Kara Dennison
October 21, 2023 
Anyone who’s ever owned a cat knows that you can never truly “own” a cat. While they can absolutely demonstrate affection and be a loving pet, they kind of do their own thing. And in the case of these anime cats, “their own thing” runs the gamut. Some refuse to acknowledge they need or want an owner; others are running the household!
Get to know this trio of felines, and be sure to let us know which ones are your favorites!
Yukichi, The Masterful Cat Is Depressed Again Today
We’re used to anime cats talking, changing into humans, and heaven knows what else. But until Yukichi, we’d never seen one so adept at keeping house. The Masterful Cat Is Depressed Again Today follows an unusual relationship between a cat and his owner… one where the lines between housekeeper and sleepy squatter are definitely blurred.
Office worker Saku is not especially responsible, but she has a big heart. She brought Yukichi home when she was just a kitten… and he saw the writing on the wall. To have a warm home and earn those tasty cans of cat food, he keeps Saku well fed and (mostly) responsible. And while hiding a giant cat is rough, she knows she’s got it good.
Jiji, Kiki’s Delivery Service
These anime cats already have unique personalities… but Jiji has two! Kiki’s Delivery Service is one of Studio Ghibli‘s most beloved films, about a young trainee witch coming of age and learning to control her powers. Her black cat Jiji is an integral part of the film, but how he behaves depends on which version you’re watching!
In the original Japanese, Rei Sakuma (the voice of fellow feline Shampoo in Ranma 1/2) plays Jiji as helpful and humble. But in the dub, comedian Phil Hartman plays him as more sarcastic and aloof. When Kiki can understand him is even up for grabs!
Hakuto, My New Boss Is Goofy
My New Boss Is Goofy is a surprisingly calming and wholesome office comedy. We follow stressed-out ad man Momose in his new job, managed by the charmingly absentminded Shirosaki. In a recent episode, the pair find an abandoned kitten, which Shirosaki adopts. And this newest of anime cats, named Hakuto, gets to speak his mind… to us, at least!
The tiny tsundere kitten refuses to admit he wants to be loved or played with. He will never acknowledge that he worries about his goofy new master. But after being abandoned by his old owner for scratching up the furniture, it’s understanding that he’d be distrusting. Fortunately, he’s eventually just as won over by Shirosaki as Momose is.
Speaking of witches and black cats, here are some gently spooky manga to get you in the Halloween mood!
