Getting Feline with Pokémon

Recently, I've found out that one of the most popular felines - cats - on the Internet had passed away, and I'm half a year late to the announcement. Yet I've also enjoyed the presence of that cat for a time, as I also enjoy (having the company of) real cats. Even as a Pokémon fan, I'm quite heartbroken to hear about the news. That leads me to think about all the felines or cats that have graced Pokémon from past to present and how much they mean as I enjoy both the real ones and fantasy ones.

Many generations of Pokémon have characteristic feline species. One doesn't need to look far to the first generation for Meowth and Persian, which can be annoying in their own ways. The Skitty family in the third generation looks almost like aliens as much as its two members are quite funky. The Glameow family of the fourth generation has two species with stark contrast between the two. Fifth generation has the Liepard family, which is quite sly. Back to Meowth, it even has two regional forms in later generations of decidedly different characteristics and even specific evolved forms for both. The felines that are out there are quite dazzling in appearance and personality, just like some real felines.

Interestingly, a few of these felines have a bipedal appearance, unlike (most) real felines that are quadrupeds. A few of these may still walk on all fours at times, but the ones I refer to are almost thoroughly known as bipedal creatures. With their appearance, it might seem to make them lose a little of their feline charm, yet by virtue of that bipedalism, they also identify themselves closer to people, the creatures that might appreciate them even more than those of their own kind. This has in a way been affirmed to be the case for a particularly famous Meowth. Whether or not this is the case for others, it's a total fantasy for cats or felines, and the people also benefit from becoming closer with them.

There is one more case of a remarkable feline. That would be the case of a certain Litten in the anime. It started off life by caring for an elderly Stoutland, who also taught it a great deal about things. After having gone through so much, the Stoutland departed, leaving Litten on its own. But it wasn't in vain, for Litten found its way to an even more charismatic companion. Though a canine or dog, the Stoutland bears some hallmarks to the (not so) recently departed Internet feline figure, including its old age, and now in a way I feel like the Litten to that Stoutland. Spiritually, Litten has moved on, and it seems to be a time for me to do so as well from the departing of that feline figure.

Nothing can replace that feline figure - not even the felines or cats from Pokémon - but at the least the latter has their unique charms. I'm quite content to see and enjoy the fantastic felines from this latter side as much as I enjoy real felines that I can tangibly interact with, and in the case of that feline figure, one that appeals through the screen for all its fans. Like the departing of the Stoutland (canine as it may be), it's just something to bear in feline form. Rest in peace, and now it's time to get back into Pokémon and perhaps its felines as well.

One year ago: This Is It

Two years ago: Cosplay: Club Cosplay Party

Three years ago: Pokkén BanaPassports