The Origins of 35 Cat Pokemon & the Legends They Came From

Cats are easy to find in Pokemon and hard to count. Most of them never say cat in the Pokedex. They show up as lions, tigers, lynxes and even a Viking, and only the design notes give them away. Japanese folklore explains a lot of it, because a cat there that lives long enough can split its tail in two and gain supernatural powers.

See all 35 cat Pokemon in one list.

Here's every cat Pokemon:

All 35 Cat Pokemon

#052

Meowth

Meowth, the Scratch Cat Pokemon, is based on the maneki-neko, the lucky beckoning cat. According to one legend, a cat raised its paw to welcome a lord and saved his life when a lightning bolt hit the spot where he had been standing. Statues of the cat usually hold a koban, an ancient Japanese coin, like the one on Meowth's head. We keep a hoard of our own, and most of it is receipts. It loves to collect shiny things and might let its Trainer look at its hoard of treasures if it is in a good mood.

Its Technician ability (an ability is a passive effect that works on its own in battle) strengthens moves of 60 base power or less to 1.5× their power.

#053

Persian

Despite its name, Persian is based more on large cats such as leopards and cougars than on Persian cats, and its category in Japanese means "Siamese Cat". Team Rocket's leader Giovanni is often seen with his Persian beside him, so it may come from the white Persian cat of Number 1 in the James Bond franchise. Its National Dex number, 53, may point to 1953, the year the first James Bond novel was published. (We checked our own phone number for a hidden meaning and found none.)

Persian and the barbaric Perrserker share a relationship of mutual disdain.

#136

Flareon

Flareon mixes several mammals in its design: its long ears, orange coloration and fluffy tail may come from foxes such as the red fox, while its body shape and fluffy mane may be based on lions or cat breeds such as the Norwegian Forest cat and Maine Coon. We would try to pet it anyway, even at 3,000 degrees. Flames burn within a saclike organ, and when Flareon inhales, they reach 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

#151

Mew

Mew, the New Species Pokemon, is based on domestic cats, with a short muzzle and large hind feet. Its earliest design in Pokemon Red and Green resembled a vertebrate embryo, and the final one kept some of that in its short fine hair and small forearms. Designer Shigeki Morimoto said Mew's design was based on Mewtwo and made simpler to take up less space on the cartridge. A cat with hair that fine would save us a lot of vacuuming. Its short, fine, delicate hair can be seen when viewed through a microscope.

All six of its stats are 100.

#196

Espeon

Espeon, the Sun Pokemon, is based on the bakeneko and the nekomata, magical cat yokai described as mysterious and intelligent. It may also come from the mythological lynx, a feline creature that possesses the psychic power of clairvoyance. It can predict the weather and even people's thoughts. (We cannot predict our own thoughts, and our best guess is lunch.)

#197

Umbreon

Umbreon, the Moonlight Pokemon, is a personification of nighttime and nocturnal animals in general. Its black and golden coloring resembles Ancient Egyptian animal sculptures, such as cat statues of Bastet and jackal statues of Anubis, and its rings may be meant to resemble annular solar eclipses. It was originally Poison type, which may explain why the rings also recall the venomous blue-ringed octopus. We lose our glasses in daylight, so we respect any eyes that work at night. Its large eyes can pierce the darkness and perceive prey with absolute clarity.

#243

Raikou

Raikou, the Thunder Pokemon, is partially based on a tiger, and its long upper fangs resemble those of Smilodon, the extinct saber-toothed cat. In its legend, Raikou represents the lightning that struck the Brass Tower, while Entei represents the fire that burned it and Suicune the rain that put it out. An early design with a drum on its back hints at Raijin, a Japanese god of lightning and thunder who carries taiko drums to create the sound of thunder. The only thunder at our place comes from the tumble dryer. Its roars send shock waves shuddering through the air.

#244

Entei

Entei, the Volcano Pokemon, has characteristics of lions and other animals, such as dogs and cats. It also resembles an erupting volcano: its red faceplate and yellow crown resemble lava, and it trails a cloud of flowing smoke. It may draw on East Asian guardian lions such as the komainu and the shisa, and its masses of fur are similar to the Barong, a Balinese guardian lion spirit. Anything born in a volcano would take the warm spot on our sofa without asking. It is thought to have been born in the eruption of a volcano.

It weighs 198 kg in total.

#245

Suicune

Suicune, the Aurora Pokemon, is partially based on a leopard. Its slender build, horn-like crest and ability to walk on water suggest the qilin, and it may also reference Fujin, a Japanese god of wind, who is commonly shown wearing a leopard loincloth and carrying a bag of wind. In the Brass Tower legend, it represents the rain that put the fire out. Our filter jug does a slower version of the same job. It has the power to purify dirty water.

#300

Skitty

Skitty, the Kitten Pokemon, is based on a kitten with a tail that resembles a cat toy. Its crescent moon shaped face may allude to the nocturnal life of cats, and its short legs compare to munchkin cats. It chases playfully after its own tail and is very popular as a pet because of its adorable looks. We chase our own tail most mornings, and nobody calls that adorable.

#301

Delcatty

Delcatty, the Prim Pokemon, is based on a domestic cat, and it may also draw on lynxes, cats with a ruffed face and tufted ears. Its collar resembles a pin holder and an orthopedic neck pillow, which may refer to how it sleeps whenever and wherever it decides. We envy a Pokemon that can nap with no fixed address. Delcatty sleeps anywhere it wants without keeping a permanent nest, and if other Pokemon approach while it sleeps, it moves somewhere else instead of fighting.

Its Cute Charm ability has a 30% chance of infatuating an attacker that touches it, leaving that Pokemon too lovestruck to attack some turns.

#335

Zangoose

Zangoose, the Cat Ferret Pokemon, is based on the mongoose, a cat-like carnivore known for hunting venomous snakes, and it also resembles cats such as the Turkish Angora and the Persian. The mongoose explains its feud with Seviper, a snake. The rivalry dates back over generations, and Zangoose gets up on its hind legs and extends its claws when angered. In Okinawa and Amami, habu snakes and mongooses used to be pitted against each other in roadside shows, a practice now considered inhumane. (We have a feud with our printer that goes back generations too.)

Its Immunity ability prevents poison.

#359

Absol

Absol, the Disaster Pokemon, may be based on the Bai Ze of Chinese mythology, a white beast with one or two horns that could understand human speech and knew the forms and habits of 11,520 types of supernatural creatures. In Japan it is known as the hakutaku and is said to resemble a cat or lion, and a related creature, the kutabe, predicted that a plague would sweep through Toyama Prefecture. We also see trouble coming, and so far nobody has thanked us for it. People mistook Absol as a bringer of doom because of its ability to detect danger.

#403

Shinx

Shinx, the Flash Pokemon, resembles a lion cub and the sphinx, which has a lion's body and a humanoid head. It may also be based on a lynx, taking elements from the constellation Lynx, and the star on the end of its tail may be a reference to the constellation Leo Minor. It shakes its body to generate electricity and its stature belies its aggression. We know plenty of small, furious creatures ourselves.

Its Intimidate ability lowers the opponent's Attack one stage when it enters battle.

#404

Luxio

Luxio, the Spark Pokemon, resembles an adolescent male lion and the sphinx. Like Shinx, it takes from the lynx of mythology, which medieval bestiaries sometimes depicted as a lion-like creature, and the star on its tail may point to the constellations Leo and Leo Minor. It proudly uses its electrified claws as weapons, and it seems to share the spoils of the hunt evenly with others of its kind. We are not there yet when it comes to splitting food evenly.

#405

Luxray

Luxray, the Gleam Eyes Pokemon, resembles an adult male lion and the sphinx. It may also allude to the Orion correlation theory, which proposes that the Great Sphinx was modeled after Leo and built during the "Age of Leo". Luxray form packs, each with one male as leader, and legends say it can see through anything when its eyes shimmer with gold. (We can see through most excuses, which is a smaller gift.)

#431

Glameow

Glameow, the Catty Pokemon, is based on the Devon Rex and a ribbon gymnast. Its tail, which also resembles a spring toy, seems to reference the Edo period belief that cats with snake-like tails could bewitch people. It bewitches humans with its helical tail and piercing gaze, and its hidden claws are quite sharp. We would keep our distance from a gymnast's ribbon with knives behind it.

#432

Purugly

Purugly, the Tiger Cat Pokemon, may be based on an overweight tabby cat and on the nekomata, a type of cat yokai. It binds its stomach with its tail like a corset, and its head, shaped like the crescent moon, may allude to the crepuscular lifestyle of cats (active at dawn and dusk). It is impudent and difficult to tame, yet it enjoys great popularity for fur whose beauty surpasses even velveteen. (We think a corset and velvet fur look great.)

#434

Stunky

Stunky, the Skunk Pokemon, is based on a skunk, likely a hog-nosed skunk, but it also bears a resemblance to a cat of some sort. Its Japanese name and its cry make reference to flatulence, and its face resembles the form of buttocks. The poison from its aft end smells so evil that one whiff can induce memory loss, which would help us forget this one.

Its Aftermath ability damages the attacker for 1/4 of its max HP (its full health) when a contact move knocks Stunky out.

#470

Leafeon

Leafeon, the Verdant Pokemon, bears many similarities to cats and foxes, and its cry is similar to a cat's meow or a fox's chirp. Its coloration may be inspired by the markings of the Siamese cat or the red fox, and the brown marks on its paws give the appearance that they were buried. Cells similar to those of plants have been found in its fur, and its hard tail can fell a large tree with one stroke. (We would hire a cat that does its own tree surgery.)

#471

Glaceon

Glaceon, the Fresh Snow Pokemon, shares characteristics with foxes, dogs and cats. Its cold habitat points to the arctic fox, but if Leafeon draws on Siamese and other colorpoint cats, Glaceon may too, especially blue points. Its "hair" resembles an ushanka or a scarf hat. We also dance around in the cold, with a lot less glitter. It can lower its body temperature very quickly, freezing the air into diamond dust that glitters like gems while it flutters and dances around.

#509

Purrloin

Purrloin, the Devious Pokemon, is based on a tuxedo cat. Its fur pattern, behavior and feline influence also suggest a female thief, commonly known as a cat burglar. Opponents that get drawn in by its adorable behavior come away with stinging scratches from its claws and stinging pride from its laughter. The laughter would hurt us more than the claws.

Its Unburden ability doubles its Speed once it uses or loses its held item.

#510

Liepard

Liepard, the Cruel Pokemon, has traits of housecats and leopards, and it could also draw on spotted wildcats like the ocelot and serval. It may be based on a Savannah cat, a hybrid between a domestic cat and a serval, and it slightly resembles a black leopard, with spots that show when examined closely. Like Purrloin, it may also be a cat burglar. It sneaks up behind prey without making any sound at all, and it competes with Thievul for territory. (We cannot open a bag of crisps without the whole house knowing.)

#645

Landorus

Landorus, the Abundance Pokemon, has two forms. In Incarnate Forme it may draw on djinn or the Anemoi, such as the east wind Eurus, and in Therian Forme it mostly resembles a tiger or other large feline. Pokemon Legends: Arceus alludes to the White Tiger, which represents the west, and in Hisui, Landorus roams the western Obsidian Fieldlands. We also show up once the fighting stops, mostly for the snacks. It arrives to quell the conflict when the incarnations of wind and lightning clash, and the land is then blessed with bountiful harvests.

#677

Espurr

Espurr, the Restraint Pokemon, is based on a kitten, particularly the Scottish Fold breed due to its curled ears and lilac coloring. After our third coffee we have too much power and no steering as well. It has enough psychic power to send a wrestler flying, but it cannot control that power and finds it troublesome.

It stands 0.3 m tall.

#678

Meowstic

Meowstic, the Constraint Pokemon, may be based on the domesticated variety of nekomata, which were often depicted standing on two legs like a human and, in at least one account, wearing handkerchiefs on their heads, much like Meowstic's hair tufts. Its folded ears come from the Scottish Fold, once called the "lop-eared cat". Male Meowstic's white and blue stripes may reference the French Mariniere, since Kalos is inspired by France, while the female's dark tufts resemble a beret and scarf. The males unleash their full power when protecting themselves or their partners. (We approve of matching outfits and a protective streak.)

#725

Litten

Litten, the Fire Cat Pokemon, may be based on mackerel tabbies, also called "tiger cats", and on black cats. The markings on its forehead and its eyes appear to form one of the alchemical symbols for sulfur, a highly flammable element. Its flammable fur oil may be a reference to the bakeneko, believed to drink lamp oil, an idea from the Edo period, when many lamps were filled with cheap fish oil that drew real cats. Trying to pet Litten before it trusts you will get you a nasty scratch. The same rule applies to us before breakfast.

#726

Torracat

Torracat, the Fire Cat Pokemon, is based on mackerel tabbies combined with tiger features, or possibly those of a lynx, caracal or serval. Its fighting spirit gets pumped up when it faces a powerful enemy, and its fire bell blazes hotter. (Our fighting spirit only makes us sweat.)

Its Blaze ability makes its Fire moves deal 1.5× damage once it is down to 1/3 of its max HP or less.

#727

Incineroar

Incineroar, the Heel Pokemon, is based on a tiger and a professional wrestler. Its category and Dark type bring to mind a heel, a wrestler who embodies vice, and its hidden soft side may allude to kayfabe, the wrestling fiction that everything in and around a match is real. It also has traits of domestic cats, and its shiny form may be based on a white tiger. Its rough and aggressive behavior is its most notable trait, but the way it helps out small Pokemon shows a kind side, and we fall for that every time.

#807

Zeraora

Zeraora, the Thunderclap Pokemon, takes its feline appearance from cats and tigers. Its Electric type may allude to Kanehekili, the Hawaiian god of thunder, and its design may reference the raiju, a creature that embodies lightning in animal form and is sometimes shown as a cat. Its swift movement and the way it slices up opponents may come from the kamaitachi. The only thing we slice up is bread, and we leave crumbs wherever we walk. Electricity sparks from the pads on its limbs, and lightning flashes and thunder echoes wherever it runs.

#863

Perrserker

Perrserker, the Viking Pokemon, is based on a cat and the stereotypical image of Vikings, and its behavior may come from the berserker. It may also be based on Freyja's cats gifted by Thor, commonly named Bygul and Trjegul, which pulled her chariot. Its Steel type may refer to the Vikings' use of iron in their weapons and helmets, and its grin makes it resemble the Cheshire Cat. It evolved dangerous claws after many battles, and they come together to form daggers when extended. (Cats with daggers are a reason for us to sleep with the door shut.)

#906

Sprigatito

Sprigatito, the Grass Cat Pokemon, is based on a long-haired kitten or an Iberian lynx kitten. Its tufts and collar may come from the jessant-de-lys, a heraldic charge that shows a fleur-de-lys coming out of the head of a feline. Its sweet scent is possibly based on scent rubbing, the way cats mark their territory and companions by rubbing their body against them. The scent mesmerizes those around it and grows stronger in the sun. We were never going to be fair about a kitten that smells like a garden.

#907

Floragato

Floragato, the Grass Cat Pokemon, is based on a cat or an Iberian lynx, with face, hand and feet coloring like a Siamese or Himalayan cat. Its rogue-like look may come from the hero of a picaresque novel, a form of Spanish literature about rogues, and the boot scallop pattern on its legs may point to Puss in Boots, the fairy tale trickster cat who wore boots. The hardness of its fur depends on its mood, and the fur turns needle sharp when it is ready to battle. Our mood changes our hair too, though never into needles.

#908

Meowscarada

Meowscarada, the Magician Pokemon, is based on a lynx, quite possibly the Iberian lynx given Paldea's basis on the Iberian Peninsula, blended with an illusionist. Its high Speed and Dark type echo sleight of hand, and its category and its move Flower Trick nod to the magic trick of producing flowers. Its round bloom resembles a pomegranate, tied to Spanish regions like Granada, which links to its explosive side through the word grenade. It rigs foes with pollen-packed flower bombs and sets them off before they realize what is going on. (We would leave before the finale of a magician whose big trick is explosives.)

#1002

Chien Pao

Chien-Pao, the Ruinous Pokemon, may be based on the snow leopard and the prehistoric Smilodon, one of the most well-known saber-toothed cats. Its fangs are pieces of a sword, possibly the jian, a double-edged straight sword, which makes it a literal "saber-toothed cat". Its long crouching shape likely alludes to the tiger tally, the proof of imperial authorization for troop orders in ancient China. We hold grudges too, but ours have not grown fangs. It may also be based on Qiongqi, one of the Four Perils of Chinese mythology, a vicious tiger-like creature said to feed upon the flesh of righteous men. It is the hatred of those who perished by the sword long ago, clad in snow.

Its Sword of Ruin ability lowers the Defense of all Pokemon except itself.

All 28 Cat Pokemon That Can Breed Are in the Field Egg Group

An egg group decides which Pokemon can breed together. 28 of the 35 cat Pokemon are in the Field group, from Meowth and Persian to Meowscarada. Skitty and Delcatty also belong to the Fairy group, and Sprigatito's line to the Grass group. The other seven are legendary or mythical Pokemon, and none of them can breed.

Cat Pokemon FAQ

How many cat Pokemon are there?

There are 35 cat Pokemon. Nine of them have a cat word in their category, and the other 26 were designed from lynxes, leopards, tigers and house cats.

What is the strongest cat Pokemon?

Mew, Landorus and Zeraora tie at a base stat total of 600. Among the cat Pokemon that are not legendary or mythical, Incineroar and Meowscarada tie at 530.

Which Eeveelutions look like cats?

Flareon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon and Glaceon all have cat traits in their designs. Flareon's mane may come from the Maine Coon, and Leafeon's markings from the Siamese cat.

Is Persian a Persian cat?

No. Despite its name, Persian appears to be based more on leopards and cougars, and its Alolan form resembles a British Shorthair.

Is Mew a cat?

Yes, mostly. Mew's overall appearance is based on domestic cats, though its earliest design resembled a vertebrate embryo.