evolution Line (Espurr & Meowstic)
#677 and #678
It was a little tricky to justify putting Espurr so high up on the list, but considering its tragic backstory and creepy stare, I think this evolutionary line demands a little respect.
One thing I love is the role that gender plays on both design and combat. Espurr evolves into Meowstic, whose male version is a bit slower, but utilizes more tactical psychic abilities.
Meanwhile, the female version is incredibly aggressive on the offense and can unleash ridiculous psychic power. This definitely makes their cuteness stand out a whole lot more.
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But, above all, we love Espurr for the wealth of shocked face memes out there. One that you perhaps found yourself emulating when you found out they weren’t claiming top spot.
5
Zeraora
#807
I’d like to think that most people would put Zeraora pretty high on this list. In a nutshell, it’s fast and incredibly powerful, which goes a long way on the battlefield.
It’s also the only Pokemon that can use Plasma Fists, changing all Normal-type moves into Electric-type ones. Which is perhaps a by-product of this Thunderclap Pokemon being born from a bolt of lightning striking an active volcano.
One of my favorite things about Zeraora, though, is its design. Aside from its obvious cat features, it straight-up looks like it was made with the all-action anime series in mind.
The same sentiment goes for the Mega Evolution, and the fact that its description in just about all the games states that it can run at lightning speed and electrify its claws to tear opponents limb from limb just cements that.
4
Litleo Evolution Line (Litleo & Pyroar)
#667 and #668
While not necessarily cats, Litleo and Pyroar resemble lions, and we are taking jungle cats and members of the pride into account here.
I personally rank this cub so high because I had them in Pokemon Y as part of my Nuzlocke team. So, needless to say, I grew quite attached. But, it’s not complete bias talking here, as Pyroar can hold their own.
Perhaps not in a competitive setting, but as a standard playthrough party member Pyroar has solid special attack and excellent speed, so you can strike hard, and strike first.
This lionheart stole my heart, and if you give this pair a chance, I reckon they’ll do the same to you.
3
Litten Evolution Line (Litten, Torracat, & Incineroar)
#725, #726, and #727
Litten’s evolutionary line is perhaps a little hard done by here, as the two top spots are basically untouchable, but they more than earn their ‘best of the rest’ status.
Litten was the first cat-like partner Pokemon, and a standout one at that. Of course, I’m also biased because Incineroar is among my favorite Fire-types of all time, which is primarily because it’s just a giant, muscular cat. In a way, the evolution reminds me of the lifecycle of the average kid, growing into a cool teenager and finally, a gym bro.
Incineroar is also insanely popular outside of the Pokemon franchise because of its involvement in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as one of the added Pokemon characters.
Basically, this trio are the real deal, and one of the best starter pokemon evolutionary chains of all time. It’s high praise, but it’s very much warranted.
2
Mewtwo
#150
Alrighty, so it comes down to Mew and Mewtwo. Mewtwo takes second spot purely because Pokemon: The First Movie made me cry, and it had no right to be the very first thing that introduced me to the concept of loss.
But, my tears aside, Mewtwo has a massive place in the Pokemon franchise, serving as one of the OG legendary Pokemon, and being at the centre of the first real mysteries tied to the series.
Some might take issue with the ‘cat’ label, but I firmly believe that Mewtwo is designed to be cat-like, seeing that it has cute ears and a huge belly that’s ripe for rubbing. Not that he’d be all that keen on that.
In short, Mewtwo is a top-tier legendary that has remained relevant for literal decades now. A Pokemon that is the epitome of power and control, and one I adore, minus that childhood crying episode.
1
Mew
#151
I have a simple reasoning for this top spot. Mew comes first because without Mew, there wouldn’t be a Mewtwo.
Mew is also far more cat-like than Mewtwo, and helps justify why I think Mewtwo is a cat. Mew is childish, playful, and has some pretty insane moves that most other Pokemon don’t know. Mew can learn Transform, just like Ditto, and, according to the anime, can become invisible at will to avoid detection.
Plus, Mew was the cataylst for all exclusive event Pokemon that came after, which only added to their rarity and appeal, serving as a playground legend alongside the elusive MissingNo.
That, along with that fact that Mew is a powerful pocket rocket of a Pokemon means that they more than justify their top spot.
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