Are you a cat lover who also happens to have a deep love for music? You’re in for a treat!
We’ve curated a list of 10 paw-some songs that will make you love cats even more. Each tune beautifully captures the fascinating charm and mysterious aura of our beloved feline friends, from their playful antics to their independent spirit.
Let’s explore these meow-sical songs!
1. “THE LOVE CATS” BY THE CURE
Robert Smith – a renowned cat-lover – serves up this whimsical song capturing the playful and mysterious qualities of cats. The song’s catchy rhythm and lively lyrics give off an upbeat, carefree vibe, further echoing the spirited nature of cats. It is often understood to be a celebration of love and independence, much like the characteristics we often associate with cats. Open to interpretation, about the exact meaning behind “The Love Cats” has never been revealed.
2. “BLACK CAT” BY JANET JACKSON
An absolute banger. The black cat is a common symbol in popular culture. The song isn’t about cats in the literal sense, but rather uses the metaphor of a black cat – often associated with superstition and bad luck in many cultures – to convey a message about self-destruction and taking dangerous risks. This parallels the perilous, ‘nine-lives’ curiosity often ascribed to cats.
3. “SMELLY CAT” BY PHOEBE BUFFAY
“Smelly Cat” is a witty, memorable song performed by the character Phoebe Buffay in the sitcom “Friends.” Known for her eccentric personality, her iconic character displays a quirky and unconventional nature. This is not dissimilar to the character make-up of our closest feline friends.
4. “YEAR OF THE CAT” BY AL STEWART
Although metaphorical, the song tells the story of a traveller who crosses paths with a mysterious woman and decides to change his previous plans just to be with her.
The song does not provide a clear narrative or message about what the “Year of the Cat” specifically represents, leaving much up to your own interpretation. However, it tells a story with vivid imagery, much like the elusive nature of a cat. And its smooth, warm sound can help listeners appreciate the laid-back demeanor of cats. The cat reference specifically relates to astrology and the Vietnamese zodiac.
5. “WHAT’S NEW PUSSYCAT?” BY TOM JONES
This classic track uses the term ‘pussycat’ as a term of endearment or affection toward women. Referring to a woman as his ‘pussycat’, most likely means that he is saying that she is womanly, sexy, sleek, and feminine. Its infectious tune and frisky lyrics can certainly be attributed to the warm, enchanting aspects of cats. It’s a slang, old-timey term that was commonly used in the 1960’s, around the same time the song was released.
6. “KITTY” BY THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
This song comically captures a moment that all cat parents can relate to. It depicts a situation where the singer comes home and is greeted by his cat. He’s eager to show the cat some love, but the cat is not so inclined and ends up scratching him.
“Kitty at my foot and I want to touch it… Kitty bites me and I want to smash it.”
This (overly) explicit lyric expresses a (sometimes) love-hate dynamic between humans and cats. Cats are often independent and may not want attention at the same times that humans want to give it, leading to these amusing – and sometimes maddening – exchanges.
7. “CAT PEOPLE (PUTTING OUT FIRE)” BY DAVID BOWIE
“Cat People (Putting Out Fire)” by David Bowie was composed for the 1982 horror film of the same name – it’s about a woman who transforms into a black leopard when she becomes aroused or angry.
Metaphorically speaking, this record uses this concept to explore themes of intense passion, danger, and transformation. While not about cats in the literal sense, it nonetheless connects to the feline theme of the film and taps into the symbolic meanings that cats often carry, such as mystery, independence, and sensuality.
8. ‘PADS, PAWS & CLAWS’ BY ELVIS COSTELLO
The song’s (obvious!) title refers to parts of a feline’s body – the soft pads and sharp claws on their paws. It paints a picture of a female character through feline imagery, drawing similarities between his girlfriend and a cat’s behavior. The song implies she’s independent, mysterious, and a bit wild – attributes often associated with our feline friends.
While the song isn’t literally about cats, it draws upon the representation associated with cats to portray his gal pal’s personality.
9. “SATELLITE MOMENTS (LIGHT UP THE SKY)” BY CHARLIE FINK
“Satellite Moments (Light Up the Sky)” is from the movie “A Street Cat Named Bob”. The film is a true story of James Bowen and his relationship with a stray cat named Bob. James, a struggling street musician and recovering drug addict encounters an injured, stray ginger cat and forms a close, lasting bond with him. Bob’s presence helps James find stability, purpose, and a renewed sense of hope.
An introspective song, it reflects on the real connection we have with our pets and how they help shape our humanity, even during our darkest times.
10. “STRAY CAT STRUT” BY STRAY CATS
This rockabilly song captures the independent spirit of cats. The stylish, confident strut of the feline is something cat lovers appreciate and this song perfectly encapsulates it.
The lyrics depict the life of a confident and independent stray cat who roams the streets, free and unbound by any rules. In a way, the “stray cat” in the song is a metaphor for the band members themselves and their rockabilly style, which was out of the mainstream in the 1980’s. The song is essentially a celebration of nonconformity and independence, values that cats – particularly stray ones – often symbolize.
CONCLUSION
We hope this paw-some playlist has made you sway to the rhythm while bringing you even closer to our feline companions.
These songs all feature cats in some way, whether literally or metaphorically, and their various moods and styles help listeners appreciate the multifaceted nature of felines.
Music has a profound way of connecting with our emotions. These songs serve as a reminder of why we cherish these mysterious, adorable creatures so much.
Keep the music playing, and let the love for cats reverberate!