Our Roundup of the Best Cats in Cinema

Cats delight and dazzle us with their crazy antics and death-defying leaps. They can be mysterious and aloof housemates or goofy best friends for life. It’s no surprise that some of our favourite movies feature cats in starring roles. Some of them are furry pals while others are down right evil! Read on for our round-up of the best cats in cinema, and comment with your favourite below!

“Figaro” from Disney’s Pinnochio (1940) A mischievous and adorable tuxedo cat featured in Disney’s tale of a wooden boy who comes to life, Figaro serves as the loyal companion to Geppetto. Initially jealous of Pinocchio, they however soon become fast friends.

Pinocchio was Disney’s second ever feature film. Walt himself said he had a special affection for the character of Figaro, even including him in a range of short films made after the film’s release.

“Mr. Jinx” from “Meet The Parents” (2000) – Mr. Jinx, a skilled and intelligent Himalayan cat (he has an impressive ability to use a human toilet) is the movie’s main comic relief. 

Ben Stiller has big plans to marry his girlfriend (Teri Polo). But first he has to meet the family – including her controlling and overprotective father, played by Robert de Niro. He also happens to be a retired CIA operative. Ridiculous hi-jinks ensue as Stiller does his best to ingratiate himself with De Niro, who sees right through him.

Mr. Jinx, De Niro’s beloved cat plays a pivotal role, and his scenes  (or rather, theirs – there was actually several cats involved in the filming) will make you cry laughing. 

“Jonesy” from Alien (1979) – Unlike the other cats on this list, this orange feline was out of this world – Jonesy is the resident cat aboard the spaceship Nostromo in the sci-fi horror classic “Alien.” With  his calm demeanor in the film’s suspenseful sequences, cuddly Jonesy becomes a symbol of comfort and survival for the crew.

With the alien creature Xenomorph evidently having little interest in him, Jonesy makes it out alive with Sigourney Weaver, living happily ever after in an apartment back on earth. 

“Church” from Pet Sematary (1989) – A beautiful Russian Blue, Church is the pet cat of the Creed family in the 1989 “Pet Sematary”, based on the Stephen King book by the same name. No ordinary kitty, Church plays a significant role in the eerie and unsettling events that unfold in the story, adding to the overall sense of dread and horror.

Saying too much about Church’s role in the film will give away key plot points. But let’s just say this cat is one of the more sinister and evil kitties on this list. The new 2019 version has a different kind of  breed playing the role, looking more obviously sinister and deranged. But it doesn’t really capture the creepiness of the original cat, with its unsettling teddy-bear appearance.

“Lucifer” from Cinderella (1950) – The second animated Disney cat on our list, Lucifer is the scheming and pampered pet cat of Lady Tremaine in Disney’s “Cinderella.” With his haughty demeanor and disdain for Cinderella, Lucifer adds an element of villainy to the household, serving as a foil to the film’s heroine. Spoiled and chubby, Lucifer does his mistresses’ bidding by foiling Cinderella at every turn.

In the 2016 live action remake, he is played by a sour looking grey Persian who wears a permanent scowl. 

“Orangey” from Breakfast at Tiffanys (1961) and other films – While many of the real-life cats in this list, might just have one big role in their life time, there are some cats who’ve made it big in a few films. Orangey, full name Orangey Minerva was one such talented orange tabby cat, known for his roles in classic films  such as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “The Incredible Shrinking Man” as well as several other movies and tv shows. With his expressive face and natural charisma, Orangey captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impression onscreen.

While some actors and crew praised his professionalism and ability to stay on set for hours, other said he had a dark side and would frequently scratch and bite. Like most cats, he probably just did whatever he felt like at the time. 

“Sassy” from Homeward Bound (1993) – Sassy is the stunning Himalayan in the kid’s movie “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey”. Despite her beautiful looks, Initially a prissy house cat, she soon becomes brave and resourceful and holds her own alongside her canine companions as they embarked on a perilous journey through the wilderness in search of their home. Her dog companions rely on her excellent fishing skills.

Voiced by Sally Fields, Sassy was played by an amazing combination of ten different cats! According to crew members, they happily pulled off some of the movie’s crazy moments with the trainers, such as the scene in the film where Sassy appears to be catapulted into the air off a see-saw – in reality she was safely tossed into a blanket into the arms of her handler.

• Crookshanks from Harry Potter (2001) – While it seems orange cats are firm favourites in movie making, none have quite as unique a face as Crookshanks, the intelligent and enigmatic cat owned by Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” series. With his distinctive appearance and mysterious behavior, Crookshanks proves to be a valuable ally to Harry and his friends, often assisting them in their magical adventures.

In the books, Crookshanks is no ordinary cat – he is half-Kneazle, a magical and intelligent creature, which could explain why he came to the aid of the book’s main characters in certain pivotal moments. 

While dog’s might be called “Man’s Best Friend”, this movie proves that cats can be just as loyal and loving – when they want to be! What’s your favourite movie cat? Comment below!