Cartoon cats from the 80s include Sylvester, Pound Purries, Henry’s Cat, Garfield, Lion-O, Bagpuss, Heathcliff, and Top Cat. Get ready to meow out loud because we’re diving into the world of the most beloved feline creatures of the 80s!
Cats are not just a pet, they’re family, and their stardom proves just that.
From purring on our laps to stealing the spotlight on the big screen, these 80’s cats have made their way into our hearts. They’re not just fictional characters either, as some of these cats are living legends in their own right.
Beloved Cartoon Cats From The 80s
Are you ready to return to the past, where big hair and neon colors were all the rage? Let’s do it, but with a twist! We will discuss the 80s cat cartoons we loved so much.
12Azrael from The Smurfs
When it comes to villainous cartoon cats of the 80s, Azrael from The Smurfs takes the cake! This mischievous feline was the loyal pet and sidekick of the evil wizard Gargamel, and his main goal in life was to capture the Smurfs and bring them to his master.
Azrael was known for his sneaky ways and ability to cause trouble for the Smurfs at every turn. He was constantly getting into mischief and foiling the plans of the Smurfs, making him a loathed character for fans of the show.
But even though Azrael was a villain, he still had a certain charm that made him a memorable character.
11Snarf from Thundercats
Thundercats’ Snarf is one of the most memorable cartoon cat characters of the 1980s. OK. OK – technically, not a cat, but when I was younger, I didn’t know better. So I put him on this list, because I’m sure I wasn’t the only one.
This lovable creature was the loyal companion of Lion-O, the leader of the Thundercats, and his role in the show was to provide comic relief and help Lion-O on his adventures.
Snarf was known for his distinctive appearance, cat-like ears, and penchant for wearing an apron.
He was often portrayed as a caretaker, caring for Lion-O and the other Thundercats and ensuring they were safe and well-fed.
But despite his nurturing nature, Snarf was also a warrior in his own right, always ready to fight alongside his friends if necessary.
10M.A.D. Cat from Inspector Gadget
When discussing unforgettable cartoon cat characters of the 80s, one name that always comes to mind is M.A.D. Cat from Inspector Gadget. This sinister-looking feline was the pet of the villainous Dr. Claw, and his role in the show was to assist in Dr. Claw’s evil plans.
M.A.D. Cat’s name is a play on the word “mad,” meaning “Mean And Dirty.” And with his sneaky ways and penchant for causing trouble, he certainly lived up to his name. He was always lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce on Inspector Gadget or his allies at a moment’s notice.
One of the things that made M.A.D. Cat so memorable was his appearance. He had a creepy, almost demonic look with his glowing green eyes and sharp teeth. Dr. Claw loved his scowl, which gave him an air of hostility.
9Zipper from The Get Along Gang
In 1983, talented creators, including Tony Byrd, Tom Jacobs, and Ralph Shaffer, developed 12 young anthropomorphic animal characters for American Greetings’ toy design and licensing division, “Those Characters from Cleveland.”
This lovable gang, known as The Get Along Gang, met in an abandoned caboose in the fictional town of Green Meadow and engaged in a series of adventures that taught the importance of friendship and teamwork.
Their success as greeting cards led to a Saturday morning TV series that aired for 13 episodes in the 1984-85 season. And one of the most famous characters in the gang was Zipper, an athletic cat who excelled in sports.
He was also the resident “tough guy” and had a cynical personality, but he remained loyal to the rest of the group.
8Felicia from The Great Mouse Detective
If you’re a fan of The Great Mouse Detective, the 1986 Disney movie about a heroic mouse and the tradition of Sherlock Holmes solving a mystery, then you’ll remember Felicia.
In the movie, she is the pet cat of the villainous Ratigan, and her fate is to eat the Queen of the Mice so Ratigan can rule all of Mousedom.
But thanks to the heroic efforts of Basil, Dawson, and Olivia, the Queen is saved from Felicia’s claws just in time, and Toby chases the poor kitty out.
While Felicia didn’t have a major role in the movie, she certainly made her presence felt.
Her menacing presence added to the story’s intensity, and her pursuit of the Queen kept audiences on the edge of their seats. And even though she was a minor character, she was still an important part of the plot.
7Henry’s Cat
The original series first aired in 1983, and it quickly became a fan favorite with Bob Godfrey at the helm. This legendary British animator directed every episode and provided all the voices, bringing the world of Henry’s Cat to life with his unique style.
Even though the show’s main character didn’t have a name, Henry’s Cat was still a beloved figure in the world of 80s cartoons.
His distinctive look and quirky personality made him a fan favorite, and his adventures with his animal friends kept audiences entertained for years.
6Heathcliff
From 1984 to 1988, the popular comic strip created by George Gately in 1973, Heathcliff, came to life on screen with 86 episodes. The show became even more purr-fect with the inclusion of backup characters known as the Catillac Cats.
Heathcliff’s adventures were always entertaining, and his mischievous personality made him a fan favorite. But, it was hard not to be reminded of another famous ginger cartoon cat who was also popular during the same time.
Overall, Heathcliff was a classic 80s cartoon with cat characters that left a lasting impression on fans of all ages. Including the Catillac Cats only added to the show’s charm, and it’s no wonder it’s still remembered fondly today.
5Cringer / Battle Cat
If you grew up in the 80s, there’s a good chance that He-Man and the Masters of the Universe was your favorite TV show. And as such, the most powerful man in the universe’s feline sidekick must be a top contender for the best 80s TV cat.
Whether he was the timid Cringer or the fearless Battle Cat in armor, who wouldn’t want to have a pet that’s just as mighty?
These two versions of the character were vastly different in personality, but their unique charms made them lovable to fans.
From his role as Cringer, He-Man’s sniveling and cowardly companion, to his transformation into Battle Cat, the fearless defender of the universe, this feline friend was an important character in the show.
4Lion-O
Lion-O from the popular 80s cartoon ThunderCats was the fearless leader of the ThunderCats and the rightful heir to the throne of Thundera.
He was known for his courage, strength, and wisdom, and he quickly became a fan favorite among viewers of the show.
Lion-O’s signature weapon was the Sword of Omens, which he wielded with great skill and precision.
The sword could give Lion-O “sight beyond sight,” allowing him to see things happening far away. It could also fire energy blasts and summon the other ThunderCats when they were in trouble.
3Sylvester
If we’re talking about iconic cartoon cats of the 80s, we can’t forget about Sylvester from Looney Tunes! This black and white tuxedo cat may not have been the show’s star, but he made a name for himself with his signature lisp and never-ending pursuit of Tweety Bird.
Sylvester was first introduced to the world in 1945, but his popularity continued to soar throughout the 80s.
He was a staple of Saturday morning cartoons, and his catchphrase “Sufferin’ succotash!” became a cultural touchstone.
One of the things that made Sylvester so beloved was his never-say-die attitude. No matter how often he was outsmarted by Tweety or bested by his arch-nemesis, the bulldog Spike, he always bounced back for another round.
And even though he was often portrayed as the villain, he was still a lovable character that fans couldn’t help but root for.
2Tom from Tom and Jerry
When it comes to the most popular cartoon cats of the 1980s, Tom from Tom and Jerry is definitely near the top of the list. This black and white cat has been a household name since the 1940s, but his popularity continued to soar throughout the 80s and beyond.
Tom is known for his constant battles with his arch-nemesis, the clever and cunning mouse Jerry. Their cat-and-mouse game has been the source of countless hours of entertainment for generations of viewers.
Tom always comes up with new schemes to catch Jerry, but Jerry always outsmarts him no matter what he does.
One of the reasons Tom is such a beloved character is his relatable personality. He’s not just a one-dimensional villain – he’s a cat with a wide range of emotions and a sense of humor.
He’s just trying to do his job and catch the mouse, but Jerry’s ingenuity constantly foils him. And even though he’s often on the losing end of their battles, he always bounces back for another round.
1Garfield
Garfield, the iconic lasagna-loving orange tabby, is a cat that needs no introduction. As one of the most beloved cartoon cat characters of the 80s, Garfield has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
Created by Jim Davis in 1978, Garfield was a small-town cat in a comic strip in Pendleton, Indiana. But it didn’t take long for him to skyrocket to fame. In the 80s, Garfield was everywhere: on lunchboxes, t-shirts, and even in his animated TV series.
Garfield’s popularity can be attributed to a few things. For one, he’s a cat with a relatable personality. His sarcasm, laziness, and hunger make him both funny and endearing.
He’s also a cat that loves his owner, Jon Arbuckle, despite his occasional eye-rolling at his human’s antics.