Here at Pocket Tactics, we love cat Pokémon. Well, we love cats in general, but there’s little better than taking off on a challenge to be the very best with a feline friend to accompany you. So, we’ve put this guide together suggesting some of the best of the best, from kittens to big cats, as well as a reminder of all the possible Pokémon species who are eligible for the list.
We love all Pokémon here and a whole heap of Pokémon games, so why not visit some of our amazing guides next? We’ve covered the best dog Pokémon, Pokémon Go Ultra Beasts, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet tera raid battles, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet co-op, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet new Pokémon.
Who are all the cat Pokémon?
Before we pick out our favorite cat Pokémon, it’s worth a reminder of all of those in the Pokédex that fall into the feline category. With more than 1,000 Pokémon overall, there’s more than a clowder of cats to choose from when looking at the history of the series. So, check out our list of all the cat Pokémon and their evolutions 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 on third of the icon 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
One of the best starters in years, and with an evolution so popular it ended up in Super Smash Bros, Litten is one sassy little fire-type, and we love him. The black design with the red stripes is a really nice way to separate it from others, and in Pokémon Sun and Moon, it is a really tough choice between Litten and best boy Rowley. Sorry Popplio, nobody likes you.
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
Look, this might be a controversial one to some, but Espeon is a cat whether you like it or not. We know this because this Pokémon’s design takes its inspiration from a specific feline from Japanese folklore, the Nekomata, which became so powerful is split it’s tail in two. You know, like Espeon’s tail. Add to that it’s one of our favorite Eeveelutions, and a pretty nifty special attacker and this gen-two icon is more than deserving of a spot on our list of the best cat Pokémon.
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.
That’s it for now folks, but if you are absolutely desperate to let us know why another cat Pokémon deserves a spot on this list, then be sure to let us know over at the Pocket Tactics Twitter account. But if you message anything supportive about Purrugly, you’ll be blocked.
Meanwhile, if you’re exploring Paldea in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, be sure to study up and get ready for battle with our Pokémon Scarlet and Violet gym leaders guide. Take a look at our Pokémon Go Eevee evolution, Pokémon Go raids, Pokémon Go community days, and Pokémon Go events guides for more Go-specific content.