Highlights

• Iconic catgirls in anime, from magical to supernatural, have become a staple in the medium over the years.
• Featuring popular characters like Himari, catgirls bring a mix of mystical abilities and charm.
• From benevolent protectors to mischievous tricksters, catgirls in anime offer a range of personalities and powers.

Women and cats: together at last. For one reason or another, the combination of feminine and feline has been a potent one for a very long time. For example, DC Comics both have feline supervillains in Catman and Catwoman. One of these has become one of the most iconic characters in comic book history. The other is Catman.

Anime loves catgirls too. Whether it’s a shōnen series, a sci-fi comedy, a magical girl show, or more, chances are there will be one woman with a kitty theme going on. But which ones stand out the most over the rest? Here are some of the most popular examples from anime past and present.

Updated March 16, 2024 by David Heath: Animal people have popped up in folklore around the world pretty much since the beginning of history. Though there aren't many werewolves, centaurs, and satyrs who got cutesy makeovers like catgirls. They've popped up in Japanese stories since the Edo Period, with the first animated one turning up in 1949's The King's Tail.

Since then, they've only multiplied, coming in all sorts of forms. Some are demure and sexualized, others are beastly monsters in an unassuming disguise. But they've each made their impact on the medium, and this list has been updated with a few more popular examples of catgirls in anime.

1 Rem Galleu

For A Catgirl In A Harem Story, She Has A Heavy Burden On Her Shoulders

• Debut: Episode 1

Rem Galleu is one of the two Summoners who discovers the hard way not to summon a demon lord in How Not to Summon a Demon Lord. She's a Pantherian (catperson) who inherited a heavy burden from her late mother: the soul of the demon king Krebskrem. If she dies, it'll be unleashed and bring hell on Earth. Celestine of the Mage's Society wanted her to join her group for her safety. However, Rem wanted to find another way to defeat Krebskrem's soul and became an accomplished Summoner in her own right.

Figuring the best way to defeat a Demon Lord was to summon another Demon Lord, she worked with an elf called Shera in bringing one forth with the intent of enslaving them. Unfortunately, they summon Takuma, a gamer from the real world in the form of his character "Diablo," who inexplicably has a ring that reversed their enslavement spell onto them. Luckily, he decides to help them with their issues, including dispelling their enslavement and sorting out Krebskrem's soul.

2 Himari Noihara (Omamori Himari)

Between Catgirl Aliens And Catgirl Superheroes, Himari Stands Out By Being A Catgirl Samurai

• Debut: Episode 1

Usually, catgirls in anime have some mystical or superpowered abilities to help them in a pinch, or a fine set of claws. Himari Noihara is no different, as she's a cat spirit with claws, heightened senses, superhuman strength and speed, and two anime-exclusive super forms that are as "fanservicey" as they are powerful. But usually, she'll fend off her folklorish foes with her Yasutsuna, a katana named after Japan's most famous swordsmith.

Duty-bound to protect Yuto, a seemingly ordinary teenager who happens to be descended from a line of demon slayers, she'll stop at nothing to defend him from demons seeking revenge on his bloodline. Or the ones vying to take his attention off of her, like the water deity Shizuku, and the artifact spirit Lizlet. She is sweet on the guy, but she's also at a disadvantage as Yuto is allergic to cats. Himari can hide her more feline features, but she's still a catgirl.

3 Anya Fromel

While She's A Minor Character In The Show Overall, She's Become A Popular Example Of A "Cat-Waifu"

• Debut: Episode 1

Is It Wrong to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon, or DanMachi for short, is essentially all about amateur adventurer Bell Cranel trying to live up to the standards set by the adventurer Ais Wallenstein. However, he's largely unaware that his determination and special "Liaris Freeze" ability manages to charm all sorts of people, including Ais and a host of women and females from other species.

But Anya Fromel would rather help make a match between him and Ryuu, her elvish coworker at the Hostess of Fertility pub (a rather on-the-nose name). Anya used to be an adventurer herself, serving the Freya Familia and reaching Level 4 under the name "Vana Alfi." But now, she's happy serving customers at the pub, even if she messes up their orders sometimes.

4 Alicia Rue

She's A Digital Take On The Trope Inspired By Cat Creatures From Legend

• Debut: Episode 19 (cameo), Episode 20 (full role)

Neferpitou's inclusion may be borderline, but at least they're a physical character in their show. Sword Art Online's Alicia Rue is more of an online avatar for a player in the VRMMORPG ALfheim Online (ALO). Still, that avatar is of a feline-like woman, and she's still as real as every other catgirl on this list (i.e. purely fictional). SAO just adds an extra layer of meta that's almost post-modern.

Beyond that, Alicia is the Lord of ALO's Caith Sith race, named after the cat spirits from Scottish folklore. After Kirito saves her and the other Cait Sith leaders from a Salamander ambush, she tries using her charm to recruit him to her side as a mercenary. Though she had no luck, she'd become a recurring ally of his for the rest of the series. She's got cat ears and a tail, though compared to some of the other entries here, her cat motif is pretty light.

5 Eris (Cat Planet Cuties)

With Her Design And Cat-Like Behavior, She's The Textbook Definition Of An Anime Catgirl

• Debut: Episode 1

Cat Planet Cuties isn’t exactly a classic or a hidden gem unless viewers really like fanservice. But this list would be incomplete without mentioning it. Catgirls are referenced in the name, and catgirls are the series' game. Hence, the show's co-lead, Eris. She’s from a whole planet of cat people, or Catians, and she's come to Earth to learn more about its people. Which she does by turning up half-naked in bed next to Kio, the other co-lead.

Barging her way into someone's room unannounced and just making herself at home is typical cat behavior. However, she is considerate enough to explain her deal and not demand breakfast afterward. Kio doesn’t know what to make of her, but he does his best to look out for her safety from the Secret Service, Dogisians (dog people), and more. She’s a friendly, polyamorous catgirl, so it helps to stay on her good side.

6 Ichigo Momomiya (Tokyo Mew Mew)

She's The Definitive Magical Catgirl, Leading Her Team Against Invading Aliens

• Debut: Episode 1

Again, Tokyo Mew Mew is such an obvious inclusion for a list like this that it can't be ignored. It was a magical girl show where its five heroes took on ‘Mew-Mew’ forms to save the world from aliens. Early 2000s kids may remember it popping up on 4Kids with Sonic X and Yu-Gi-Oh! While they all had 'Mew-Mew' forms, only one of them was based on a cat: their leader, Ichigo Momomiya.

Like the other Mew-Mews, she was bathed in a strange light that merged her DNA with that of an endangered animal. In her case, it was the Iriomote Cat, which gave her a bundle of new, kitty-based features. She makes cat puns, gets cat ears and a tail when she’s excited, and turns into a cat when she gets kissed or kisses someone. Compared to her, Spider-Man got off lucky.

7 Yoruichi

While She Spends More Time As Either A Cat Or A Girl, The Two Overlap In Her Personality And Power-Ups

• Debut: Episode 15 (cat form), Episode 41 (human form)

The former commander of the Onmitsukidō, Yoruichi Shihōin, actually made her debut as a full-on cat. Not that it was apparent she was female, as her cat form spoke with an intimidating man's voice. So, it was a surprise when she revealed herself to be a young woman. Especially to Ichigo, as Yoruichi often forgets she ends up naked after switching back to human form, accidentally giving him an eyeful in the process.

While essentially a fanservice scene, it also showed how comfortable Yoruichi is with her cat form. She had gotten so used to having fur as a cat that she didn't need to worry about clothes. Still, she largely spends her time in the series as either a cat or a girl, rather than a mix of both. Not until she breaks out her Felicia-esque Thunder Beast form anyway. On top of being literally electric, she gains cat-like features and a testy personality only her friend Kisuke can handle.

8 Neko-Musume (GeGeGe No Kitarō)

Likely The First And Original Catgirl In Anime, But With A Horror Edge

• Debut: Series 1, Episode 20 (1968)

The popularity of catgirls in anime may be linked to Japanese folklore. It’s full of animal spirits who take on other forms to mess with people, from kitsune (foxes) to tanuki (raccoon dogs). The same goes for cats, as there are tales of them becoming bakeneko (monster cats) if they’re raised by people for too long. According to lore, bakeneko could speak, manipulate the living and dead, and shape-shift into humans.

GeGeGe no Kitarō is full of cartoon takes on folklore figures and urban legends, including the bakeneko, which likely inspired the half-demon, half-human Neko-Musume. She spends most of her time as an ordinary-looking girl. But when she gets angry, her sharp claws and teeth come out. She has a crush on Kitarō, but he doesn’t feel the same way towards her. He’s got to find a way to let her down gently, or she’ll use him as a new scratching post.

9 Shizuka Nekonome

She's An Elder Take On The Nekomusume, Contrasting Neatly With GeGeGe no Kitarō's Original Character

• Debut: Episode 1

The term 'Nekomusume' is also used in Rosario + Vampire to describe its own catgirl, Shizuka Nekonome. The series was a harem anime based on a humble human boy, Tsukune, who accidentally ended up at a high school for monsters. So, it wouldn't be surprising if it was inspired by GeGeGe no Kitarō, or at least the same folklore sources, as Shizuka's cat features also get more intimidating when people get on the wrong side of her.

She's one of the few teachers who's open to humans and monsters getting along and thus looks out for Tsukune. While she tries to keep her feline features discreet, she's often oblivious to when they stick out, be it in her love for eating raw fish, or when her tail pops out. Tsukune and others learn that it's best to be discreet about them in return, as pointing it out to her often makes her angry. Then she'll show everyone how monstrous she can be.

10 Blair

She May Be One Of The Few Examples Of A "Girlcat," A Cat That Turns Into A Girl

• Debut: Episode 1

Soul Eater has a snake woman, a scorpion woman, and a spider woman (but not Spider-Woman). So, there's no reason it couldn't have a cat woman (but not Catwoman). Except the Gorgon Sisters were witches with snake/spider/scorpion-like powers. Despite her pointed hat and knowledge of magic, including pumpkin-based spells, Blair isn't a witch. Her cat transformation isn't what it looks like either.

It looks like she's a woman who turns into a black cat, but it's actually the other way around. Like the bakeneko, she's a black cat that can turn into a woman. That didn't stop Soul and Maka from accidentally mistaking her for a witch and taking her soul anyway. Luckily for them, she survives because she still has 8 more lives. Unluckily for them, she moves into their place without their permission as compensation. Proof enough she was inherently feline to begin with.

11 Koneko 'Shirone' Tōjō

Based On The Nekomata, She's A Powerhouse Hidden In A Petite Form

• Debut: Episode 1

With the neko-musume and the bakeneko, Asian mythology provides yet another cat creature in the nekomata. Described as far back as China's Sui dynasty, they're different from the bakeneko in that they take an extra step in their development. Instead of being cats that develop powers, they're cats that become cat monsters that develop powers. They can be more vengeful and malevolent, and steal away the dead. High School DxD used them as the basis for Koneko Tōjō.

Originally named 'Shirone', she was given her new name by series' co-lead Rias after her elder brother Sirzechs saved her from execution. Her elder sister, Kuroka, killed her previous guardian in an outburst, so the other demons thought she should be killed off before she could end up the same way. Sirzechs disagreed, and she became one of Rias' servants. The experience traumatized her, causing her to withdraw into herself, but with help, she gradually accepted who she was and what she was capable of.

12 Millianna

Born With Cat-Like Looks, She Devoted Herself To Looking And Acting More Feline

• Debut: Episode 33

It’s a good thing Millianna grew up to be a cat-lover, otherwise her cat-like features would get her into trouble. She has a cat’s eyes, nose, and mouth, which she compliments by getting whisker-style tattoos and fashioning her hair into cat ears. Plus, she wears a little collar with a bell on it and decks her room with a plethora of cat decorations. So, she's a case of someone who lucked into their gimmick and decided to live it.

She’s a mage for the all-women’s guild Mermaid’s Heel, where she largely uses rope and tube-based binding spells. This isn’t particularly feline, as cats are more likely to entangle themselves instead when they play with ropes, tubes, and strings. But she also scratches her foes with her sharp nails and pummels them with her Cat Punch technique. So, she still has some kitty-based tricks up her sleeve.

13 Aisha Clan-clan

She's A Classic Catgirl From An Underrated Toonami Series

• Debut: Episode 3

Outlaw Star usually gets brought up alongside Cowboy Bebop, as they're both space westerns produced by the same studio that were both broadcast on Toonami. Usually, it's brought up as the lesser show, but it depends on what the viewers are after. If they wanted something dark and introspective, they'd go for Bebop. If they wanted an adventurous sci-romp, they'd go for Star. It also had its own catgirl in Aisha Clan-clan, or rather a Ctarl-Ctarl.

They're a race of cat-like aliens known for their strength as warriors across the galaxy. They can even change into giant tigers based on the phase of a planet's moon. Not that they often need to, as, if they're like Aisha, they can survive gunshots and explosions, and bathe in lava pools like they were hot springs. As little as she looks, she isn't taken lightly. This is probably why the series' lead, Gene, preferred to avoid her rather than confront her directly before she joined his crew.

14 The Puma Sisters (Dominion Tank Police)

Old-School Catgirl Icons Designed By Famous Mangaka Shirow Masamune

• Debut: Dominion Tank Police OVA

Annapuma and Unipuma, the Puma Sisters, don’t get mentioned much among the collection of kitties nowadays. Maybe it’s because Shirow Masamune made another manga that combined cops and tanks that got popular, or that the original Dominion Tank Police OVAs were made in the late 1980s/early 1990s and are hard to find on streaming services nowadays. Still, the series became a cult classic during the rise of anime's popularity.

If its catchy intro theme didn’t stick in viewers' heads, the sisters’ scantily clad forms on the DVD cover did. Despite the fan service, they’re a duo of strong and cunning androids who get into one mishap or another. They broke their ‘love doll’ programming to become criminals, becoming a regular pain in the proverbial for the Tank Police. Even though they're not the main villains, their wiles and chemistry make them an unforgettable team.

Honorable Mention: Neferpitou

• Debut: Episode 78 (silhouette), 84 (in-person)
• Honorary mention: while non-binary, they often present as female

Neferpitou technically shouldn’t qualify. Not because they’re actually an insect, as Chimera Ants inherit traits from what their queen has eaten. The issue is that they aren't really a girl. Not usually anyway. Sometimes they're described as "female" like in the Hunter X Hunter Battle Collection game. Other times, they and others use male pronouns to refer to themselves. This also could be due to a lack of gender-neutral terms in Japanese.

Still, they did gradually present themselves as more feminine across the series. So, they're more of an honorary mention here as an iconic cat-femme, being one of Hunter X Hunter’s stand-out villains. They were one of the first Chimera Ants to master Nen, the series' magical power source, which they use to manipulate the living and the dead. If that wasn’t freaky enough, they use their surgical skills to manipulate their subject's brains directly for interrogations.