Cat Pokémon are fan favorites, and new cat Pokémon are released in each generation. They’re found in a variety of types and all across the different regions of the Pokémon world. Let’s break down a list of each and every cat Pokémon, their basic traits, and their usefulness in battle.
All notes on effectiveness and competitive use are based on the Smogon Tier List, a popular rules & rankings system used in unofficial competitive Pokémon battles.
Category Notes
Generation: Each set of video games and new Pokémon are released in successive generations. Each cat Pokémon on our list is denoted by the first generation in which it appears. All Pokémon are available in successive generations after their debut, but may not be catchable in the wild in each of those titles. Here are the game versions each generation corresponds with:
Obtainable By: This bullet point describes the methods you can use to obtain each Pokémon in most circumstances. Note that Pokémon may be traded across all generations subsequent to their debut, so you may assume that any given Pokémon may be obtained via trade as long as it exists in your version. Other methods include:
Catchable: These Pokémon may be caught in the wild using a Pokéball.
Evolves from: These Pokémon evolve from other forms by advancing in level. If special requirements must be met to evolve, they will be noted.
Single Spawn Capture: These Pokémon appear as NPC sprites on the map. Upon interacting with them, you’ll enter into battle and have only that single chance to capture it in a Pokéball.
Gift: These Pokémon are received as prizes or gifts from NPCs upon meeting any given set of conditions.
Special Event: These Pokémon are only obtainable (besides trading) by participating in an official event sanctioned by Nintendo/Gamefreak.
Any unique circumstances for obtaining a specific Pokémon will be described in more detail.
Absol
#360
Type: Dark
Generation: 3
Obtained by: Capture
Absol, the Disaster Pokemon, lives in mountainous regions far away from populated areas. With its unique horn, it can detect impending natural disasters, causing townsfolk to blame it for disasters in their region. Starting with X & Y, Absol can use a Mega Stone to transform into Mega Absol.
This cat is powerful against psychic, ghost, and other dark-type Pokémon, but struggles against fighting, bug, and fairy types, and while under-used, Absol does occasionally appear in competitive battles.
Delcatty
#301
Type: Normal
Generation: 3
Obtained by: Evolve from Skitty (Moon Stone – Skitty > Delcatty)
The “Prim Pokémon” cat premiering in Ruby & Sapphire is a joyful & playful yellow-and-purple cat Pokémon that tends to flee rather than fight. Like many cat Pokémon such as Skitty, Delcatty is most active at dusk and is rarely seen in the wild. Instead, you can nab yourself a Delcatty by evolving a Skitty with a Moon Stone.
Delcatty is weak against fighting-type Pokémon and can’t fight ghosts, but squares up against all other types evenly. Delcatty is a poor choice for competitive play.
Entei
#244
Type: Fire
Generation:
Obtained by: Capture (Roaming)
The Volcano cat Entei has dog-like features but is one of the three legendary beasts from Generation 2, all three of which are cat-like Pokémon. A true lion at heart, Entei is an elusive capture that roams the wild throughout Johto. You can only capture Entei once per game and your chances of locating one are rather slim.
Entei fares well against grass, ice, fire, bug, steel, and fairy types, but struggles with water, ground, and rock types. Entei’s strength and powerful moveset make him a common choice among competitive players, even being prohibited in some formats.
Espeon
#197
Type: Psychic
Generation: 2
Obtained by: Evolve from Eevee (Daytime, high friendship)
Along with Umbreon, Espeon is the first expansion of “Eeveelutions” introduced in generation II. Known as the “sun Pokémon,” Espeon has the unique ability call Synchronize which inflicts status effects on its opponent when Esepon itself is afflicted by the same effect in battle.
This ability and other factors have resulted in Espeon being banned in several competitive formats. In traditional play, Espeon is strong against fighting types and psychic types, but has weaknesses to bug, ghost, and dark-type Pokémon.
Espurr
#678
Type: Psychic
Generation: 6
Obtained by: Capture
Espurr, the “Restraint Pokémon,” is a bipedal cat with intense psychic powers. Its Keen Eye ability reduces the effectiveness of accuracy-damaging attacks and it can penetrate opponents’ barriers using its Infiltrator skill.
As a basic-stage cat-like Pokémon, Espurr isn’t used in competitive battling but qualifies for Little Cup contests. Espurr is suitable for battle against psychic and fighting types, but is weak against bug, ghost, and dark types.
Flareon
#137
Type: Fire
Generation: 1
Obtained by: Evolve from Eevee (Fire Stone)
One of the original “Eeveelutions” in the series, Flareon is a fire-type Pokémon aptly called the “Flame Pokémon.” While Flareon is a cool cat to have in your lineup, it’s sadly a rather useless Pokémon for battle. With relatively poor base stats and a weak moveset, it’s never seen in competitive play.
Still, in single-player games, Flareon will hold its own against grass, ice, bug, steel, and fairy types, but has weaknesses to water, ground, and rock types.
Glaceon
#471
Type: Ice
Generation: 4
Obtained by: Evolve from Eevee (Level-up near Icy Rock)
Glaceon, the “Fresh Snow Pokémon,” also sees very little competitive battle use, being so widely considered unfit for high-level play that it appears on the “Untiered” list. Glaceon is a neat-looking cat Pokémon, and you can add one to your collection by leveling up your Eevee near an Icy Rock, or with an Ice Stone starting in generation VIII.
Glaceon excels during ice storms with a hidden “Ice Body” ability that regenerates its HP during these weather events. In single-player games, Glaceon excels against other ice types, but falters against fire, fighting, rock, and steel-type Pokémon.
Glameow
#431
Type: Normal
Generation: 4
Obtained by: Capture
Unmistakably cat-like, Glameow’s PokeDex entry identifies it as the “Catty Pokémon.” As a basic stage Pokémon it’s a contender in Little Cup competitions and has the advantage of immunity to paralysis and confusion thanks to its Limber and Own Tempo abilities. Its Keen Eye hidden ability also protects it from accuracy-lowering attacks.
Like all normal types, Glameow gets pummeled by fighting-type pokemon, and it can’t attack ghost types unless it’s using special attacks like Hypnosis or Play Rough.
The mighty “Heel Pokémon” Incineroar is the final-stage evolution in the Litten family, built like a pro wrestler and striking with ferocity. It falls into the “Under-used” category in competitive play meaning you’ll occasionally square off against Incineroar in competition, but it’s not among the most common choices for high-level trainers.
Incineroar will help you crush foes from the grass, ice, ghost, dark, and steel types, but is exposed to high damage from water, fighting, ground, and rock types.
Jolteon
#135
Type: Electric
Generation: 1
Obtained by: Evolve from Eevee (Thunder Stone)
The electric-type cat is an “Eeveelution” known as the “Lightning Pokémon” is a cool cat from Pokemon games of old all the way back to R/B/Y. While Jolteon is ranked as a “never use” tier competitor, its electric-type moves give it an edge in single-player games against water and flying types.
On the other hand, ground-type Pokémon give Jolteon a tough time, and its moveset leaves a lot to be desired. However, its unique Volt Absorb ability makes it a force against other electric-type Pokémon by restoring rather than reducing Jolteon’s HP.
Leafeon
#470
Type: Grass
Generation: 4
Obtained by: Evolve from Eevee (Level-up near Mossy Rock)
One of the more elegant later-generation Eeveelutions is Leafeon, the “Verdant Pokémon.” You can add a Leafeon to your lineup by leveling up your Eevee near a Mossy Rock or with a Leaf Stone starting with generation VIII.
Leafeon’s moveset is underwhelming with its grass-type attacks coming at higher levels and capping off with Leaf Blade. It sees the competitive playfield in less than 5% of battles and offers limited benefits in single-player games.
Liepard
#510
Type: Dark
Generation: 5
Obtained by: Evolve from Purrloin, Capture
Purrloin’s first stage evolution is the “Cruel Pokémon” Liepard. This sleek purple cat Pokemon has the ability to resist paralysis with its Limber trait, and it can raise its speed by using Unburden when using its held item.
Purrloin is another cat-like Pokemon that suffers from great competitive disadvantage, so it’s exceedingly rare to see it used in tournament play. Reasons for this include its weakness to fighting, bug, and fairy-type Pokémon, only having an advantage against the much more rare ghost and dark types.
Litleo
#667
Type: Fire/Normal
Generation: 6
Obtained by: Capture (X/Y), Poke Pelago Gift (Sun/Moon)
Litleo, the adorable and cat-like “Lion Cub Pokémon,” features a fierce lineup of fire and normal-type moves that rely on raw power to quickly beat foes into submission. As a basic stage cat-like Pokémon it’s a Little Cup qualifier but doesn’t have any use in standard competitive play.
Litleo has the upper hand against several opposing types including fire, grass, ice, bug, steel, and fairy Pokémon. On the other hand, its weaknesses are extensive, struggling against water, fighting, ground, and rock types, with very little it can do against ghost Pokémon.
Litten
#725
Type: Fire
Generation: 7
Obtained by: Starter Choice
The “Fire Cat Pokémon” Litten is a generation VII starter with a cute but cool coat pattern and aloof demeanor. Its evolution chain, Litten – Torracat – Incineroar, makes it the most popular starter in Sun & Moon.
Like all basic stage Pokémon, Litten isn’t used in competition except for Little Cup challenges. Instead, you’ll use him mostly in single-player to evolve up to the mighty Incineroar. Litten makes up for its weaknesses to water, ground, and rock types with its strong advantages against fire, grass, ice, bug, steel, and fairy types.
Luxio
#404
Type: Electric
Generation: 4
Obtained by: Capture, Evolve from Shinx
The electric-type cat Luxio is known as the “Spark Pokémon.” Its ability to Intimidate its foes causes a reduction in the enemy’s attack state, and it has the Rivalry trait causing it to deal higher damage to opposite-gender Pokémon.
Luxio is permitted for play in “not fully-evolved” tournaments which exclusively allow the use of non-basic Pokémon who have further evolutions. In single-player, you’ll quickly evolve Luxio into Luxray. Luxio has an advantage against ground-type Pokémon but is weak against electric, flying, and steel types.
Luxray
#405
Type: Electric
Generation: 4
Obtained by: Evolve Luxio
Luxio’s final stage is the black cat Luxray, the “Gleam Eyes Pokémon.” Its Rivalry ability gives it an advantage against opposite-gender Pokémon while its Intimidate ability reduces its foe’s attack stat. However, its weak moveset and base stats make Luxray a highly unsuitable choice for competitive battles.
Luxray isn’t the most popular choice even in single-player games. It holds its own against steel, flying, and other electric types, but is weak against ground-type Pokémon.
Meowstic
#678
Type: Psychic
Generation: 6
Obtained by: Capture (Sword/Shield), Evolve from Espurr
Espurr’s first stage evolution is the “Constraint Pokémon” Meowstic. This cool cat uses its keen eye trait to prevent accuracy damage and penetrates barriers using the Infiltrator ability. It also prioritizes status effect attacks thanks to its hidden ability called Prankster.
Sadly, like many cat Pokémon, Meowstic’s base stats are too weak to make it an effective competitor. In single-player, you can use Meowstic to combat bug, ghost, and dark types, but it suffers heavy damage against fighting types and other psychic Pokémon.
Generation: 1 (Alolan/Galarian variants introduced in Gen. 7)
Obtained by: Capture
“Meowth, that’s right!” The face of Team Rocket is the fan-favorite of cat lovers everywhere. In later generations, the Alolan and Galarian variants give Meowth a dark type and steel type spin, respectively.
Meowth is a decent Little Cup competitor and can pack a decent punch on your journey through single-player games. Meowth is a good match against ghost and dark types and has weaknesses to fighting, bug, and fairy types.
Mew
#151
Type: Psychic
Generation: 1
Obtained by: Single-Spawn Capture (Emerald), Special Event Reward
The littlest of legendary “beasts,” Mew is an elusive tame in all Pokémon titles. While it’s technically available in R/B/Y, it’s impossible to obtain without using cheats except in very rare special events.
Mew has phenomenal base stats and is a popular choice in the competitive battle scene. Like all psychic types, it’s still weak against bugs, ghosts, and dark types, but has a great advantage over fighting and other psychic types.
Mewtwo
#150
Type: Psychic
Generation: 1
Obtained by: Single Spawn Capture
The genetically-altered version of Mew, Mewtwo is another one of the popular cats in competitive play. Its base stats are arguably better than Mew’s, and it shares the same strengths and weaknesses. Mewtwo has a deeper moveset than Mew, but more of its attacks are psychic-based rather than the diverse pool available to Mew.
Dusk Mane Necrozma
#800
Type: Psychic/Steel
Generation: 7
Obtained by: Special – Fuse Necrozma with Solgaleo using an N-Solarizer
The “Prism Pokémon” Necrozma has a robotic-looking cat form with insane base stats (besides its low speed) that make it an “Uber tier” choice in competitive play. Dusk Mane Necrozma uses powerful offensive type moves to tear through its foes like Photon Geyser and Prismatic Laser.
Dusk Mane Necrozma is highly effective against most types with an advantage over fairy, grass, ice, flying, psychic, rock, dragon, steel, and normal-type Pokémon. Its only slight disadvantages come against fire, ground, ghost, and dark types.
Perrserker, the “Viking Pokémon,” is a stony-eyed cat that’s strong against many foes. It has an advantage against over half of Pokémon types, including normal, grass, ice, flying, psychic, bug, rock, dragon, steel, and fairy. Its only weaknesses are against fire, fighting, and ground types.
However, don’t let this fool you. Perrserker has frustratingly feeble base stats which render its typically-powerful moveset rather weak.
Persian
#53
Type: Normal
Variants: Alolan Persian (Dark)
Generation: 1 (Alolan variant introduced in Gen. 7)
Obtained by: Capture, Evolve from Meowth
The first stage evolution of Meowth, Persian is known as the “Classy Cat Pokémon.” It has a solid roster of dark and normal-type moves, but its weak base stats make it a rare choice in competitive play. Its Technician ability powers up its weaker moves, but not enough to compensate for a low attack state.
Persian is a level competitor against most types, with weaknesses only to fighting types. However, it enjoys no advantages against other types.
Purrloin
#509
Type: Dark
Generation: 5
Obtained by: Capture, Breeding Liepard
Purrloin, the “Devious Pokémon,” is the basic stage Pokémon that evolves into Liepard. Like its evolved form, Purrloin has frustratingly low base stats making it rather unsuitable even for casual competition.
Purrloin thrives against ghost and dark types, but has weaknesses to the more common bug and fighting types as well as fairy types.
Purugly
#432
Type: Normal
Generation: 4
Obtained by: Evolve from Glameow
Purugly, the Pokémon known as the “Tiger Cat,” uses its Thick Fat ability to resist fire and ice-type damage. It’s also got the “Own Tempo” feature preventing the confusion effect.
For its weak base stats, Purugly is rarely used in competitive play, and while it doesn’t suffer many type weaknesses, its moveset renders it rather useless in single-player campaigns as well.
Pyroar
#668
Type: Fire/Normal
Generation: 6
Obtained by: Evolve from Litleo, Capture (Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon)
The “Royal Pokémon” Pyroar is another cat with less than desirable metrics in competition. Its base stats are stronger than other cats, but it suffers significant weakness to fire, grass, ice, bug, steel, and fairy types.
However, its moveset packs a lot of punch, with Pyroar learning Hyper Beam, Flamethrower, and Take Down all at low levels.
Raikou
#243
Type: Electric
Generation: 2
Obtained by: Capture (Roaming)
The “Thunder Pokémon” Raikou is one of the legendary beasts from gen 2, but not legendary enough for much competitive play. It has weakness only to ground-types, and an advantage against electric, flying, and steel types, but its low base attack and defense stats combined with its weak moveset make Raikou the most underwhelming of the legendary cats.
Shinx
#403
Type: Electric
Generation: 4
Obtained by: Capture, Breed Luxio/Luxray
The “Flash Pokémon” Shinx is the base stage of Luxio and Luxray with a decent attack stat. While you won’t use Shinx much on its own, its later evolutions are suitable for single-player midgame use making Shinx worth hunting and raising.
Skitty
#300
Type: Normal
Generation: 3
Obtained by: Capture
Skitty, the “Kitten Pokémon,” sadly is more cute and collectible than useful. Its 1st stage evolution (Skitty > Delcatty) is rather weak, and Skitty’s own moveset render is rather useless both in competitive play and single-player campaigns.
Solgaleo
#791
Type: Psychic/Steel
Generation: 7
Obtained by: Sun/Moon Only: Evolve from Cosmoem, Single-Spawn Capture, Gift
The “Sunne Pokémon” Solgaleo is an “uber tier” competitor with phenomenal base stats and a crushing list of attacks. While hard to obtain, Solgaleo is a worthy addition to any lineup and is a common choice for tournament play.
Suicune
#245
Type: Water
Generation: 2
Obtained by: Capture (Roaming)
Early versions of the “Aurora Pokémon” are used often in competitive play, while later versions have more competition to stack up against. This legendary leopard uses powerful water, psychic, and ice attacks combined with high defense and sp. defense stats that make it a contender in a well-balanced lineup.
Sylveon
#700
Type: Fairy
Generation: 6
Obtained by: Evolve from Partner Eevee (3-heart friendship, level-up while Eevee knows a Fairy-type move)
The “intertwining Pokémon” Sylveon is a unique “Eeveelution” with powerful sp. atk and sp. def stats that give it an edge against heavily typed Pokémon. While it takes heavy damage against physical attacks, the most powerful special type moves are rather ineffective.
Its moveset leaves a little to be desired, but Sylveon has a decent stat balance and occasionally finds itself in competitive tournament play.
The first stage evolution from Litten, the “Fire Cat Pokémon,” finding a useful place in NFE competitions. In single-player games, Litten players will spend some time with Torracat, as well. Torracat has great resistance to fire, grass, ice, bug, steel, and fairy types, giving it an edge against many foes.
Umbreon
#197
Type: Dark
Generation: 2
Obtained by: Evolve from Eevee (Nighttime, High friendship)
The “Moonlight Pokémon” is an “Eeveelution” with lots of advantages in early generations, while fitting into the rarely-used tier in later generations. Its high defense, sp. defense, and moveset make it a solid choice for inflicting stat damage and status conditions.
Vaporeon
#134
Type: Water
Generation: 1
Obtained by: Evolve from Eevee (Water Stone)
The “Bubble Jet Pokémon” sees different levels of use depending on its generation, but you can count on lots of HP and high sp. atk/def stats no matter which version you’re playing. Vaporeon’s moveset isn’t particularly deep, but matched up against a fire or rock type, Vaporeon is a formidable foe.
Zangoose
#335
Type: Normal
Generation: 3
Obtained by: Capture
The “Cat Ferret Pokémon” and its poor base stats render it useless in competitive play, and it doesn’t have much room in a strong single-player lineup, either. Zangoose doesn’t inflict much damage, and higher-tiered Pokémon offer more diversity in stat damage and inflicting status conditions.
Zeraora
#807
Type: Electric
Generation: 7
Obtained by: Special Event, Pokemon Home Gift
The “Thunderclap Pokémon” uses high speed and powerful attack stats to inflict major damage. Regularly used in competitive play, Zeraora continues learning new moves all the way up to level 96, mostly learning electric, fighting, and normal-type attacks.
In Closing
Which cat Pokémon is right for you? Some cats are killers in battle, while others are simply too weak to be worth catching and training. Be sure to check out a cat Pokémon’s stats and move lists before committing hours of your valuable time training one to be sure your lineup is one that wins!
Dane started off gaming at the tender age of 3 with the first Atari console. His favorite video game genres are turn-based RPGs (can I get a shout out for Tactics Ogre?) and fighting games. Read more...
