There’s no doubt that cats are one of the most popular pets in the world. And it’s easy to see why – they’re cute, cuddly, and have a personality all their own. But even if you’re not a cat person, there’s no denying that these creatures have inspired some pretty amazing songs over the years.
So, in honor of our feline friends, we’ve put together a list of 20 of the best songs about cats. From classics like “Old McDonald Had a Farm” to more modern hits like “I Knew You Were Trouble”, there’s sure to be a song on this list that you’ll love.
So, without further ado, here are the 20 best songs about cats:
By the way, if you’re a fan of songs about cats, you might also want to check out songs with animals in the title.Cool for Cats – Squeeze
Cool for Cats is a song by the British new wave band Squeeze. It was released in 1979 as the lead single from their second album, Cool for Cats. The song is about a young man’s obsession with cats and his attempts to impress a girl by buying them expensive gifts. The lyrics are written in a tongue-in-cheek style and include many cat-related puns. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It has since been included on numerous Squeeze compilations and live albums.
What’s New Pussycat? – Tom Jones
Tom Jones’s “What’s New Pussycat?” is a playful song about cats that first became popular in the 1960s. The song was composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, and it was originally recorded by Jones for the film What’s New Pussycat? The song has a catchy melody and a light-hearted lyric that speaks to the joys and challenges of living with a feline friend. In recent years, the song has been covered by a number of artists, including Rufus Wainwright and the band They Might Be Giants. “What’s New Pussycat?” remains a popular choice for cat lovers of all ages.
Stray Cat Strut – Stray Cats
“Stray Cat Strut” is a song by the Stray Cats, released in 1981 as part of their self-titled album. The song was written by Brian Setzer and tells the story of a group of stray cats who strut their stuff around town. The lyrics describe the cats’ cocky attitude and love for the ladies, and the guitar riff is one of the most iconic in rock history. “Stray Cat Strut” remains one of the Stray Cats’ most popular songs, and its catchy beat and easy-to-sing chorus have made it a favorite among karaoke fans. Whether you’re a cat lover or not, there’s no denying that “Stray Cat Strut” is a fun, upbeat song that’s impossible to resist.
The Lovecats – The Cure
The Lovecats is a song by English rock band The Cure, released as the lead single from their 1983 album Japanese Whispers. The song was a significant commercial success, reaching number 7 in the UK Singles Chart and becoming one of The Cure’s best-known songs. It is also notable for its music video, directed by Tim Pope, which features the band members dressed as cats.
The song was written by frontman Robert Smith and bassist Simon Gallup. It was inspired by a photograph of two Siamese cats in National Geographic magazine.
Alley Cats – Hot Chip
Alley Cats by Hot Chip is a song about, you guessed it, cats. The song was released in 2016 as part of the band’s album A Bath Full of Ecstasy. The song tells the story of a group of friends who spend their evenings feeding and caring for a colony of feral cats that live in an alleyway near their apartment. While the subject matter may seem lighthearted, the song is actually quite touching, with lyrics that speak to the bond between humans and animals. In a world that can often feel cold and unforgiving, the alley cats represent hope and companionship. For many people, they are the only family they have.
Macavity – Taylor Swift
Macavity is a song by Taylor Swift about cats. The song was released on December 10, 2019, and is included on the album Cats: The Musical (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). The song is sung from the perspective of a cat named Macavity, who is described as “the mystery cat” and “the mastermind” who is “not there” when crimes are committed. Macavity is also said to be “a devil in disguise” with “a mind of his own.” The song ends with the narrator declaring that Macavity is “the Napoleon of crime.”
Cat People – David Bowie
“Cat People” is a song written by David Bowie in 1982. The song was originally recorded as the title track for the film Cat People, but was later included on Bowie’s album Let’s Dance. The song has been described as a “metaphorical tales of two people united by their love of cats.” The lyrics tell the story of a man who is transformed into a cat after he falls in love with a woman who also loves cats. The song is also notable for its use of saxophone, which was played by Bowie’s then- collaborator Carlos Alomar. “Cat People” was a top 40 hit in several countries, and has been covered by numerous artists including Siouxsie and the Banshees, Duran Duran, and Kylie Minogue.
Mean Eyed Cat – Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s “Mean Eyed Cat” is a song about, well, mean cats. The song tells the story of a particularly nasty feline who terrorizes everyone it comes into contact with. The cat hisses, spits, and scratches anyone who gets too close and seems to take particular pleasure in making life difficult for the narrator. However, despite the cat’s bad attitude, the narrator can’t help but be fascinated by the creature. There’s something about the mean eyed cat that just keeps drawing him in. In the end, the narrator comes to understand that the mean eyed cat is simply a product of its environment – it’s just trying to survive in a tough world. And while the cat may never be cuddly or friendly, the narrator has gained a newfound respect for the creature.
Phenomenal Cat – The Kinks
The Kinks are a British rock band that formed in 1964. The group’s best-known lineup consists of brothers Ray and Dave Davies. The band gained popularity in the United Kingdom with their debut album, which was released in 1964. The Kinks’ first hit single was “You Really Got Me,” which topped the charts in both the UK and the US. “Phenomenal Cat” is a song from the Kinks’ 1968 album, The Kink Kronikles. The song is about a cat that is so phenomenal that it can do everything, including flying and swimming.
The Cat Crept In – Mud
The Cat Crept In By Mud is a song about cats written by English singer-songwriter Katzenjammer. The song was released as a single in 2008 and was included on the band’s debut album Le Pop. The Cat Crept In By Mud is a playful and upbeat song that celebrates the feline companion. The lyrics tell the story of a cat who sneaks into a home through a mud puddle and promptly makes themselves at home. The song’s cheerful tone and charming subject matter have made it a favorite among cat lovers, and it has become an anthem for those who appreciate the simple joys of life. Whether you’re a cat person or not, it’s hard not to be charmed by The Cat Crept In By Mud.
Year Of The Cat – Al Stewart
The Year of the Cat is a song by Al Stewart about the Chinese zodiac. The song was released in 1976 as the lead single from Stewart’s album of the same name. The lyrics tell the story of a man who meets a woman on a train and is charmed by her beauty. The woman tells him that she is a “lady of the evening” and that she was born in the Year of the Cat. The man is enchanted by her and decides to follow her home. However, when he arrives at her apartment, he finds that she has been killed by a cat. The song ends with the man vowing to never again let himself be charmed by a woman.
Cats In The Cradle – Ugly Kid Joe
Cats in the cradle is a song by Ugly Kid Joe. The song is about a father and son relationship. The father is busy with work and the son is always asking for his attention. The father tries to make time for the son, but it’s never enough. The son grows up and becomes just like his father, always busy and never able to make time for family. The song is a warning to fathers to cherish the time they have with their children because they will grow up quickly and someday they will be the ones who are too busy to spend time with their own children.
Skimbleshanks, The Railway Cat – Andrew Lloyd Webber
In the musical “Cats,” Skimbleshanks is the railway cat who keeps the train running on time. He’s a ginger tomcat with a bushy tail, and he’s very proud of his job. Skimbleshanks is always up for a game, and he loves to chase mice. He’s also a skilled mouser, and he’s not afraid to put his life on the line to protect the train. Skimbleshanks is a true hero, and he’s sure to put a smile on your face.
Snow Cats – AFI
Cats have long been a source of fascination for humans, and they have been the subject of songs, stories, and artwork for centuries. In more recent years, cats have become popular internet memes, and there are now entire online communities devoted to celebrating all things feline. One of the most famous cat-themed songs is “Snow Cats” by the American rock band AFI. The song is a haunting ballad that tells the story of a group of cats who are forced to fend for themselves in the cold winter months.
The Ad-Dressing Of The Cats – Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Ad-Dressing of the Cats is a popular song from the musical Cats, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The song is sung by the character Grizabella, and is a contemplation on her life as a former cat who is now living among humans. Through the lyrics, Grizabella reflects on her past as a member of the Jellicle tribe of cats, and how she misses the company of her feline friends. The Ad-Dressing of the Cats is a touching ballad that speaks to the bond between humans and cats, and the power of companionship.
Kitty Kat – G-Unit
Kitty Kat by G-Unit is a song about cats. The song was released in 2006 as part of the album Best of 50 Cent. The song is a collaboration between 50 Cent and his then-signee, Olivia. In the song, 50 Cent raps about how he loves cats and how they make him feel “cute and cuddly.” He also compares the feeling of having a cat to that of being in a relationship, saying that they both make him feel “soft and warm.” The song was well-received by fans and critics, with many praising its playful and lighthearted tone. It remains one of G-Unit’s most popular songs.
Cool Cat – Queen
Cool Cat is a song by the British rock band Queen. The song was written by lead singer Freddie Mercury and guitarist Brian May, and it was included on the band’s 1982 album Hot Space. The song is about cats, and in particular, Mercury’s cat Delilah. In an interview, May said that the song was inspired by the “crazy things [cats] do.” Mercury was also a well-known cat enthusiast, and he often spoke about his love for cats in interviews. The song received mixed reviews from critics, but it remains one of Queen’s most popular songs. In recent years, it has been frequently used in memes and GIFs featuring cats.
My Cat’s Name Is Maceo – Jane’s Addiction
In the song “My Cat’s Name Is Maceo,” Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell pays tribute to his feline friend with a lighthearted and catchy tune. The lyrics reflect the playful bond between cat and owner, as Farrell describes all the things they do together, from chasing moths to taking naps. The chorus celebrates the unique personality of Maceo, proclaiming that “he’s not like other cats.” The song is a fun and upbeat ode to the joys of cat ownership, and it’s sure to put a smile on the face of any cat lover.
I Happen To Like Cats – Granger Smith
Granger Smith is a country music singer and songwriter who achieved success with his 2013 album Dirt Road Driveway. However, it is his 2018 single “I Happen to Like Cats” that has garnered the most attention in recent years. The song, which is an ode to cats of all shapes and sizes, became an instant hit with cat lovers around the world. In addition to its catchy melody, the song includes a number of important messages about the benefits of owning a cat.
When He Calls Me Kitten – The Kelley Deal 6000
When He Calls Me Kitten by The Kelley Deal 6000 is a song about the special bond between a woman and her cat. The song starts with the narrator describing how her cat follows her around and always seems to be there when she needs him. He’s always there to comfort her, even when she’s feeling down. The chorus of the song tells the story of how the narrator’s boyfriend left her, but she didn’t mind because she always had her faithful cat by her side. The song ends with the narrator thanking her cat for always being there for her. When He Calls Me Kitten is a touching tribute to the special bond between a woman and her feline friend. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best relationships are the ones we have with our furry companions.
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