Let’s Take a Look at How Cats Are Portrayed in Film Storytelling

By Sonise Lumbaca

Kitties, furballs, mousers, Toms, and other affectionate names are what we call the fury ones who give us unconditional love all day: Cats. Cats have long held a special place in the heart of audiences. Whether they appear as quiet observers, symbols of mystery, or unexpected scene-stealers, cats bring a presence in our homes; and so, when we present them in films, because after all they are a part of our lives, they are that much more memorable. Cats do not simply fill space in our homes as members of our families, but on screen they often add tone, meaning, and emotional texture to the stories that are being told.

One reason I believe cats work so well in film is that they are naturally expressive without needing to be exaggerated. Sure, we have heard stories about cats being unruly; heck, even casting doubles because they can be finicky and frisky. But, isn’t that part of the fun in casting them? They may be a little pain in the you-know-what at the moment, but in the end it is always a good story to tell after the fact. “Remember the time when we had that tuxedo cat that didn’t do this or that?” Yet, there are other sides to cats where they bring meaning when we can get these fur-babies to “behave" on set.

A cat’s stillness can suggest intelligence, independence, comfort, or suspense, depending on the scene. In a quiet moment, these fury felines may give a character a sense of peace and calmness. Imagine the moments you have spent on the couch or in your favorite chair with a purring fur-baby laying on your chest. Whereas in a dramatic moment, the same cat may heighten the mood by reinforcing mystery or tension just by suddenly perking its head up. This flexibility presents cats as powerful visual storytellers in their own right.

Besides having the ability to set the scene, cats can also carry strong symbolic meaning. Across various cultures and history, cats have represented intuition, protection, resilience, and self-possession. In film, these qualities can deepen a character’s emotional world or reflect themes filmmakers wants to explore. A cat in a scene may seem simple on the surface, but it can help shape how an audience feels about the people, events and environment around it.

At the same time, it matters how cats are portrayed. Too often, animals in entertainment are used as props or comic devices without regard for their dignity. The amount of time cats have been portrayed as villains, bad omens, or mischievous troublemakers in film and television is countless. A media study found that 60% of cats in film and 64% of cats on TV were shown in a negative light. While there tends to be some truth to stereotypes of cat behavior, like with anything else, it is an amplification of a small group (whose environment or illness has more than likely contributed to the behavior).  

In film and television, cats are often used to signal mystery, evil, or gothic danger, especially black cats in horror and Halloween storytelling. In the movie Cats (2019), Macavity is the clearest modern example of a cat character framed as a villain. Some films use cats as signs of doom, fear, or supernatural threat, rather than as neutral animals. The first Pet Cemetery (1983) is a great example of the family pet becoming a supernatural threat, foreshadowing of the impending doom, and unease of its presence throughout the film. In animation and family entertainment, cats are often shown as rude, lazy, sneaky, or antagonistic compared with dogs. I think about Disney’s Lady and the Tramp (1955), where the Siamese Cats mischievously destroy their owner’s home and falsely render themselves injured, leaving Lady “holding the bag.”  These are only a few identified of the plethora of examples that exist in entertainment.

A thoughtful film approach recognizes that cats deserve respectful treatment both on screen and behind the scenes. They are after all in real life companions, family and even confidants. When cats are portrayed in a positive and humane light, the film does more than entertain, it can encourage empathy and reinforce compassion. There is always room for comedy and highlighting some of their behaviors (to include behaving "badly," otherwise, cats wouldn't be cats); plus we should admit they can be, in most cases, forgiven. But, let’s not forget and highlight the point of why God gave us these beautiful beings: companionship.

That belief is part of the vision behind the Kitty Appeal & Film Reels Foundation. The foundation exists to support meaningful work that connects cat welfare, creative expression, and education. By encouraging films that portray cats with dignity and purpose, the foundation hopes to support storytelling that reflects humane values while also honoring the unique role animals can play in the arts.

Cats belong in film storytelling because they are more than visually interest. They bring meaning, mood, and a sense of life that can strengthen a story in subtle, but powerful ways. When filmmakers treat cats as part of the emotional language of a film, they create work that is not only more memorable, but relatable, and compassionate.