Cats have inspired musicians across genres, leading to a variety of songs that celebrate these mysterious, playful, and sometimes mischievous creatures. Whether it’s a jazz-infused tune, a rock anthem, or a children’s favorite, these songs are all about actual cats, so no metaphorical felines here. That means you won’t find tracks like “Cat’s in the Cradle” or “Eye of the Tiger” on this list. Instead, this collection is dedicated to the songs that truly embrace our furry companions in all their whiskered glory.
Be sure to check out the Songs About Cats Playlist at the bottom of this page.
Best Songs About Cats
1. “Kitty” – The Presidents of The United States of America
Lyric Sample: “Kitty at my foot and I wanna touch it.”
This grunge-infused song is all about an unpredictable and feisty feline. Its humorous lyrics and bouncy energy make it a fun and memorable tribute to the chaos of owning a cat.
2. “My Cat’s Name Is Maceo” – Jane’s Addiction
Lyric Sample: “My cat’s name is Maceo, he’s a little man in a cat’s body.”
Jane’s Addiction crafted this groovy, jazz-inspired track as an ode to a beloved pet. The song’s laid-back vibe and funky rhythm capture the effortless coolness that cats naturally exude.
3. “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat” – The Aristocats
Lyric Sample: “Everybody wants to be a cat, because a cat’s the only cat who knows where it’s at.”
This lively jazz number from The Aristocats movie celebrates the carefree and stylish nature of cats. With its swing-inspired instrumentation and catchy chorus, it’s one of the most famous songs about cats in pop culture.
4. “Phenomenal Cat” – The Kinks
Lyric Sample: “There lived a cat, a phenomenal cat, who loved to wallow all day.”
This whimsical tune tells the story of a well-traveled feline who eventually chooses a carefree life of eating and lounging. Its dreamy, fairy tale-like melody and playful lyrics make it one of the most famous songs about cats.
5. “Cats” – The Living Tombstone
Lyric Sample: “Meow meow meow meow meow.”
This electronic track captures the quirky and unpredictable nature of cats. With its pulsating beats and clever lyrics, it’s a modern tribute to our feline friends.
6. “The Kitty Cat Song” – The Troggs
Lyric Sample: “I’ve bought a little kitty cat who never chased a mouse.”
This playful song compares a carefree cat to a lover who refuses to be pinned down. Its catchy melody and humorous lyrics make it a fun addition to songs about cats.
7. “I Taut I Taw a Puddy Tat” – Mel Blanc
Lyric Sample: “I taut I taw a puddy tat a-creeping up on me.”
This novelty song, sung by the voice behind Tweety Bird, brings the classic cartoon chase to life. With its comedic lyrics and playful delivery, it’s a nostalgic children’s song about cats.
8. “The Siamese Cat Song” – Peggy Lee
Lyric Sample: “We are Siamese if you please, we are Siamese if you don’t please.”
From Lady and the Tramp, this song features two mischievous Siamese cats causing trouble. Its exotic melody and sly lyrics perfectly embody the sneaky charm of these feline troublemakers.
9. “Stray Cat Strut” – Stray Cats
Lyric Sample: “I don’t bother chasing mice around, I slink down the alley looking for a fight.”
This rockabilly classic is an ode to a tough, streetwise cat. With its slick guitar riffs and swaggering lyrics, it’s one of the most recognizable songs about cats ever recorded.
10. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” – The Tokens
Lyric Sample: “In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight.”
This doo-wop classic tells the story of a sleeping lion in a peaceful jungle. Its soaring harmonies and infectious melody have made it a staple in pop culture.
11. “The Cat’s Song” – Katrina Gupalo
Lyric Sample: “Morning, dear, I’m ready to go, come on, turn on the radio.”
This dreamy, whimsical tune captures the playful and unpredictable nature of a cat. With its lighthearted melody and charming lyrics, it perfectly embodies the spirit of a feline companion.
12. “Cat’s in the Well” – Bob Dylan
Lyric Sample: “The cat’s in the well, and the gentle lady is asleep.”
Bob Dylan uses the image of a cat in distress to craft a song filled with metaphor and mystery. Its bluesy feel and cryptic lyrics add depth to this intriguing track.
13. “Walking My Cat Named Dog” – Norma Tanega
Lyric Sample: “Dog is a good old cat, people, what you think of that?”
This folk tune humorously flips expectations with a cat that acts more like a dog. Its cheerful melody and quirky lyrics make it a standout song about a cat.
14. “Smelly Cat” – Friends
Lyric Sample: “Smelly cat, smelly cat, what are they feeding you?”
This hilarious song from Friends became a cult favorite. Its offbeat lyrics and Phoebe Buffay’s unique delivery make it one of the funniest songs about cats.
15. “Thomas O’Malley Cat” – The Aristocats
Lyric Sample: “I’m Abraham DeLacey, Giuseppe Casey, Thomas O’Malley, O’Malley the alley cat.”
This jazzy, swagger-filled tune from The Aristocats introduces the charming and carefree Thomas O’Malley. With its lively rhythm and confident lyrics, it perfectly captures the spirit of a streetwise feline who loves adventure.
16. “Josie and the Pussycats” – Josie and the Pussycats Theme
Lyric Sample: “Josie and the Pussycats, no time for purrs and pats.”
This pop-rock theme song captures the fun and adventure of the iconic cartoon band. Its infectious chorus and energetic vibe make it an instant earworm.
17. “The Old Gumbie Cat” – Cats
Lyric Sample: “Her name is Jennyanydots, her coat is of the tabby kind, with tiger stripes and leopard spots.
This Broadway number paints a picture of a cat with a hidden nightlife. With its playful storytelling and theatrical charm, it’s a standout track from Cats.
18. “I Go Meow” – The Kiffness
Lyric Sample: “I go meow, I go meow, I go meow, go meow, I don’t know who I am.”
This playful and catchy song uses a repetitive meowing chorus to capture the quirky nature of feline behavior, blending humor and a fun vibe. It fits perfectly on this list as it showcases a cat’s confusion and identity through the simple, yet hilarious act of “meowing.”
19. “The Cat Song” – Bryant Oden
Lyric Sample: “Cats, they’re the sweetest, cats, they’re the meanest, that’s just the way it goes.”
This fun, upbeat song humorously highlights the many contradictory behaviors of cats. It’s a great children’s cat song because it captures the complex, loveable, and sometimes frustrating nature of cats in a catchy and relatable way.
20. “The Rum Tum Tugger” – Cats
Lyric Sample: “The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat.”
This catchy Cats tune captures the playful and unpredictable nature of cats, with a focus on Rum Tum Tugger’s finicky, always-changing desires. Its fun, energetic vibe makes it a perfect fit for a cat-themed playlist.
21. “Plea from a Cat Named Virtute” – The Weakerthans
Lyric Sample: “All you ever want to do is drink and watch TV.”
This indie rock ballad explores the emotional bond between a cat and its owner. The raw, poignant lyrics offer a unique and touching perspective.
22. “I Love My Kitty Cat” – Parry Gripp
Lyric Sample: “I love my kitty cat, yes, I do.”
Parry Gripp delivers a fun and upbeat tribute to the joys of cat ownership. Its playful lyrics and catchy tune make it a hit among feline enthusiasts.
23. “Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty” – The Big Bang Theory
Lyric Sample: “Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur.”
This simple lullaby became famous thanks to The Big Bang Theory. Its soothing melody makes it a comforting song for cat lovers of all ages.
Conclusion: Why Cats Inspire So Many Songs
From playful jingles to soulful ballads, cats have inspired countless musicians across genres. Their mysterious, independent, and sometimes mischievous nature makes them the perfect subject for songwriters.
So, whether you love rock, jazz, or Broadway tunes, these songs about cats prove that felines will always have a place in music.
Be sure to check out our other themed lists, including the Best Songs with Animals in the Title list!