Here at Pocket Tactics, we love cat Pokémon. When setting off a new Pokémon adventure, there’s just nothing better than a feline friend leading the way while helping you show your rival who’s boss. So, in this guide, we’ve picked out our favorite cats from across all the generations, from adorable kittens to trailblazing tigers. All you need to do is decide which to catch next.
For more Pokémon inspired by real-world animals, check out our dog Pokemon, bird Pokémon, fish Pokémon, bunny Pokémon, and snake Pokémon guides. Or, if you’re a trainer in need of a new experience, see our list of the best free Pokémon games.
Who are all the cat Pokémon?
Before picking out our favorite cat Pokémon, we thought it was worth reminding you of all of the felines from across the series. With more than 1,000 Pokémon overall, there are more cats than you might think, but if you can’t remember them all, check out the list below.
- Meowth / Persian
- Alolan Meowth / Alolan Persian
- Galarian Meowth / Perrserker
- Espeon – Psychic
- Skitty / Delcatty
- Shinx / Luxio / Luxray
- Litten / Torracat / Incineroar
- Glameow / Purugly
- Purrloin / Liepard
- Espurr / Meowstic
- Litleo / Pyroar
- Sprigatito / Floragato / Meowscarada
- Solgaleo
- Zeraora
The best cat Pokemon
Meowth
The main man, the little guy, the cheeky little chap. Meowth is easily the most famous cat Pokémon, making up one-third of the iconic Team Rocket trio, and teaching himself how to speak human in one of the most gut-wrenching episodes of the Pokémon anime. He’s got a great scrappy attitude and quickly became known for his ability to use payday, a move that rewards the trainer with money after a battle. Why can’t my pets do that?
Over the years, Meowth has also shown itself to be a very versatile Pokemon, showing up in different forms across various regions, including the Alolan Meowth, Galarian Meowth, and a special Dynamax form in Galar that pays tribute to the infamous ‘long cat’ internet meme. While, personally, we hate its Alolan evolution that makes Persian look like emo Garfield, it does have one special form a bit later that we love.
Perrserker
There’s just something so great about taking Meowth and giving it a Norse-inspired flavor, only to then have an evolution that takes this further as it pays tribute to the infamous berserker soldiers of the time. Perrserker has such a weird design, but just so loveable with its little Viking horns, and the new steel typing makes it an interesting version of what came before. Regional forms and evolutions are fairly hit-and-miss, but this one was a joy to discover in Galar.
Litten
While Incineroar might be something of a terrifying beast, it starts life as the lovely Litten. This little black cat is a simple design, as is often the case with starter Pokémon, but has just enough design flare to stand out from the crowd. While it’s always a difficult choice to decide between Rowley and Litten during a Pokémon Sun and Moon playthrough – sorry Popplio – I almost always choose this fire-type tabby.
Espurr
I think what makes me love Espurr so much is that with those wide, glistening eyes, it looks like it’s being haunted by the ghost of a Victorian child. Espurr is a psychic-type cat-like ‘mon that is as freaky as it is lovable, but don’t all the best cats have something a little kooky about them? It also evolves into the cool Pokémon Meowstic, known best for having distinct differences in design between the two genders. I just want to hug an Espurr and let it know everything is going to be alright.
Solgaleo
Not content with just having one great cat Pokemon, Sun and Moon delivered this chunky boy, as box legendary Solgaleo represented the Sun side of the two games. Based on a lion, this psychic and steel-type hybrid is a really interesting mix that actually provides nice type coverage, and its signature move Sunsteel Strike is one you don’t want to get in the way of. A split evolution from the adorable little Cosmog, considering that Pokémon can also somehow turn into the bat-like Lunala, it’s one of the most exciting evolution paths in all of Pokémon.
Espeon
Okay, so this might be a controversial one, but whether you like it or not, Espeon is a cat Pokémon. Look at those ears, look at that tail, and those sweet little paws, and tell me this psychic type isn’t a cat. If you need more evidence, it’s a little-known fact that Espeon’s design takes influence from the Nekomata, a specific feline belonging to Japanese folklore. It’s also just too elegant not to include on this list, especially if Solgaleo makes the cut.
Sprigatito
Sprigatito was a favorite of the Pocket Tactics crew from the moment we first saw it in the build-up to the release of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. It’s another cat Pokémon starter, yes, but it’s an incredibly cute one, and the first grass type to fall under the category of feline. Its final evolution, Meowscarada, might be a bit more divisive, but few can grumble at Sprigatito’s adorable design.
There you have it, the best cat Pokémon, at least, in our opinion anyway. If you’re still looking for more Pokémon content, keep your kittens alive with our normal Pokémon weakness, grass Pokémon weakness, psychic Pokémon weakness, and steel Pokémon weakness guides. Or, if these aren’t the monsters you’re looking for, see our list of the best Digimon games.