Cats have lived alongside humans for thousands of years, sometimes becoming famous in their own right.
Some cats stood out for their special roles—protecting grain stores from mice, or even inspiring art and culture.
Famous cats in history shaped civilizations by offering companionship, helping with pest control, and even reaching sacred status in places like ancient Egypt.
People often remember cats who belonged to important figures or appeared in stories and traditions.
For example, cats of pharaohs got special burials and lots of respect.
Throughout history, people have linked cats to powerful or influential figures.
Cats became more than just pets—they turned into symbols and companions with stories that show a lasting bond with humans.
Let’s look at the lives and legacies of famous cats who made a difference.
You might be surprised by how much cats have shaped civilization in unexpected ways.
Want to know more about the sacred role of cats in ancient cultures? Check out this link about Egypt.
Famous Cats List
- Grumpy Cat – An American internet celebrity whose permanently grumpy-looking face, caused by feline dwarfism and an underbite, turned her 2012 Reddit photo into a global meme.
- Lil Bub – A special-needs rescue with dwarfism and osteopetrosis whose upbeat videos and merchandise raised funds for animals and made her a beloved online star.
- Keyboard Cat – Fatso, filmed in 1984 “playing” a synth, became one of the earliest viral fail-video memes when the clip resurfaced on YouTube in 2007.
- Garfield – Jim Davis’s lasagna-loving orange tabby who has starred in the world’s most-syndicated comic strip since 1978 and countless screen adaptations.
- Felix the Cat – The mischievous black-and-white silent-film character who, debuting in 1919, became animation’s first breakout star.
- Cheshire Cat – Lewis Carroll’s enigmatic feline from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, famous for vanishing until only its grin remains.
- Tom – The luckless house-cat of MGM’s Tom and Jerry shorts, forever devising schemes to catch Jerry Mouse.
- Nyan Cat – A pixel-pop-tart kitty whose 2011 YouTube video of rainbow-trailed space flight became a hallmark meme and later sold as a six-figure NFT.
- Hello Kitty – Sanrio’s bow-wearing icon introduced in 1974, now a multibillion-dollar global brand celebrating her 50th anniversary.
- Simba – The lion cub who grows to reclaim Pride Rock in Disney’s 1994 animated epic The Lion King.
- Maru – A Japanese Scottish Straight whose box-diving antics earned him a Guinness record for most YouTube views of a single animal.
- Salem Saberhagen – The wise-cracking former warlock sentenced to 100 years as a black cat in Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
Legendary Cats Through History
Cats have played all kinds of roles in history and culture.
From ancient rulers’ companions to famous cats in politics and literature, these felines left their mark.
Their stories show how people valued cats for protection, friendship, or sometimes just for their mysterious presence.
Ancient and Historical Felines
Some of the first famous cats came from ancient Egypt, where cats like Ta-Miu were sacred.
People connected cats to the goddess Bastet and relied on them to keep homes safe from pests.
Crown Prince Thutmose, an Egyptian royal, loved cats and helped give them high status.
In recent history, Unsinkable Sam became a legend during World War II.
He survived the sinking of three ships, which gave sailors hope during tough times.
Oscar got known for predicting patients’ deaths in a nursing home, which added to the mystery of cats’ influence in human life.
Curious about ancient cats? Check out this book on the domestication and history of the cat.
Cats of Literature and Art
Writers and artists have found inspiration in cats for centuries. Simone, the cat of French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, even showed up in his writings about freedom and companionship.
Ernest Hemingway had a soft spot for six-toed cats, and Hodge was his favorite.
The polydactyl cats still roam his old home in Key West.
In art, cats often stand for mystery and independence.
Ancient carvings and modern paintings both feature cats as symbols of grace and enigma.
The long history of cats in culture proves they’re more than pets—they’re muses and icons.
Political and Celebrity Cats
Cats sometimes end up in the spotlight with politicians or celebrities. Larry works as the Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street in the UK, helping keep mice away from government buildings.
Tabby and Dixie were also part of the Cabinet Office’s cat family, showing how cats often share life with leaders.
Scarlett became a hero after saving her kittens from a fire, earning worldwide attention for her bravery.
You can read more about her here.
In the Middle East, Muezza became famous as the Prophet Muhammad’s cat, adding spiritual meaning to the cat’s story.
These cats remind us how felines quietly make their way into the lives of leaders and public figures.
Famous Modern Cats and Pop Culture Icons
In recent years, the internet and entertainment world have made many cats famous.
Some became social media stars, while others hold unique world records.
Famous cats also show up in movies, TV shows, and books, often turning into cultural icons with lasting popularity.
Beloved Internet and Social Media Stars
Grumpy Cat (real name Tardar Sauce) became a sensation for her unique frown and funny expressions.
People loved her memes, and she quickly gained millions of fans.
Lil Bub charmed the internet with her small size and unusual features.
Nala Cat built a huge following on Instagram thanks to her playful photos. Maru became a YouTube favorite for his obsession with boxes.
These cats have millions of fans and even inspired merchandise and charity work.
Their owners use social media to promote cat care and encourage adoption.
Record-Breaking and Extraordinary Felines
Some cats even hold world records or have unusual stories. Creme Puff lived to 38 years old, making her the oldest cat on record.
Stubbs served as honorary mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska, and became a local legend.
In 1963, the space cat Félicette became the first cat in space, marking a new moment in science.
Bob the Street Cat helped his owner and inspired books and movies.
These cats show how felines can become important to both history and communities.
Film, TV, and Fictional Cats
Cats have starred in films and TV shows, turning into famous characters. Hello Kitty started in Japan and became a global symbol.
Classic cartoon cats like Felix the Cat, Garfield, and Tom from Tom and Jerry are household names.
Fictional cats such as the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, Puss in Boots, and the Cat in the Hat have entertained people for decades.
These characters bring humor, mystery, or charm to stories, proving that cats inspire creativity in pop culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cats pop up in all sorts of important stories and real events.
Some shape myths, star in movies, or become the beloved pets of famous people.
What are some notable cats in ancient mythology?
People in ancient Egypt treated cats as sacred and often connected them to the goddess Bastet.
In Japan, legends tell of vampire cats that could turn into women.
Who are the most beloved cats in real-life history?
Many cats became famous by living with kings, queens, or writers.
Some helped out by catching mice on ships or farms.
Which feline stars have left their paw prints on the film industry?
Cats in “The Aristocats” or “Garfield” have entertained millions.
Some real cats even became well-known actors.
Can you name some of the literature’s most cherished cats?
Books like “Alice in Wonderland” feature cats such as the Cheshire Cat.
Clever or magical cats often pop up in famous stories.
What are some influential felines that have appeared throughout history?
People have relied on cats to control pests or inspire art and folklore.
Certain cats became symbols in different cultures.
Which historical cats are particularly fascinating for children to learn about?
Kids love hearing about cats that sailed on ships or had magical powers in old myths.
Stories about cats living with famous explorers or writers always spark their curiosity.
These tales make history feel a lot more fun.