songs about cats
Entertainment & Playlists

57 Best Songs About Cats of All Time

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Written By Will Fenton
Entertainment & Playlists

57 Best Songs About Cats of All Time

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Along with dogs, cats have been our furry companions for ages now.

And in the modern age, they became true stars of the Internet.

So it comes as no surprise that there are numerous cat-themed songs out there.

And for today’s article, we picked the best songs about cats.

Whether you are searching for a tune to dedicate to your cat or you simply want to hear what a song about a cat sounds like, our list has what you’re looking for!

Table of Contents

1. “Cool For Cats” by Squeeze

This song is more of a journal than anything else, detailing the bad or rather failed events that have occurred in Squeeze’s life.

The main man in this song attempts several things he watches on television in an effort to appear as a “Cool Cat” and wow the girls, but most of his initiatives are unsuccessful.

Despite the sad events, the song has an enduring appeal due to its humorous take on the situation and its enduring appeal.

2. “Cat’s in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin

There comes a point in life when you understand that nothing at all should stand in the way of the connection that you have with your family.

The lyrics tell the tragic narrative of a father who never makes the effort to spend quality time with his kid.

The story is told in the form of a song. Take this as a lesson that you should never prioritize your work over your family obligations.

3. “The Lovecats” by The Cure

It is said that Robert Smith, lead vocalist for The Cure, was greatly moved by Patrick White’s novel The Vivisector, which prompted him to compose this song. This song was written by Robert Smith.

The main character, Hurtle, is shaken to his core when he learns that his lover’s spouse has been responsible for the death of a number of stray cats.

4. “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat” by The Aristocats

This wonderful animated film is a timeless example of how Disney masterfully depicted cats.

This is a fantastic introduction to jazz music for a younger generation that may not be so familiar with the genre.

In addition to being a beautiful song about cats, this is also a terrific introduction to jazz.

5. “Tom Cat” by Rooftop Singers

The well-known band Rooftop Singers issued an album titled Tom Cat in the year 1992.

Their music was greatly influenced by jazz and blues, despite the fact that they were a progressive folk-singing trio from the United States.

Lynne Taylor and Erik Darling took turns performing vocals for the band, and guitarist Bil Svanee was also a member of the ensemble.

The song in question provides an in-depth commentary on the author’s aging dog, Tom Cat, who is reviled by all of the cats in the area.

The catchy music contributed to the song’s meteoric rise to fame shortly after it was released.

6. “Cat People (Putting Out Fire)” by David Bowie

The song, which was written to serve as the title tune for the sensual horror film released in 1982 with the same name, was a great fit for both David Bowie and the film.

There is no one else who could have nailed this particular kind of terror quite like Bowie, and the entire world is extremely grateful that he did.

It went on to become one of his most successful solo singles.

7. “Nashville Cats” by The Lovin’ Spoonful

“Nashville Cats” is a song by The Lovin’ Spoonful, released in 1966.

Read more:  14 Best Songs About Clocks

The song was written by John Sebastian, the band’s frontman.

It was included on the album Hums of the Lovin’ Spoonful.

Many of the songs have an air of simplicity and peace about them.

Most cats are content to laze around and occasionally act foolish.

A superb illustration of how precisely this carefree kitten mindset can be captured in music is found in The Lovin’ Spoonful’s song “Nashville Cats.”

8. “Cool Cat” by Queen

This laid-back groove is one of the many enormous singles that this iconic rock band has released in the course of their career.

This music is the ideal representation of the “strutting around” behavior, also known as moving to the “beat of one’s heart,” that people and cats alike are prone to engage in when they are feeling cool and confident.

9. “I Happen to Like Cats” by Granger Smith

Granger Smith tells what life is like when you are surrounded by the things that you love, which in his case includes artwork, cushions, and a cat gym.

As he settles down to sing with other vocalists about his feline buddies, he complains about being coated in cat hair and how it is sticking to him.

This song rose to prominence and managed to win the affection of a great number of listeners, including those who did not even own cats!

10. “Leave My Kitten Alone” by The Beatles

Everyone who was alive during the Beatlemania era is aware of how chaotic the phenomenon was, and the song “Leave My Kitten Alone” was one that drove audiences completely insane.

The song was created by Johnny Preston in the beginning, but the Beatles covered it and gave it their own unique, rock-oriented spin.

This song is a great illustration of exactly how strong John Lennon’s voice was in general.

Check out our list of the best Beatles songs.

11. “Smelly Cat” by Phoebe Buffay

If you’re a fan of “Friends”, we don’t have to reassure you that “Smelly Cat” is arguably the most iconic song about cats.

In the show, Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) comes up with a song about a smelly cat. And just like all of her other songs, “Smelly Cat” sounded brilliantly bad.

But the song became a true hit. It was performed by many famous singers over the years.

In the Friends Reunion TV special, Lisa Kudrow joined forces with Lady Gaga to perform it. And in 2015, she even performed it on Taylor Swift’s world tour.

12. “My Cat’s Name Is Maceo” by Jane’s Addiction

Here comes another great ode to cats. Jane’s Addiction’s Perry Farrell wrote “My Cat’s Name Is Maceo” as a tribute to his cat.

The cat was named after Maceo Parker, an American funk and soul saxophonist. And this is actually a cool story because the band managed to get Maceo (the real Maceo) to join them and perform the song.

13. “The Rum Tum Tugger” by Andrew Lloyd Webber

This list wouldn’t be complete without a song from the Cats musical.

“The Rum Tum Tugger” is a theme song from the original soundtrack, and it’s an absolute cat-like tune.

14. “Three Cool Cats” by The Coasters

“Three Cool Cats” is a song recorded by The Coasters in 1958.

The song was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and it was released as a single on Atco Records.

It’s a song that many artists, including the Beatles, have covered.

It is one of the most popular songs about cats.

The lyrics depict three cool cats doing what they do best, which is being cool.

15. “Cat On Tin Roof” by Blonde Redhead

Cat On Tin Roof” is a song by the American-Italian alternative rock band Blonde Redhead. 

The lyrics and meaning of the song are open to interpretation, with some interpreting it as a metaphor for feeling trapped and suffocated in a relationship or situation, while others interpret it as a more literal depiction of a cat stuck on a roof. 

This slow, carefree rhythm from the band’s Barragán album is driven by the bass. 

It features multi-instrumentalist Kazu Makino’s lead female vocals.

16. “What’s New Pussycat?” by Tom Jones

“What’s New Pussycat?” is a popular song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and performed by Tom Jones.

The song was recorded in 1965 and was used as the title track of the 1965 film What’s New Pussycat? which starred Peter Sellers and Ursula Andress.

Even though this song has been used innumerable times for comedic effects, it is still a superbly composed work of art.

This is a great cat song to party to, from Tom Jones’s appealing vocal expression to the song’s shifting dynamics conveyed by the eclectic instrumentation, which includes an accordion and a punchy brass band, among others.

17. “Phenomenal Cat” by The Kinks

If you’re searching for a good song to dedicate to your cat, we have a suggestion: “Phenomenal Cat” by The Kinks.

The song sounds exactly like you would expect a song with that title to sound. And the lyrics are pretty straightforward too:

No one bothered him

As he sat, content in his tree.

He just lived to eat ’cause it kept him fat,

And that’s how he wanted to stay.

18. “Mr. Mistoffelees” by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Here comes another theatrical song about cats.

With this song and the whole soundtrack, Andrew Lloyd Webber made this legendary musical come alive. And the musical turned out to be a record-breaking and award-winning show.

19. “Siamese Cats”, Lady and the Tramp OST

Peggy Lee did a tremendous job in performing this song for a scene in the Lady and the Tramp Disney movie.

When you’re a kid, this hypnotizing song and that scene with two siamese cats sneaking around really stick with you.

20. “Pads, Paws And Claws” by Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello talks about certain parts of a cat’s body as a metaphor for the story of a troubled marriage.

Although the song is not literally about cats, “Pads, Paws And Claws” sounds very cat-ish. There’s even a ‘meow’ at the beginning of a song.

21. “A Year Of The Cat” by Al Stewart

For cat lovers, every year is the year of the cat.

Read more:  30 Best Songs About Daughters (Heart-Warming Songs)

Joking aside, Al Stewart’s “A Year Of The Cat” is a seriously good tune. It was released on Stewart’s 1976 album of the same name.

22. “Honky Cat” by Elton John

Another great cat track from the 70s is “Honky Cat” written by Elton John.

The song actually turned out to be a big hit, and Elton John performed it many times in the 50 years since its release.

23. “The Kitty Cat Song” by The Troggs

“The Kitty Cat Song” by The Troggs is arguably one of the most cat-sounding songs on this list. If that makes sense.

In the song, the singer is comparing his cat to his partner. But he does that very smoothly.

24. “Kitten Got Claws” by Whitesnake

“Kitten Got Claws” is an energetic rock tune released in 1989.

Lyrically, the song isn’t actually about the love for cats. But we can pretend it is.

25. “Like A Cat” by Cindy Lauper

Another song from 1989 is “Like A Cat” by Cindy Lauper.

And it’s one of the songs about cats you can dance to.

26. “Kitty” by Cat Stevens

Conveniently enough, Cat Stevens also wrote a song about cats.

“Kitty” starts as a rather gentle, easy song, but it transforms into something more energetic later on. So, the song is presumably about a bad cat.

27. “Cat Food” by King Crimson

Well, this is definitely a different cat-related song. There aren’t many prog rock songs about cats, after all.

“Cat Food” is a part of King Crimson’s 1970 album “In The Wake Of Poseidon”.

28. “Black Cat” by Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson’s pop/rock tune named after a black cat was released in 1989, and it got a lot of attention back then.

It was also nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.

29. “Old Black Cat” by Ian Anderson

Another song about a black cat was written by Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson and released in 2003.

It’s actually quite a beautiful tune with Anderon’s recognizable flute parts.

30. “Cleopatra’s Cat” by Spin Doctors

“Cleopatra’s Cat” is a quirky and catchy tune released in 1994.

Lyrically, the song tells a story of Cleopatra and her cat – and some other historical cat-related stuff.

31. “Go Little Go Cat” by Four Teens

Go, go Johnny, go, go.. Oops, it’s the wrong song.

But it’s close enough. “Go Little Go Cat” is an old jukebox tune, and one of the most danceable rock&roll cat songs on this list.

32. “Tom Tom Cats” by Tom Tom Cat

We’re staying in the retro vibe with “Tom Tom Cats” by Tom Tom Cat.

Don’t let the song’s (and artist’s) name fool you. It’s a pretty good track.

33. “Tom Tom Cats” by Laura Nyro

Another song dedicated to Tom the cat is “Tom Tom Cats” by Laura Nyro.

Despite its funky title, the song has a slow-paced, almost dark beginning, and it progresses to a more intense atmosphere.

34. “Roar” by Katy Perry

If you’re looking for a more popular song to dedicate to your kitty, why not go for Katy Perry’s “Roar”?

Your kitty will grow up to be a real tiger and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

35. “Kitty Kat” by Beyoncé

Another pop hit you can dedicate to your kitty (if you pretend it’s not metaphorical) is “Kitty Kat” by Beyoncé.

It’s a part of Beyoncé’s second studio album “B’Day” released in 2006.

36. “Cat” by The Hassles

This 1969 song about a cat is performed by The Hassles and written by Billy Joel.

It’s a cool song with easy-going vibes and cat-themed lyrics. So, it definitely deserves to be mentioned.

37. “Stray Cat Strut” by Stray Cats

And if you’re looking for a song about stray cats, look no further: “Stray Cat Strut” is a tribute to stray cats.

I don’t bother chasing mice around

I slink down the alleyway looking for a fight

Howling to the moonlight on a hot summer night…

 38. “Mirror Maru” by Cashmere Cat

Don’t be mistaken – Cashmere Cat is the name of the artist, not the song.

Cashmere Cat is a Norwegian DJ and producer and this is her song about the cat called Maru.

39. “COPYCAT” by Billie Eilish

Although this isn’t a typical song about cats, there’s something cat-like about its atmosphere.

It’s a bit dark too, so let’s pretend it’s about those two siamese cats from The Lady and the Tramp.

40. “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” by Randy Newman

Is there a better song to celebrate the love for cats than this one?

Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” is an ideal song for cat-loving people. Therefore, it’s a perfect conclusion to our feline playlist.  

When you’re down and troubled

And you need a helping hand

And nothing, nothing is going right

Close your eyes and think of me

And soon I will be there

To brighten up even your darkest night.

41. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens

What better song to feature as the lead track on this collection of cat jams?

The song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” was first released in 1939 under the name “Mbube” by Solomon Linda and his band, The Evening Birds.

The song was later adapted by American songwriters George David Weiss, Hugo Peretti, and Luigi Creatore and recorded by The Tokens in 1961.

Although lions may not be the first cat species that come to mind, this song is unquestionably acceptable because they are large cats.

It’s a very calming piece of jungle music that works well as both a karaoke song and a lullaby.

42. “Meow Mix Jingle” by Tom McFaul

“Meow Mix Jingle” is a popular advertising jingle for the Meow Mix brand of cat food, which was composed by Tom McFaul in 1970.

The jingle is known for its catchy melody and the repetition of the words “meow, meow, meow, meow” in the chorus.

The jingle has been used in a variety of Meow Mix commercials over the years and has become a familiar and iconic tune for many cat owners.

Read more:  30 Best Songs About Power of All Time

The jingle has been covered by several artists and has been parodied in various TV shows and movies.

Despite the popularity of the jingle, the original song has never been commercially released as a single or an album.

43. “The Minister’s Cat” by Scrooge

“The Minister’s Cat” from the musical “Scrooge” is a great song about cats.

This song, which was originally a part of a Victorian-era parlor game, uses a different adjective to describe a cat for each letter of the alphabet in turn.

The guests move in a circle while attempting to keep the song going for as long as possible without running out of adjectives.

44. “Josie And The Pussycats Theme Song” by Josie And The Pussycats

“Josie and the Pussycats” is a song performed by the fictional girl group Josie and the Pussycats in the Archie Comics series of the same name, as well as in the television show and movie adaptations of the comics.

The song was written by Dan DeCarlo, the creator of the comics series, and is the theme song of the comic and the TV show.

It is one of the greatest songs with the word cat in it.

The lyrics of the song are simple, catchy, and upbeat, which reflects the spirit of the comic series.

45. “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by Andrew Lloyd Webber

“Macavity: The Mystery Cat” is a song from the musical “Cats” by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The song is sung by the character of Macavity, a mysterious and villainous cat, and is one of the most popular songs from the show.

The song is sung by Macavity as he brags about his criminal activities and his ability to evade capture.

The lyrics of the song describe Macavity as a master criminal who can escape from any situation.

46. “Magical Mr. Mistoffelees” by Andrew Lloyd Webber

“Magical Mr. Mistoffelees” is a song from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Cats.”

 It is one of the best cat songs of all time.

It is sung by the character Mistoffelees, who is a magical cat with the power to perform illusions.

The song highlights his abilities and showcases his charm and mischievousness.

This show tune is for you if you enjoy songs about mystical cats.

There is an exciting build that occurs a couple of times and never fails to thrill.

47. “Pet Me Papa” by Guys And Dolls

“Pet Me Papa” is a song from the musical “Guys and Dolls,” with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser.

The character Miss Adelaide sings the song as a plea to her fiancé Nathan Detroit to pay more attention to her.

This burlesque song from the Broadway classic’s original stage production might not sound familiar to you.

This is because “A Bushel and a Peck” was substituted by this slightly racier song for the movie version, which starred Vivian Blaine as Miss Adelaide.

She does a big cat-inspired dance with her Alley Kittens to this swinging big band tune.

48. “All Dead, All Dead” by Queen

All Dead, All Dead” is a song by the British rock band Queen, written by Freddie Mercury.

Many people are unaware that the melancholy piano ballad with the heart-wrenching guitar chorale in the middle was actually written in memory of Brian May’s dead cat.

For those of us who have experienced the death of a cat friend, knowing the song’s history only serves to deepen its significance.

It is rated as one of the best cat songs.

49. “Invitation To The Jellicle Ball” by Andrew Lloyd Webber

“Invitation to the Jellicle Ball” is a song from the musical “Cats” by Andrew Lloyd Webber. 

The T.S. Elliot poetry was turned into a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and the result generated some of the best cat songs ever written.

The song serves as an introduction to the Jellicle cats and the Jellicle Ball and is typically sung by the character of the Munkustrap.

50. “Kitty” by The Presidents of the United States of America

Kitty” is a song recorded by the American rock band The Presidents of the United States of America.

As a result of the wording in the lyrics, the song is rated a little higher than G.

Although the singer in the song treats the cat in the song less kindly than other cat lovers might, it is nevertheless a charming tune that refers to our favorite fuzzy, whiskered pets.

51. “Scales and Arpeggios” by The Aristocats

“Scales and Arpeggios” is a song from the 1970 Disney animated film “The Aristocats.”

The song is sung by the characters Duchess and her three kittens, Marie, Berlioz, and Toulouse, as they practice their music lesson.

It is one of the most popular songs about cats.

Unquestionably one of the cutest cat-themed songs ever, and possibly the most endearing kitten animation ever created.

In a way, the song even teaches you the fundamentals of scales and arpeggios.

52. “Thomas O’Malley Cat” by The Aristocats

“Thomas O’Malley Cat” is a song from the 1970 Disney animated film The Aristocats.

The song is performed by Phil Harris, who voices the character of Thomas O’Malley, a smooth-talking alley cat who befriends a group of aristocratic cats and helps them return home after they are kidnapped.

The song is a playful and upbeat tune that showcases Thomas O’Malley’s charismatic personality and his attempts to win the affections of the Duchess, the leader of the Aristocats.

The song is a memorable and iconic part of the film and has been rated as one of the best cat songs.

53. “Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” by Andrew Lloyd Webber

“Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” is a song from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Cats.”

The song is sung by the character Skimbleshanks, who is the “railway cat” of the title.

Skimbleshanks is the cat who keeps the train running on time and is described as being “a long-tailed, short-sighted, cheerful, bright-eyed, furtive fellow.”

It is one of the top cat songs with “cat” in the title.

54. “Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer” by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Without mentioning those two evil criminal cats, no collection of cat songs would be complete.

“Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer” is a song from the musical “Cats” by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

It is sung by the characters Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, two mischievous cats who cause trouble in the tribe of Jellicle cats.

Even though they frequently break into homes and steal belongings and meals from the local people, they are still wonderful cats at heart.

The song is a playful, upbeat number that highlights the characters’ playful and mischievous nature.

55. “The Old Gumbie Cat” by Andrew Lloyd Webber

The Old Gumbie Cat is a song from the musical Cats, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Jennyanydots, a Jellicle cat, is back on the West End or Broadway stage.

Her feline peers refer to her as the Old Gumbie Cat.

She is renowned for teaching mice how to crochet and for teaching roaches to sing and dance.

This is a fantastic cat song for the sophisticated cat, whether you prefer Rebel Wilson in the movie or Anna McNeely on Broadway.

56. “I Taut I Taw A Puddy Tat” by Mel Blanc

“I Taut I Taw A Puddy Tat” is a popular song from the 1950s performed by Mel Blanc, who is also known as the voice of many Looney Tunes characters, including Bugs Bunny.

The song was written by Alan Livingston, Billy May, and Warren Foster.

You’ll adore this song if you’ve ever enjoyed animated characters as a kid or adult.

It was featured in the Warner Bros. animated short film “Tweetie Pie” and was a hit for Blanc in 1951, reaching #10 on the Billboard charts.

The song is performed by Tweety Bird, a yellow canary, and Sylvester the Cat, who is trying to catch Tweety.

57. “Cat’s in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin

“Cat’s in the Cradle” is a song by American singer-songwriter Harry Chapin, released in 1974.

There comes a time in life when you realize that absolutely nothing should get in the way of your relationship with your family.

The song is a ballad that tells the story of a father and son’s relationship, with the father being too busy to spend time with his son, who grows up and eventually becomes just as busy as his father was.

The song is told from the father’s perspective and highlights the theme of how time and priorities can affect relationships.

It is one of the popular songs with “cat” in the title. 

Songs About Cats – Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed our playlist dedicated to cats!

It’s a rather long list, but there are many more songs about cats we didn’t include this time.

It seems like our furry friends keep inspiring people to write songs about them. 

Similar Playlists:

Songs About Dogs

Songs About Animals

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Will Fenton

Introduced to good music at a young age through my father. The first record I remember being played was "Buffalo Soldier" by Bob Marley, I must've been six years old. By the time I was seven, I was taking drum lessons once a week. The challenge but the euphoric feeling of learning a new song was addicting, and I suppose as they say the rest was history. Favorite album of all time? Tattoo You by The Rolling Stones Best gig you've ever been to? Neil Young at Desert Trip in 2016 Media mentions: Evening Standard Daily Mail

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