MEOW, MEOW, MEOW… Sure, the Internet’s Full of Loveable and Adorable Cats – But are Cinema and Gaming Keeping Up?

"Cat" (CC BY 2.0) by kevin dooley

Cats are one of the best domestic animals and are one of the most popular pets around the world. They are docile creatures who are cute and furry, and are lovely to play with. Cats are not dirty animals and often are just happy to stay at home, and cosying up to them can be therapeutic as well. Of course, not all cats are docile and can be domesticated, but the usual perception of cats is that they are cute and good to have around.

There is little wonder that cats are often found in movies and have been used as a key element in films. The 1947 movie, The Private Life of a Cat, for example, focuses entirely on cats. The black-and-white short film is about New York cats becoming parents. Touched with humour, the film is nicely edited and shows how cats behave before, during and after they give birth. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of the greatest romantic movies of all time, but perhaps it would not be as great or beloved if there was not a feline presence. Remember that final scene in the 1960 film? It was made complete and so touching by a cat sandwiched between two lovers in the pouring rain.


"Puss in Boots" (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer

Then there was The Aristocats. The 1970 movie is arguably the greatest on-screen celebration of cats. Despite being an animation film, it has been a critical and commercial success and is watched even today. The musical centres on a well-bred Duchess and her three kittens being led back to Paris by cool cat Thomas O’Malley before being stranded in the countryside by their evil butler. It is a wonderful story to which even us humans can relate to. In the more modern era, Puss in Boots is a cat movie that has been enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Amassing over $550 million at the box office, the Chris Miller-directed film follows the adventure of the titular character as he is pitted against two murderous outlaws Jack and Jill.

The popularity of cats has also led them to becoming the theme of video games too. Cat Jeane from No More Heroes, Taokaka from the BlazBlue series and Gato from Chrono Trigger are just three of the most well-known cats from video games and are still popular today. If you play online games, then you could check out the new Copy Cats slot. Played with bitcoins, this slot machine has a great interface, plenty of spins and wins, and allows for wins up to 200 times your initial wager.

Cats are wonderful creatures who are very lovable and adorable, and who can make a lot of people happy. There is little wonder that they are used on big screens and on video games to make us happy and entertain us. One can expect more movies and games based on cats in the coming years, and we should be glad for them all.