The Top 10 Coolest Cats In Gaming

Sometimes it seems like cats are taking over the world. You can’t get more than three videos into a YouTube binge without coming across some sort of cat clip. If any of those cats have half the personalities that cats have had in video games, we understand why. Here are some of the coolest cats we’ve come across in video games.

Morgana — Persona 5
Morgana might argue with you if you call him a cat, but his coolness can be broken down into three parts: There’s the real-world version, who is able to communicate with other Metaverse users via some sort of meowing telepathy. Then, we have Codename: Mona, a spunky combatant who also acts as the gang’s guide through the Metaverse. Finally, there’s Mementos Mona, who can turn into a freaking cat van and shuttle everyone around the darkest corners of the Metaverse. Add it all up and you have yourself a formula for one of the best games of 2017 and a pretty cool cat (sorry, Morgana).

Red XIII — Final Fantasy VII
Some people argue that Red XIII is a dog, but we’re team cat. Early on in Final Fantasy VII, Cloud and his party meet Red XIII while infiltrating the Shinra headquarters to rescue Aerith. After the rescue is completed, Red surprises Cloud and the rest of the party with his ability to speak. As the game progresses, more of Red XIII’s intelligence and sense of honor are revealed, leading to one of the more satisfying character arcs in the game. Here's hoping his character remains true to the original when the Final Fantasy VII remake comes out.

Katt Monroe — Star Fox series
Katt Monroe isn’t an official part of the Star Fox team, but she’s always ready to lend her skills to the cause, which basically makes her the Han Solo of Star Fox. Before Falco left to join Fox and his crew, both he and Katt were part of the Free-As-A-Bird gang together. She shares Falco’s cocky demeanor, mostly seen through ribbing at Falco’s expense. Katt has been featured in Star Fox 64, Star Fox Command, Star Fox 64 3D, and Star Fox Zero.

Evil the Cat — Earthworm Jim series
All cats are a little evil, but Evil the Cat embraces it to the fullest with his name. He rules over Planet Heck with an iron fist and his kingdom is filled with all things evil, from Shadow Demons to elevator music. He has razor-sharp teeth and claws but isn’t above hurling an acidic hairball Earthworm Jim’s way. He can be defeated, but only after players work through all nine of his lives. Even so, Evil the Cat will take his defeats as minor setbacks, go off to lick his wounds, and rise again, more determined to steal Earthworm Jim’s power suit and take over the galaxy.  

King Tom — Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
You know what’s really cool? A redemption story. When first meeting King Tom in Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, he fits the bill for the stereotype of the fat, lazy cat. With his heart broken and his enthusiasm stolen, he’s apathetic to the mice infestation that has taken over his kingdom. Through Oliver’s intervention, King Tom eventually pulls himself up by his bootstraps and becomes the leader his kingdom needs.

Felicia — Darkstalkers series
There’s a lot more to Felicia than meets the eye, which is really saying something. After being taken in by a nun named Rose, Felicia grows up and dreams about bridging the gap between humanity and Darkstalkers through song. Along her travels, she meets up with other catwomen and never gives up on her dreams of becoming a pop star. She also kicks serious tail in the numerous fighting games that she’s been featured in, including the Marvel vs. Capcom franchise.

Meowth — Pokémon series
Meowth’s popularity rose due to the anime, but he first appeared exclusively in Pokémon Blue. One of the few Pokémon that speaks a human language, Meowth’s sense of humor and antagonistic attitude acts as a great foil to Ash’s Pikachu. In the games, Meowth is described as a bit of a hoarder that’s easily distracted by shiny things like coins. Don’t take it lightly, though. Meowth isn’t afraid to use its razor-sharp claws to attack or its signature move Payday, which is great to use if its trainer is strapped for cash. In Pokémon Sun and Moon, Meowth is one of the few Pokémon whose appearance changed in the land of Alola.

Mae Borowski — Night in the Woods
Anyone who has had an unresolved complex about their hometown can relate to a character like Mae. A college dropout who returns to her home of Possum Springs, Mae deals with the reasons that brought her back as well as the changing landscape of a place that used to be familiar. Her cynicism manifests in charming ways, such as the doodles that fill her journal or the inside jokes she shares with her BFF, Gregg. Mae’s internal struggles come to a head as a mystery unfolds, but it’s the relationships Mae cultivates with her friends and family that help her through and made Night in the Woods one of our most memorable gaming experiences of 2017.

M’aiq the Liar — Elder Scrolls series
The Khajiit are already one of the more exotic races in the Elder Scrolls games. They make excellent traders, thieves, and assassins, and remain cool even when they refer to themselves in the third person. But if we had to narrow it down to one Khajiit, it would have to be M’aiq the Liar, the Elder Scrolls’ least trustworthy historian. M’aiq appeared in Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim, and Elder Scrolls Online and served as an Easter egg that provided witty commentary on the franchise. We don’t know if M’aiq is immortal or if each game features a different descendant in the M’aiq bloodline, but every appearance of this sharp-tongued Khajiit is as memorable as the last.

Palicoes —  Monster Hunter World
Along with making a hunter in Monster Hunter World, players are also tasked with creating a feline companion called a Palico. These are no ordinary house cats. In addition to being adorned in the most adorable outfits, our cat sidekicks constantly save our butts. Whether they courageously distract a Diablos so we can sharpen our weapons or has the wherewithal to notice we need healing, these cats are always there when we need them most. And that’s pretty cool.

Now, if we could just figure out how to get these cats to come down from our favorite video game trees, we might be on to one of the biggest gaming crossovers ever. Do you also like crappy video game lists? If so, have we got a scoop for you.