From whiskers to silver screen: A history of cats in movies

By Wealth of Geeks via AP

Just days ago, Walt Disney Enterprises released the trailer for their new film in the world of Mufasa: The Lion King. It comes out in December. Films where the stars are feline — large and small — generated $7.8 billion at the box office from 1970 to 2019, according to a study published four years ago by Petlandia.

Since the dawn of cinema, cats have held a special place in the hearts of filmmakers and audiences alike. From the early days of silent films, where they often played the role of comedic foil or mysterious presence, to the golden age of Hollywood, where they were elevated to leading roles alongside legends of the silver screen, cats have captivated audiences with their charm and charisma.

Cats in early cinema

In the early days of cinema, cats appeared in supporting roles, serving as foils to human protagonists or as symbols of mystery and intrigue. Silent films that relied on visual storytelling provided fertile ground for exploring feline grace and agility. From slapstick comedies to suspenseful dramas, cats elevated scenes through playful antics or their watchful gaze.

The 1903 film T he Great Train Robbery is one of the industry’s earliest examples of cats in silent cinema. The flick features a mischievous cat at a railroad station. The cat’s presence within the scene adds whimsy to an otherwise tense and action-packed narrative, showcasing cats’ versatility as cinematic performers.

As cinema evolved and entered its golden age, cats picked up more prominent roles, a move representative of changing societal attitudes toward animals. In classics like the 1961 adaptation of Truman Capote’s novella, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, an orange tabby — aptly named Cat — serves as an integral storytelling element, both as a companion to protagonist Holly Golightly and a symbol of her longing for stability and purpose.

Ragdoll cats in cinema

Ragdoll cats, with their striking blue eyes, docile temperament, and distinctly floppy bodies, remain regularly featured felines in cinema. Their calm demeanor and photogenic qualities make them ideal on-screen companions, evoking a sense of comfort and serenity. While not as ubiquitous as some other cat breeds in film, the presence of Ragdolls adds a subtle yet memorable element to cinematic storytelling in notable films like Meet the Parents and Cats & Dogs.

Cats in animated cinema

The 1970s Disney animated classic The Aristocats depicted felines as sophisticated and refined creatures living luxurious lives in Paris. Through the adventures of Duchess and her kittens, audiences watch a whimsical tale of romance, adventure, and family bonds, with cats at the forefront.

But it wasn’t until modern animation that cats came into their own as cinematic stars. Studios like Pixar and DreamWorks Animation utilized cutting-edge CGI technology to breathe new life into cats’ cinematic roles. These advancements allowed filmmakers to imbue cats with relatable, humanlike personalities and emotions. Today, audiences marvel at the seamless integration of digital cats into live-action films, where expert animators render every whisker and tail twitch with breathtaking realism.

Puss in Boots steals the show in the 2004 blockbuster Shrek 2, proving that cats can be heroic and hilarious. Elevated by Antonio Banderas’ voice acting, Puss in Boots’ swashbuckling charm and irrepressible charisma quickly garnered the conniving cat a cult following, merchandise, and spinoff films.

Similarly, Disney’s 1994 animated classic The Lion King portrayed cats as majestic and regal creatures, ruling over the African savanna with grace and dignity. Disney reintroduced audiences to themes of family, courage, and redemption, with cats like Simba serving as symbols of strength and resilience.

Feline inspirations in film

One of cinema’s most enigmatic feline-influenced roles is Catwoman, a femme fatale fully fleshed out by stars like Michelle Pfeiffer and Anne Hathaway. The character’s sleek costume, razor-sharp wit, and complex morality embody cats’ allure and appeal while blurring the lines between heroes and villains.

Cats transcend traditional cinematic roles and act as muses, inspiring filmmakers to delve deeper into radically human themes like identity, agency, and interpersonal connection. In films like Inside Llewyn Davis, the cat Ulysses is a metaphor for the protagonist’s sense of aimlessness and disconnection, highlighting animals’ ability to mirror and amplify our struggles.

Similarly, in documentaries like 2016’s Kedi, which follows strays throughout Istanbul, cats symbolize resilience and adaptability, thriving through adversity and forging unexpected bonds with humans.

The influence of cats in movies extends beyond their on-screen presence. The breed inspires creatives and represents curiosity, independence, and the timeless struggle between light and darkness. Whether symbols of grace and elegance or agents of chaos and unpredictability, cats add depth and dimension to visual storytelling, enriching narratives with their inherent mystique.

Despite dramatic changes to film since the inception of silent cinema, cats continue to capture human imaginations with their graceful movements, piercing stares, and elusive nature. Their behavior reminds us of the profound bond between living creatures that transcends language, culture, and species.

The inclusion of cats in films gives curious humans a glimpse into these sphinxlike beloved creatures. Acting as playful companions, cunning adversaries, or mystical figures, cats deservedly sit among the pantheon of cinematic legends, enshrined in the hearts of moviegoers worldwide.