Intro: A World of Anime Cats! 🐾

Anime and cats go together like ramen and noodles. Whether they're magical guardians, loyal companions, or mischievous troublemakers, feline characters have become some of the most beloved faces in anime and manga.

While many fans first meet these iconic cats through anime, most began their adventures in manga. If one of these lovable characters steals your heart, we've included information on where their stories begin so you can continue the adventure.

Looking for these manga?

Many of these famous cats first appeared in manga before becoming anime favorites.

If you're ready to dive into the original stories, we've linked each series below. If you can't find the volume you're looking for, visit our Request a Book page and we'll see if we can track it down for you.

These are affiliate links and I will earn a percentage if you choose to purchase. Please do not feel obligated to make a purchase via these links :)

Top 10 most Iconic Anime Cats

1. Luna & Artemis (Sailor Moon) 🌙✨

These celestial kitties aren’t just cute—they’re legendary! Luna and Artemis serve as guides to the Sailor Guardians, bringing wisdom (and sass) to the team.

🔹 Must-Have Merch: Sailor Moon - Luna Sitting Plush | Sailor Moon- Artemis Plush

Read the Manga

Series: Sailor Moon

Love Luna and Artemis? Their adventures begin in the original Sailor Moon manga, where you'll experience Naoko Takeuchi's beautiful artwork and the story that inspired the anime.

2. Jiji (Kiki’s Delivery Service) 🎁🐾

Studio Ghibli’s beloved black cat, Jiji, is both sarcastic and supportive, making him one of anime’s most relatable feline friends.

🔹 Must-Have Merch: Kikis Delivery Night Light | Kiki's Delivery T-Shirt

Read the Book

Series: Kiki's Delivery Service

If Kiki's heartwarming adventures captured your imagination, the original Kiki's Delivery Service books offer even more of her journey as a young witch finding her place in the world. Filled with warmth, friendship, and everyday magic, they're a wonderful read for fans of the beloved Studio Ghibli film.

3. Happy (Fairy Tail) 💙🐟

A talking, flying blue cat? Aye, sir! Happy brings humor, loyalty, and lots of fish-loving antics to Fairy Tail.

🔹 Must-Have Merch: Funko POP: Fairy Tail Happy | Flocked Funko POP: Happy holding a fish!

Read the Manga

Series: Fairy Tail

If Happy is your favorite anime cat, the Fairy Tail manga is the perfect place to continue the adventure. Follow Natsu, Lucy, Happy, and the rest of the Fairy Tail Guild through epic battles, unforgettable friendships, and Hiro Mashima's original artwork that inspired the anime.

4. Madara / Nyanko-sensei (Natsume’s Book of Friends) 🍶😼

This lazy, sake-loving cat spirit might look round and fluffy, but he’s also a powerful youkai protector.

🔹 Must-Have Merch: Takashi Natsume & Madara | Madara Nyanko Sensei Shirt

Read the Manga

Series: Natsume's Book of Friends

If Nyanko-sensei stole your heart, the Natsume's Book of Friends manga offers an even deeper look into Takashi Natsume's world of spirits, friendship, and quiet moments of kindness. Yuki Midorikawa's beautiful artwork and heartfelt storytelling make the original manga a must-read for fans of the anime.

5. The Baron (The Cat Returns) 🎩🐈

Dapper, mysterious, and full of charm—The Baron is a true gentleman-cat who stole the show in The Cat Returns.

🔹 Must-Have Merch: Baron Lapel Pin

Read the Story

Series: Baron: The Cat Returns

If Baron and Muta captured your heart, you can continue their adventures in Baron: The Cat Returns, the manga adaptation inspired by the beloved Studio Ghibli film. Fans of Whisper of the Heart will also recognize Baron, whose character first appeared in Aoi Hiiragi's original Japanese manga.

6. Kirara (Inuyasha) 🔥🐾

This fiery, two-tailed nekomata is both a loyal companion and a fierce fighter, making her one of the most badass anime cats!

🔹 Must-Have Merch: Inuyasha 13" Kirara Cat Plush | Funko Pop Inuyasha Inuyasha with Kirara

Read the Manga

Series: Inuyasha

Kirara may look like an adorable cat, but she's a powerful demon companion with a fierce heart. Discover her story alongside Inuyasha, Kagome, and Sango in the original Inuyasha manga, where Rumiko Takahashi's artwork brings every adventure to life.

7. Sakamoto (Nichijou) 🎀🧐

A sarcastic tuxedo cat with a red scarf who thinks he’s more mature than he really is—Sakamoto brings comedy gold to Nichijou.

🔹 Must-Have Merch: Nichujou: Hakase w/Sakamoto | Sakamoto Fish Trap Sticker

Read the Manga

Series: Nichijou

If Sakamoto's dry wit and unforgettable one-liners made you laugh, the Nichijou manga delivers even more of the wonderfully absurd humor that made the series a fan favorite. Keiichi Arawi's expressive artwork and delightfully unpredictable stories make every volume a joy to read.

8. Chomusuke (Konosuba) 🔥😼

This little black cat might look harmless, but being Megumin’s companion means she’s definitely got some magical energy around her!

🔹 Must-Have Merch: Megumin w/Chomusuke | Chomusuke Anime Car Sticker

Read the Manga

Series: Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!

If Chomusuke charmed you with her mysterious origins and adorable antics, the Konosuba manga lets you experience even more of Kazuma's hilariously dysfunctional party. Packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, lovable characters, and plenty of magical mischief, it's a must-read for fans of the anime.

9. Meowth (Pokémon) 🏆💰

A classic anime cat, Meowth is one of the most iconic characters in Pokémon history—whether he’s scheming with Team Rocket or cracking jokes.

🔹 Must-Have Merch: Loungefly Pokemon Meowth Cosplay | Meowth Pokémon Pin

Read the Manga

Series: Pokémon Adventures

While Team Rocket's talking Meowth is unique to the anime, the Pokémon Adventures manga captures the excitement, strategy, and adventure that have made Pokémon a worldwide phenomenon. Whether you're a longtime Trainer or discovering the series for the first time, it's an exciting way to experience the Pokémon universe.

10. Nekobasu (The Catbus) (My Neighbor Totoro) 🚌🐾

Half-cat, half-bus, all magic! This Ghibli legend remains one of the most unforgettable feline creatures in anime history.

🔹 Must-Have Merch: Catbus, Nosechara Stacking Figure | My Neighbor Cat Bus Plush

Read the Story

Series: My Neighbor Totoro

If Totoro's gentle spirit and magical forest adventures captured your heart, the My Neighbor Totoro film comic lets you relive every memorable moment from the beloved Studio Ghibli classic. Filled with beautiful artwork and timeless charm, it's a wonderful addition to any Ghibli fan's collection.

Conclusion: Which Anime Cat is Your Favorite? 🐾

Whether you love Luna, Happy, Morgana, or another legendary feline, their stories all started somewhere—and for many of them, that place is manga.

Looking for a specific volume?

We'll search our distributors and let you know if we can get it.

Nyaa~! 🐾