Cat owners may not know it, but there are different types of anime to enjoy, and the best cat anime is an essential watch for any cat fanatic. For both cats and anime fans, there is a wide range of shows across a variety of genres featuring favorite feline characters. With these shows, viewers experience the full spectrum of human emotions as well as heart-warming narratives that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Whether anthropomorphic or regular cat or somewhere in between, cats are always present in anime. For cat lovers, these best animes contain many cute moments and their favorite cats that every cat owner needs to watch.

10 Kiki delivery service

Based on the novel created by Iko Kadano

Kiki’s Delivery Service is a beloved Studio Ghibli film that follows young witch Kiki, her cat friend Gigi, and their adventures after moving to a beautiful beach town. This emotional coming-of-age tale focuses largely on Kiki’s journey of self-discovery and explores themes of how to adapt to the world of work. Kiki’s Delivery Service may be mostly about burnout, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t more than a few cute GG scenes to lift viewers’ spirits.

As Kiki learns more about her place in this new city, she is accompanied by Gigi and her brand of sassy support. Despite his occasional complaints, he is always by her side and is there to help when she needs it, making him a strong friend. Kiki’s delivery service is popular for good reason, and anyone who grew up with cats in particular can relate to Kiki and GG.

9 The skilled cat is depressed again today

Based on the manga created by Hitsuji Yamada

A Prolific Cat Is Troubled Again Today focuses on the everyday life of Warka Saku and the stray cat she keeps, named Yukichi. Like all cats, Yukichi begins to grow. However, to Saku’s surprise, he continues to grow until he is as big as a bear. Now, he takes care of the household chores and takes great pride in his cooking. As viewers watch the lives of Saku and Yukichi, they will see many fun and interesting moments between them as the series continues. When you own a cat, it’s easy to feel like the cat’s servant, but Saku and Yukichi flip that stereotype on its head. Every cat owner would be lucky to have a companion cat like Yukichi.

8 The cat returns

An original film directed by Hiroyuki Morita

Cat Returns is a charming Studio Ghibli film starring a young woman named Haru who goes on a series of fantastic adventures after saving a cat’s life. After learning that the cat she rescued is the prince of the Cat Kingdom, Haru reluctantly tells the prince that she enlists the help of The Baron, Toto, and Muta, a cat.

When Haru is taken into the cat realm against her will, she realizes that the more time she spends, the more she turns into a cat. There, Haru learns more about one of her most powerful weapons: the strength of her own belief. The Cat Returns is a fun film that should be the perfect treat for any young cat owner looking for adventure.

7 The book of Natsume’s friends

Based on the manga created by Yuki Midorikawa

Natsume’s Book of Friends is one of the most entertaining anime ever. The series focuses on the main character, Takashi Natsume, after he inherits a mysterious book of friends. There are hundreds of ghost names collected by his grandfather in the book of friends. Once Takashi discovers that this item is highly coveted and can be used for ill purposes, he is determined to release all names.

In the first episode of the series, Takashi meets Madara (also known as Nyanko-sensei), a powerful yokai who frequently assumes the form of a cat. Despite making a pact with Takashi, Madara loves Takashi so much that he gives him the Book of Friends when Takashi dies. Although it is true that Madara jokingly claims that he is not a cat, he still takes the form known as a “cat cat” and often exhibits a cute cat-like demeanor.

6 Fruit basket

Based on the manga created by Natsuki Takaya

Although there are many different animals represented in the fruit basket, cats are definitely the biggest. The series follows Tohru, a young woman who comes to live with the Sohma family, and a whole bunch of cursed people become zodiac animals when their emotions are high. The fruit basket is mostly based on the myth surrounding the creation of the zodiac and why there is no cat. Tohru has always felt bad for the cat throughout the story and has a strong crush on him. Additionally, only certain members of the Sohma family are representative of the zodiac animals, including the left-handed cat.

The emotional story focuses on Tohru’s life, as Tohru learns more about the tragedy behind Sohma’s family and her friendships with said family members, including her cat host Kyo.

5 My classmate is a cat.

Based on the manga created by Minatsuki and Asu Futatsuya

As the title suggests, My Roommate’s Cat follows the story of shy novelist Subaru Mikazuki and his stray cat, Haru. As both Haru and Subaru try to gain a better understanding of each other and live their lives together, audiences experience both perspectives in this sweet slice of life. The gripping story focuses on their developing bond and how Haru inspires Subaru’s creative writing efforts as well as expanding his experience with the world. Any creator inspired by their furry friend can more than relate to Subaru and Haru’s relationship.

4 Chi’s sweet home

Based on the manga created by Konami Kanata

Chi’s Sweet Home follows the tales of Chi, a mischievous young cat who suddenly wanders far away from her mother and siblings and is taken in by the Yamada family. As she spends more time with her new family, viewers will see her learn and discover more about the world. Since each episode is only a few minutes long and is similar to a chapter of the manga, this particular series seems pretty easy to binge. But there are over two hundred episodes of this playful kitty’s adventures for viewers to enjoy.

3 She and the Cat – Everything Flows –

Based on the film directed by Makoto Shinkai

She and the Cat – Everything Flows – is a short series based on Makoto Shinkai’s first short films. This provocative four-episode series follows the daily lives of college student Miu and her black cat Daru. Much of the show’s lyrical narration is told through Daru’s eyes, which shows his love, admiration and respect for every aspect of her life. Possible viewers will conclude that the series ends with Daru’s passing and indirect reincarnation as another cat, which he later meets with Miu. Overall, the show is a beautiful look at the heartfelt bond between humans and their beloved cats.

2 The legend of Hay

An original film created by Joy Pictures

The Legend of Hei is a beautiful 2D-animated prequel to Luo Xiaohei’s Legend of Hei series. Featuring stunning visuals and inspiring stories, The Legend of Hei tells viewers the tale of the forest spirit Xiao-Hei, who is forced to wander as his home forest is destroyed. After he is rescued by a ghost, Xiao-Hei finds himself at the center of a conflict that revolves around the unequal coexistence between humans and ghosts in the present world of the film. As a ghost, Xiao-Hei takes the form of a small black cat, but spends the latter half of the film in human form, a small boy with black cat ears and a tail. Many of the other ghosts take on animal-like forms, and the film features charming character designs.

1 Nights with the cat

Based on the manga created by Kyuri Z

Nights with a Cat is a charming anime that explores the relationship between the main character, Fuuta, and his younger sister, a stray cat. This cat, named Kyoruga, is multi-faceted and multi-faceted like all cats, and his quirky yet endearing personality is evident throughout the series. Viewers will appreciate this slice-of-life comedy for its unique art style and fun exchanges between Fuuta and Kyoruga. The second season of this anime was recently released in March 2023 and the fans are eagerly waiting for the news of the third season. Fuuta and Kyoruga are such a lovable pair of characters that Nights With Cats is the ultimate anime every cat owner should watch.

Cat lovers and anime fans alike have plenty of stories to tell about one of the world’s most beloved animals. The best cat anime’s unique art styles, heartwarming narratives, and memorable moments are sure to make it to the top of every cat owner’s best anime list. After all, the best cat anime contain lead characters with their own distinct and endearing personalities.