Here at Pocket Tactics, we love cat Pokémon. When setting off on 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. In this guide, we’ve picked out our favorite cats from across all 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 guides on dog Pokémon, bird Pokémon, fish Pokémon, bunny Pokémon, and snake Pokémon. 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 diving into our favorites, it's essential to remind ourselves of all the felines that have graced the Pokémon universe. With over 1,000 Pokémon in existence, there are more cats than you might think! If you can’t remember them all, check out the list below:
- Meowth / Persian
- Alolan Meowth / Alolan Persian
- Galarian Meowth / Perrserker
- Espeon
- Skitty / Delcatty
- Shinx / Luxio / Luxray
- Litten / Torracat / Incineroar
- Glameow / Purugly
- Purrloin / Liepard
- Espurr / Meowstic
- Litleo / Pyroar
- Sprigatito / Floragato / Meowscarada
- Solgaleo
- Zeraora
The Best Cat Pokémon
Now that we've listed the cat Pokémon, let's explore some of the best ones in detail!
Meowth
You can’t have a list of the best cat Pokémon without mentioning Meowth. Thanks to consistent appearances in the anime as part of Team Rocket, this iconic feline is one of the most recognizable Pokémon across all generations. Meowth isn’t just famous for its TV work; it’s also a popular choice in-game when replaying the first-generation games, as its move Pay Day can boost your in-game coffers.
Over the years, Meowth has shown itself to be a very versatile Pokémon. It appears 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 some may not favor its Alolan evolution that makes Persian look like emo Garfield, it does have special forms that many love.
Perrserker
Perrserker is a delightful evolution of Meowth, giving it a Norse-inspired flair. With its little Viking horns and new steel typing, it presents a fun take on what came before. Regional forms and evolutions can be hit-or-miss, but this one was a joy to discover in Galar!
Litten
While Incineroar might be a fearsome beast, it starts life as the adorable Litten. This little black cat has a simple design but features enough flair to stand out. Choosing between Rowlet and Litten during a Pokémon Sun and Moon playthrough can be tough, but I often choose this fiery tabby!
Espurr
Espurr is a unique psychic-type cat Pokémon that truly captivates with its wide, glistening eyes. It might seem haunted, but it’s incredibly lovable! Espurr evolves into Meowstic, known for its distinct designs between genders, making it all the more special.
Solgaleo
Solgaleo represents the Sun side of Pokémon Sun and Moon, and is based on a lion, making it a big cat Pokémon. This psychic and steel-type hybrid offers interesting type coverage, and its signature move, Sunsteel Strike, is one you definitely want to watch out for!
