by Kerri Reed

Created on: January 19, 2009

Cats have been immortalized on film since the beginning of the cinema. From Felix the Cat, to the Cat in the Hat, there are countless examples of cats gracing the big screen. Television has had their fair share of cat characters as well. "The Garfield Christmas Special" is still seen in my home every Christmas eve, and as a teacher nothing can compare to the reading of "Scarlett: The Cat who Saved her Kittens." Yet, when looking at the impact of cats in film, there is only one cat who rises above all the rest.

"The most wonderful thing about Tigger, is Tigger's a wonderful thing!" This icon from the hundred acre wood needs no formal introduction. Children all over the world see a photo of this proud cat, and know instantly who it is. Tigger is bouncy and fun, but mostly educational. We learn from the Winnie-the-Pooh series that cats are not scary, and they need love and attention too. Growing up, I had a Tigger doll, and that doll traveled the ends of the earth with me. I had airlines go back to the terminal to retrieve a Tigger doll from the airport restroom when I was eight. This perennial character will stay with me forever.

More famous film cats include "Hello Kitty", who is popular among young girls all over the world, and "Sylvester" from cartoon fame. There is even a contemporary film called "Cats & Dogs" which pits the animals against each other in the name of all things fun. Other famous film cats include, ""The Aristocats", "Lady & the Tramp", and "Milo & Otis." These films are legendary, and are invaluable in an elementary school classroom. They teach tolerance, compassion, and kindness toward animals to all children.

My son's favorite feline on film has always been "Snowball" from the Simpsons franchise. This wacky cat gets himself into more scrapes than an action hero, but always seems to be right as rain when the next episode begins. "Catdog" was a Nickelodeon character that actually fused together a cat and a dog to create a bizarre rendition of a creature that amused and bewildered. "The Pink Panther" is another famous film cat, who continues to entertain.

The most popular cat on film in the last ten years was Disney's "The Lion King." This movie was brilliantly made, and included lions at all stages of life. It realistically depicted the lion pride, while telling a moving story about familial loyalty, and forgiveness. Leave it to Disney to get the story of a cat just right. Disney over the years have told stories with cats. "Alice in Wonderland" has the Cheshire, and "Oliver & Company" has Oliver. Additionally, Figaro is the cat from "Pinocchio", and "Cats Don't Dance" has too many to mention. One of my favorites is "Cats" the musical, which was filmed for dvd a few years ago. This long-running musical showcases cats from Dick Whittington to Opera.

The feline influence on film is unmistakable. Whether it's Sylvester running after Tweety, or the smile of the Chesire cat in "Alice in Wonderland", there is something for every cat lover at your local video store.

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