These are the best cat Pokemon to catch right meow

Feline companions transcend real-world popularity to dominate the Pokemon universe with distinctive abilities and battle prowess. While domestic cats grace over 25% of American homes, Pokemon trainers can collect an even more diverse array of mystical cats spanning eight generations. Each feline species brings unique combat strategies, evolutionary paths, and visual designs that have captivated fans for decades. This guide explores the most strategically valuable and visually striking cat Pokemon for competitive and casual play.

The best cats in Pokemon

Our selection criteria prioritize both battle effectiveness and design originality, focusing on Pokemon that deliver exceptional performance while maintaining clear feline characteristics. We’ve analyzed base stats, move pools, ability utility, and competitive viability across multiple game formats.

Persian

As Generation I’s definitive feline, Persian established the template for cat Pokemon with its sleek predator aesthetic and criminal organization connections. Giovanni’s signature Pokemon demonstrates how normal-type creatures can compete against more exotic types through speed and move diversity. Persian’s 65/70/65 defensive spread requires careful positioning, but its 115 speed stat allows it to outpace many threats. The Technician ability boosts weaker moves like Fake Out and Swift, creating unexpected damage output. For trainers building balanced teams, Persian provides reliable support with Hypnosis and Taunt disruption.

8/10

Liepard

This Generation V dark-type combines leopard agility with panther stealth, creating a prankster specialist that controls battle tempo. With Prankster boosting status moves’ priority, Liepard can paralyze faster opponents with Thunder Wave or create setup opportunities with Encore. Its 446 base stat total belies its strategic value in double battles where it supports partners with Fake Tears and Charm. The Limber ability provides insurance against paralysis, ensuring Liepard maintains its speed advantage. Optimal EV investment focuses on HP and Speed to maximize its disruptive capabilities.

7/10

Pyroar

Evolving from Litleo, Pyroar embodies royal feline majesty with gender-dimorphic designs that enhance collection appeal. The male’s fiery mane operates similarly to specialized equipment in other games, providing both visual flair and combat functionality. While its impact in Pokemon GO remains limited, main series games showcase Pyroar’s special attack prowess with 109 base Sp. Atk. Its ability choices—Rivalry and Unnerve—offer situational advantages against gender-matched opponents or berry-reliant strategies. The fire/normal typing provides useful STAB coverage but creates vulnerability to common fighting, rock, and water attacks.

7/10

Raikou

As one of Johto’s legendary beasts, Raikou merges saber-tooth tiger physiology with elemental electricity for devastating offensive presence. The Pressure ability strategically drains opponents’ PP, while its 115 base speed ensures it outpaces most non-legendary threats. Competitive builds typically utilize Calm Mind sets or Choice Specs nuking strategies. Its electric typing provides only one weakness (ground) but limited coverage, often requiring Hidden Power Ice for dragon and ground types. Raikou’s 100/75/100 defensive bulk allows it to survive neutral hits while setting up.

8/10

Espeon

Though Eevee’s evolutionary origins remain mysterious, Espeon exhibits unmistakable feline traits through its slender physique, expressive eyes, and graceful movements. This psychic-type’s 130 base Special Attack and 110 Speed make it a potent special sweeper. Magic Bounce provides unique utility by reflecting status moves, protecting your team from entry hazards and stat reduction. Espeon synergizes well with strategic formations that protect vulnerable Pokemon. Common mistakes include overestimating its bulk—its 65/60/95 defenses require careful switching.

6/10

Purugly

This heavyweight normal-type defies conventional beauty standards while delivering surprising battle performance. Purugly’s 452 base stat total emphasizes physical offense with 82 Attack supported by Thick Fat or Own Tempo abilities. The 97 Speed tier allows it to outpace base 95 threats, while moves like Fake Out provide free damage turns. Its substantial 43.8 kg weight enables Heavy Slam against lighter opponents, and its movepool includes coverage options like Play Rough and Sucker Punch. Defensive investment in HP compensates for mediocre 70/64 defenses.

8/10

Incineroar

Despite initial design controversy, this fire/dark-type wrestler cat dominates VGC formats with exceptional supportive capabilities. Intimidate provides team-wide physical defense boosts, while Fake Out guarantees flinch damage. Its surprisingly low 60 base Speed becomes an asset in Trick Room teams, and access to U-turn maintains momentum. The transition from quadrupedal Litten to bipedal Incineroar reflects its evolutionary theme of disciplined combat training. Parting Shot further enhances its utility by lowering opponents’ stats while switching out safely.

6/10

Sogaleo

As the box art legendary for Pokemon Sun, Sogaleo represents apex feline power with its 680 base stat total and unique Sunsteel Strike ignoring abilities. The Full Metal Body ability prevents stat reduction, making it immune to Intimidate and other common strategies. Its psychic/steel typing provides ten resistances and one immunity, creating exceptional defensive utility. Optimal use involves leveraging its tremendous bulk to set up with Calm Mind or utilizing its 137 Attack stat with physical sets. Sogaleo typically requires 2-3 turns to setup but can sweep entire teams once established.

7/10

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