12 Feline Favourites from Movies and Literature
Cats have been weaving their way through the pages of literature for centuries, while their onscreen careers have spanned roughly 100 years. Over this time, some extraordinarily memorable kitties have popped up and today we honour them!
The following is a tribute to some of the most iconic kitties who’ve claimed their place in literary and film history with grace, cunning, and cattitude.
1. (Lit/Film) The Cheshire Cat – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865), Alice in Wonderland (1951, 2010)
Arguably the most famous fictional feline of all, the Cheshire Cat is known for his mischievous grin and maddeningly cryptic advice. He appears and disappears at will, perfectly embodying the enigma that is the cat. Whether you find him charming or chilling, the big boy is a purrmanent fixture in our imaginations.
2. (Film) Jonesy – Alien (1979)
This brave orange tabby proved that not even a massive, screaming xenomorph alien could ruffle his fur. Jonesy was the beloved ship cat aboard the Nostromo and one of the few survivors of Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror classic. Equal parts mascot and morale booster, Jonesy was always calm and collected in situations that would give a human a heart attack!
3. (Lit/Film) Crookshanks – Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (1997-2007)
Hermione Granger’s half-Kneazle companion is more than just a fluffy orange furball. With a suspicious eye and an uncanny knack for sniffing out shady characters, Crookshanks proves to be both clever and loyal. He even helps expose Peter Pettigrew – a feat few humans managed!
4. (Lit/Film) Church (Winston Churchill) – Pet Sematary by Stephen King (1983), Pet Sematary (1989)
Church was a family cat brought back to life after being buried in a mysterious cemetery. Once affectionate, he returns from the dead a little bit... different.
5. (Film) Mr. Bigglesworth – Austin Powers series (1997–2002)
Dr. Evil’s beloved, bald, feline sidekick became an unexpected pop culture icon in the late 90s. Once a long-haired Persian, according to the movies, Mr. Bigglesworth became hairless due to a cryogenic mishap – an absurd detail that added to his charm.
6. (Lit) Tom Kitten – The Tale of Tom Kitten by Beatrix Potter (1907)
This charmingly disobedient kitten is best known for losing his clothes and getting into all sorts of trouble. Like all of Beatrix Potter’s creations, Tom Kitten is both adorable and endearing, with a dash of Victorian mischief.
7. (Lit/Film) Garfield – Garfield by Jim Davis (1976), Garfield (2004, 2024)
A rare, horizontal comic hit, Garfield captured the hearts of youth all over the world with his lasagna-loving, Monday-hating antics. Eventually getting a hit movie voiced by Bill Murray, Garfield’s sarcastic, laid-back attitude has entertained numerous generations.
8. (Lit/Film) Salem – Sabrina the Teenage Witch by George Gladir (1962), Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996)
Salem’s snarky charm couldn’t be left off the list. A former warlock trapped in a cat’s body, Salem is all sass, schemes, and witty one-liners. He made the 1990s Sabrina franchise that much more magical and kept the comic book lively and fun!
9. (Lit/Film) The Cat – Coraline by Neil Gaiman (2002), Coraline (2009)
In Neil Gaiman’s eerie tale, there is an unnamed black cat – Coraline’s enigmatic ally. He walks between worlds, speaks only in the “Other” realm, and serves as a wise, cryptic, guide. Cool, collected, and just a little spooky – like all the best cats.
10. (Film) Goose – Captain Marvel (2019)
Goose looks like an ordinary ginger tabby, but she’s actually a Flerken – an alien species with tentacles and pocket dimensions hidden inside her. She’s cute, cuddly, and capable of swallowing entire threats whole.
11. (Film) Duchess and Her Kittens – The Aristocats (1970)
Disney’s elegant feline family – Duchess, Marie, Toulouse, and Berlioz – won hearts in this jazzy, Parisian tale. With help from the smooth-talking alley cat Thomas O'Malley, they outwit villains, dance through rooftops, and prove that high society and street smarts can make a purrfect match.
12. (Lit/Film) Puss in Boots – Costantino Fortunato by Giovanni Francesco Straparola (1553), Shrek 2 (2004), Puss in Boots (2011)
One of the world’s oldest tails (pun intended). Puss in Boots originated in a story written in 1553 titled Constantino Fortunato. After centuries of retelling the story, Puss in Boots solidified his spot in the movie Shrek 2, as well as all the other sequels and spinoffs! With his suave accent (courtesy of Antonio Banderas), swashbuckling skills, and impossibly cute “big eyes” routine, Puss in Boots quickly became a fan favourite in the Shrek universe.