It’s fair to say that the human race has a bit of an obsession with cats; just a quick scroll of your Facebook newsfeed and you’d no doubt come across a funny feline video or a picture of a cute kitten.
Cinema is certainly not lacking in cat heroes and of course Top Cat Begins, out in cinemas May 27th, has one of the most iconic felines of entertainment.
To celebrate the release we take a look at some of greatest cats to grace the silver screen.
1. Crookshanks in Harry Potter
Yes, Hermione often had Harry and Ron by her side but don’t forget the fur ball that is Crookshanks, the ginger moggy. Described by Sirius Black as the most intelligent of its kind, Crookshanks is a problem solver with an ability to root out untrustworthy characters. Thankfully, for Harry, Ron and Hermione, this clever kitty discovered Scabbers the rat to actually be masquerading as the cowardly Peter Pettigrew.
2. Sassy in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
A Himalayan cat, Sassy specialises in sarcasm and it’s fair to say she lives up to her name. Oscar-winning actress, Sally Fields, is the voice behind Sassy as she finds herself on an adventure across California to reach her owners. Sassy isn’t alone though; she’s joined by American Bulldog, Chance (voiced by Michael J. Fox) and a golden retriever called Shadow as they attempt to navigate waterfalls and avoid mountain lions in the hope they’ll eventually find home.
3. Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland
Not only one of the most famous cats in cinema, arguably the most recognised smile as well. In the classic Disney cartoon he’s both intelligent and mischievous, sometimes there to help Alice find her way through Wonderland, but sometimes there to get her into trouble. Of all film felines the Cheshire cat is the most flexible as he can dislocate his head from his body and also turn invisible.
4. The Cat Bus in My Neighbour Totoro
Some cats sleep all day, some cats chase mice but in My Neighbour Totoro the bus is a cat and can compete in the grinning stakes with the Cheshire cat. The cat bus is a beloved Studio Ghibli creation, complete with twelve legs, windows, seats and a large bushy tail. Roads aren’t necessary for the cat bus as he bounds through forests and over lakes to take its passengers to any destination they wish.
5. Puss in Boots in Shrek
A classic fairy tale character was reimagined when Shrek 2 hit cinema screens in 2004, and the world was taken in by the big eyes of Puss in Boots. Adventurous, charismatic and one never shy to woo a lady, he provides a new loyal sidekick to both Shrek and Donkey. There’s no doubting he’s skilled with a sword but it’s those huge, innocent eyes that lulls enemies into a false sense of security. What’s his biggest weakness? Catnip.
6. Top Cat in Top Cat Begins
First created in the 1960s, Top Cat has been a part of everyone’s childhood. Top Cat was one sad ca, until a chance meeting with Benny the Ball, a naive and good-hearted cat looking for adventure. Donning a purple hat and smart waistcoat, TC is loyal to his alley cat gang and it’s up to him to be the heroic leader and charm his way on the streets of Manhattan.
Top Cat Begins is in cinemas Saturday, May 27th, and we CANNOT wait!
