MY love for books and tv stretches far back beyond that which I can remember. I remember my father saying that I would have square eyes from all the tv I used to watch (he was right since I am now practically lost without my spectacles, thanks dad). But I loved every single moment of getting lost in the stories that I would read and see.
‘Imagination is the only weapon in the war with reality.’ – The Cheshire Cat
Coupled with an immense love for animals, particularly cats, it is no wonder that I would be more drawn to cat characters who often were portrayed as very sassy and witty. From Salem out of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, who was often more witty than he was helpful. Felix, the black and white dancing cat, who reigns from the silent movie era, with his magic bag of tricks and swanky dance moves. Or Garfield, the lasagna loving feline who prided himself in doing the bare minimum while figuring out how to get rid of his puppy friend who just had too much energy.
List of Top 5 Animated Cats
Jiji (Kiki’s Delivery Service):
You didn’t think I would leave Studio Ghibli off the list? Ranking top spot is Jiji, the secondary character in the film Kiki’s Delivery Service. A talking black cat who mentors Kiki, a young witch on her journey to finding her purpose. This one is two-sided as the film portrays Jijis character from two different aspects. The original Japanese version portrays Jiji as more caring and nurturing, while the English version showcases a more witty, sarcastic and comical side to him. As Kiki is the only one who understands Jiji, he stays by her side offering guidance and the odd comment when she does things without thinking. An unpopular opinion? I prefer Jiji way more over Kiki.
‘Im going to put my paws together and pray that you’re not serious!”
Puss in Boots (Shrek, Puss in Boots):
A lovable witty character donning leather boots, a hat, his trusty sword, a cape, and well nothing else. Loosely based on the original tale, Puss in Boots, the character was introduced into the second Shrek film as a bounty hunter hired by the King to kill Shrek. Known for distracting his enemies by looking extra cute, he is basically a parody of Zorro, which makes perfect sense since he is voiced by Zorro himself, Antonio Banderas.
Even though his character is amazing in a secondary role in the Shrek franchise, Puss in Boots really shines as the title character in Puss in Boots, Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos and then Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. A bit of a narcissist who sees himself as a ladies’ man, Puss meets his match in Kitty Softpaws (another favourite character) who appears alongside him in the latter titles. Diablo Gato himself, his witty one liners and charm have me in stitches every time.
“Señorita, wait! Let me buy you some leche! I am a lover, not a – fighter. ”
Beerus (ビルス Birusu) (Dragonball Super):
The God of Destruction, Beerus is a hot-headed cat-like figure who has an immense love for food but a low level of patience. Appearing in many sections of the manga series, he is most fondly remembered when visiting King Kai to ask Goku about the existence of the Super Saiyan God, which then leads him to Earth where he encounters Vegeta, Trunks and Gohan. Things go awry when he is refused pudding by Majin Buu and it almost leads to the destruction of Earth. You do not want to get on his bad side, but as long as he has had food and a nap, he is one witty kitty!
“I feel like your stupidity is going to rub off on me.”
Meowth (Pokemon):
The third member of Team Rocket, Meowth is the brains behind all the schemes and plans the team make to capture Pikachu before being blasted off. The only Pokemon to talk to humans (apart from Mew Two), he loves good food and is constantly building contraptions to capture Pokemon for Team Rocket. Unlike other Meowth, he is special in that he taught himself to walk upright and talk so that another Meowth (Meowzie) would love him. Known for his almost gangster-like banter, his witty one-liners prove that he is indeed the smartest member of the team.
“Hello? Uh, I wonder if it’s possible to get traded to a less embarrassing team.”
Yumyan Hammerpaw (Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts):
A big tough kitty with a beard, a flannel shirt and a guitar, he was loosely based on Paul Bunyan, a heroic Canadian lumberjack. You don’t get any more badass than that, the leader of the Timbercats, he was lauded for his bravery in fighting off Mega Monkey, when in reality he was afraid and was stuck in the canopy hiding. Kipo then convinces him that the Timbercats need him more than their scratching tree which helps him rediscover his bravery. He is sadly hit by a cure dart in season 3 turning him back into a normal-sized kitten who hides in boxes all day.
Instead of my favourite quote, I needed to share the opening lyrics of his song instead:
He was born with an axe in his fur
The toughest cat that you ever saw
Well, he can chop down a tree with just one swing
We call him, Yumyan Hammerpaw!
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