History Analysis / CatGirl

In Japan, the catgirl is closely associated with {{Moe}}. It is noteworthy that the most common method of drawing anime characters, particularly females, tends to give them catlike features (large eyes with elliptical pupils, a small mouth and a skull shaped much like that of a young human child) - and that cats are ''extremely'' anthropomorphic for non-primates in the first place. Given this, the catgirl is possibly nothing more than the logical conclusion of this. Anime catgirls usually have CuteLittleFangs and a tendency to use a CatSmile when happy. They often have a GenkiGirl personality. Anime characters which are not actually catgirls often show up ''as'' catgirls in the fantasies of other characters. Collars often make a prominent appearance in such cases. In a less suggestive context, playful female characters often have catgirl avatars in CyberSpace sequences.

The Japanese (or at least manga and anime creators and fans) seem to have a particular fascination with catgirls, which they call ''{{Nekomimi}}'', which translates to literally "cat-eared". They are found in genres as widely varied as HighFantasy (Merle and others in ''Anime/TheVisionOfEscaflowne''), light comedy and CyberPunk, proving that they are not a setting-specific feature, but a general type that can be inserted into just about anything. The catgirl motif in Japan seems to have roots in ancient myth with mythological felines such as the nekomata and bakeneko, but the first true catgirl (and thus the trope) appears to have been created by Creator/OsamuTezuka in the 1950s. Although there were far earlier entries with a ''nekomusume''[[note]]lit. "Cat Daughter"[[/note]] doumented to 1769, in a side show attraction.

Expect a Western feline-themed character to be portrayed as [[FemmeFatale especially sexy and especially dangerous,]] with FemmeFatalons and agility second only to Franchise/{{Spider Man}}. The SpyCatsuit is usually the outfit of choice. CuteLittleFangs are sometimes present but seldom used in a cute manner. Claws, whether natural or in the form of clawed gloves, tend to be particularly popular.

In Japan the catgirl is closely associated with {{Moe}}. It is noteworthy that the most common method of drawing anime characters, particularly females, tends to give them catlike features (large eyes with elliptical pupils, a small mouth and a skull shaped much like that of a young human child) - and that cats are ''extremely'' anthropomorphic for non-primates in the first place. Given this, the catgirl is possibly nothing more than the logical conclusion of this. Anime catgirls usually have CuteLittleFangs and a tendency to use a CatSmile when happy. They often have a GenkiGirl personality. Anime characters which are not actually catgirls often show up ''as'' catgirls in the fantasies of other characters. Collars often make a prominent appearance in such cases. In a less suggestive context, playful female characters often have catgirl avatars in CyberSpace sequences.

Expect a Western feline-themed character to be portrayed as [[FemmeFatale especially sexy and especially dangerous,]] with FemmeFatalons and agility second only to Franchise/{{Spider Man}}. The CatSuit is usually the outfit of choice. CuteLittleFangs are sometimes present but seldom used in a cute manner. Claws, whether natural or in the form of clawed gloves, tend to be particularly popular.

Please read the [[{{cat girl}} unabridged version]], meow!

The Japanese (or at least manga and anime creators and fans) seem to have a particular fascination with catgirls, which they call ''{{Nekomimi}}'', which translates to literally "cat-eared". They are found in genres as widely varied as HighFantasy (Merle and others in ''Anime/TheVisionOfEscaflowne''), light comedy and CyberPunk, proving that they are not a setting-specific feature, but a general type that can be inserted into just about anything. The catgirl motif in Japan seems to have roots in ancient myth with mythological felines such as the nekomata and bakeneko, but the first true catgirl (and thus the trope) appears to have been created by Creator/OsamuTezuka in the 1950s.

The Japanese (or at least manga and anime creators and fans) seem to have a particular fascination with catgirls, which they call ''{{Nekomimi}}'', which translates to literally "cat-eared". They are found in genres as widely varied as HighFantasy (Merle and others in ''VisionOfEscaflowne''), light comedy and CyberPunk, proving that they are not a setting-specific feature, but a general type that can be inserted into just about anything. The catgirl motif in Japan seems to have roots in ancient myth with mythological felines such as the nekomata and bakeneko, but the first true catgirl (and thus the trope) appears to have been created by Creator/OsamuTezuka in the 1950s.

However, it is worth noting that this trope is primarily about appearance, not gender, and that male examples of characters with real or fake cat ears are by no means unheard of. In the early decades of anime there were few dog and cat-boy characters because there was largely no place for them in anime. They had no role to serve and no audience to appeal to. In the 2000s, the evolving characteristics of anime and anime viewers has created more of a demand for catboys, particularly in media targeted at a female audience. See [[http://www.animenation.net/blog/2010/04/12/ask-john-why-are-there-so-few-dog-boys/ here]] for more information. They tend to be either {{Keet}}s or [[AllGirlsWantBadBoys bad boys]], and are actually ''more'' likely to wear collars than their female counterparts - especially in FanArt.

However, it is worth noting that this trope is primarily about appearance, not gender, and that male examples of characters with real or fake cat ears are by no means unheard of. In the early decades of anime there were few dog and cat-boy characters because there was largely no place for them in anime. They had no role to serve and no audience to appeal to. In the 2000s, the evolving characteristics of anime and anime viewers has created more of a demand for catboys, particularly in media targeted at a female audience. See [[http://www.animenation.net/blog/2010/04/12/ask-john-why-are-there-so-few-dog-boys/ here]] for more information. They tend to be either {{Keet}}s or [[AllGirlsWantBadBoys bad boys]], and are actually ''more'' likely to wear collars than their female counterparts - especially in FanArt.

The Japanese (or at least manga and anime creators and fans) seem to have a particular fascination with catgirls, which they call ''{{Nekomimi}}'', which translates to literally "cat-eared". They are found in genres as widely varied as HighFantasy (Merle and others in ''VisionOfEscaflowne''), light comedy and CyberPunk, proving that they are not a setting-specific feature, but a general type that can be inserted into just about anything. The catgirl motif in Japan seems to have roots in ancient myth with mythological felines such as the nekomata and bakeneko, but the first true catgirl (and thus the trope) appears to have been created by OsamuTezuka in the 1950s.

The Catgirl is sterotypically female, perhaps because of the FelineFemale association, or perhaps because MostWritersAreMale. Many fans appreciate catgirls because they’re cute and they suggest softness, cuddliness, aloofness and hidden claws. The combination of feline and female seems to resonate strongly in the collective muse and shows up in many forms, ranging from the "10,000 horsepower innocent" cyborg Nuku-Nuku (from ''Anime/AllPurposeCulturalCatGirlNukuNuku'') all the way up to the devastatingly sexy criminals such as Ana and Una Puma from ''DominionTankPolice'' and ComicBook/{{Catwoman}}.

The [=Catgirl=] is sterotypically female, perhaps because of the FelineFemale association, or perhaps because MostWritersAreMale. Many fans appreciate [=catgirl=]s because they’re cute and they suggest softness, cuddliness, aloofness and hidden claws. The combination of feline and female seems to resonate strongly in the collective muse and shows up in many forms, ranging from the "10,000 horsepower innocent" cyborg Nuku-Nuku (from ''Anime/AllPurposeCulturalCatGirlNukuNuku'') all the way up to the devastatingly sexy criminals such as Ana and Una Puma from ''DominionTankPolice'' and ComicBook/{{Catwoman}}.

The Japanese (or at least manga and anime creators and fans) seem to have a particular fascination with [=catgirl=]s, which they call ''{{Nekomimi}}'', which translates to literally "cat-eared". They are found in genres as widely varied as HighFantasy (Merle and others in ''VisionOfEscaflowne''), light comedy and CyberPunk, proving that they are not a setting-specific feature, but a general type that can be inserted into just about anything. The [=catgirl=] motif in Japan seems to have roots in ancient myth with the nekomata, but the first true [=catgirl=] (and thus the trope) appears to have been created by OsamuTezuka in the 1950s.

In Japan the [=Catgirl=] is closely associated with {{Moe}}. It is noteworthy that the most common method of drawing anime characters, particularly females, tends to give them catlike features (large eyes with elliptical pupils, a small mouth and a skull shaped much like that of a young human child) - and that cats are ''extremely'' anthropomorphic for non-primates in the first place. Given this, the [=Catgirl=] is possibly nothing more than the logical conclusion of this. Anime [=Catgirls=] usually have CuteLittleFangs and a tendency to use a CatSmile when happy. They often have a GenkiGirl personality. Anime characters which are not actually catgirls often show up ''as'' [=catgirls=] in the fantasies of other characters. Collars often make a prominent appearance in such cases. In a less suggestive context, playful female characters often have [=catgirl=] avatars in CyberSpace sequences.

However, it is worth noting that this trope is primarly about appearance, not gender, and that male examples of characters with real or fake cat ears are by no means unheard of. In the early decades of anime there were few dog and cat-boy characters because there was largely no place for them in anime. They had no role to serve and no audience to appeal to. In the 2000s, the evolving characteristics of anime and anime viewers has created more of a demand for catboys, particularly in media targeted at a female audience. See [[http://www.animenation.net/blog/2010/04/12/ask-john-why-are-there-so-few-dog-boys/ here]] for more information. They tend to be either {{Keet}}s or [[AllGirlsWantBadBoys bad boys]], and are actually ''more'' likely to wear collars than their female counterparts - especially in FanArt.

The Japanese (or at least manga and anime creators and fans) seem to have a particular fascination with [=catgirl=]s, which they call ''{{Nekomimi}}'', which translates to literally "cat-eared". They are found in genres as widely varied as HighFantasy (Merle and others in ''VisionOfEscaflowne''), light comedy and CyberPunk, proving that they are not a setting-specific feature, but a general type that can be inserted into just about anything. The [=catgirl=] motif in Japan seems to have roots in ancient myth with a ''Nekomata'', but the first true [=catgirl=] (and thus the trope) appears to have been created by OsamuTezuka in the 1950s.

The [=Catgirl=] is sterotypically female, perhaps because of the FelineFemale association, or perhaps because MostWritersAreMale. Many fans appreciate [=catgirl=]s because they’re cute and they suggest softness, cuddliness, aloofness and hidden claws. The combination of feline and female seems to resonate strongly in the collective muse and shows up in many forms, ranging from the "10,000 horsepower innocent" cyborg Nuku-Nuku (from ''Anime/AllPurposeCulturalCatGirlNukuNuku'') all the way up to the devastatingly sexy criminals such as Ana and Una Puma from ''DominionTankPolice'' and {{ComicBook/Catwoman}}.

In Japan the [=Catgirl=] is closely associated with {{Moe}}. It is noteworthy that the most common method of drawing anime characters, particularly females, tends to give them catlike features (large eyes with elliptical pupils, a small mouth and a skull shaped much like that of a young human child) - and that cats are ''extremely'' anthropomorphic for non-primates in the first place. Given this, the [=Catgirl=] is possibly nothing more than the logical conclusion of this. Anime [=Catgirls=] usually have CuteLittleFangs and a tendency to use a CatSmile when happy. They often have a Genki Girl personality. Anime characters which are not actually catgirls often show up ''as'' [=catgirls=] in the fantasies of other characters. Collars often make a prominent appearance in such cases. In a less suggestive context, playful female characters often have [=catgirl=] avatars in CyberSpace sequences.

In Japan the [=Catgirl=] is closely associated with {{Moe}}. It is noteworthy that the most common method of drawing anime characters, particularly females, tends to give them catlike features (large eyes with elliptical pupils, a small mouth and a skull shaped much like that of a young human child) - and that cats are ''extremely'' anthropomorphic for non-primates in the first place. Given this, the [=Catgirl=] is possibly nothing more than the logical conclusion of this. Anime [=Catgirls=] usually have CuteLittleFangs and a tendency to use a CatSmile when happy. They often have a GenkiGirl personality. Anime characters which are not actually catgirls often show up ''as'' [=catgirls=] in the fantasies of other characters. Collars often make a prominent appearance in such cases. In a less suggestive context, playful female characters often have [=catgirl=] avatars in CyberSpace sequences.

The CatGirl is sterotypically female, perhaps because of the FelineFemale association, or perhaps because MostWritersAreMale. Many fans appreciate catgirls because they’re cute and they suggest softness, cuddliness, aloofness and hidden claws. The combination of feline and female seems to resonate strongly in the collective muse and shows up in many forms, ranging from the "10,000 horsepower innocent" cyborg Nuku-Nuku (from ''Anime/AllPurposeCulturalCatGirlNukuNuku'') all the way up to the devastatingly sexy criminals such as Ana and Una Puma from ''DominionTankPolice'' and {{ComicBook/Catwoman}}.

Expect a Western feline-themed character to be portrayed as [[FemmeFatale especially sexy and especially dangerous,]] with FemmeFatalons and agility second only to SpiderMan. The CatSuit is usually the outfit of choice. CuteLittleFangs are sometimes present but seldom used in a cute manner. Claws, whether natural or in the form of clawed gloves, tend to be particularly popular.

The Japanese (or at least manga and anime creators and fans) seem to have a particular fascination with catgirls, which they call ''{{Nekomimi}}'', which translates to literally "cat-eared". They are found in genres as widely varied as HighFantasy (Merle and others in ''VisionOfEscaflowne''), light comedy and CyberPunk, proving that they are not a setting-specific feature, but a general type that can be inserted into just about anything. The CatGirl motif in Japan seems to have roots in ancient myth with a ''Nekomata'', but the first true catgirl (and thus the trope) appears to have been created by OsamuTezuka in the 1950s.

In Japan the CatGirl is closely associated with {{Moe}}. It is noteworthy that the most common method of drawing anime characters, particularly females, tends to give them catlike features (large eyes with elliptical pupils, a small mouth and a skull shaped much like that of a young human child) - and that cats are ''extremely'' anthropomorphic for non-primates in the first place. Given this, the CatGirl is possibly nothing more than the logical conclusion of this. Anime Catgirls usually have CuteLittleFangs and a tendency to use a CatSmile when happy. They often have a GenkiGirl personality. Anime characters which are not actually catgirls often show up ''as'' catgirls in the fantasies of other characters. Collars often make a prominent appearance in such cases. In a less suggestive context, playful female characters often have catgirl avatars in CyberSpace sequences.

In Japan the CatGirl is closely associated with {{Moe}}. It is noteworthy that the most common method of drawing anime characters, particularly females, tends to give them catlike features (large eyes with elliptical pupils, a small mouth and a skull shaped much like that of a young human child) - and that cats are ''extremely'' anthropomorphic for non-primates in the first place. Given this, the CatGirl is possibly nothing more than the logical conclusion of this. Anime Catgirls usually have CuteLittleFangs and a tendency to use a CatSmile when happy. They often have a GenkiGirl personality. Anime characters which are not actually catgirls often show up ''as'' catgirls in the [[FetishFuel fantasies of other characters]]. Collars often make a prominent appearance in such cases. In a less suggestive context, playful female characters often have catgirl avatars in CyberSpace sequences.

The Japanese (or at least manga and anime creators and fans) seem to have a particular fascination with catgirls, which they call ''{{Nekomimi}}'', which translates to literally "cat-eared". They are found in genres as widely varied as HighFantasy (Merle and others in ''VisionOfEscaflowne''), light comedy and CyberPunk, proving that they are not a setting-specific feature, but a general type that can be inserted into just about anything. The CatGirl motiff in Japan seems to have roots in ancient myth with a ''Nekomata'', but the first true catgirl (and thus the trope) appears to have been created by OsamuTezuka in the 1950s.

In Japan the CatGirl is closely associated with {{Moe}}. It is noteworthy that the most common method of drawing anime characters, particularly females, tends to give them catlike features (large eyes, a small mouth and a skull shaped much like that of a young human child) - and that cats are ''extremely'' anthropomorphic for non-primates in the first place. Given this, the CatGirl is possibly nothing more than the logical conclusion of this. Anime Catgirls usually have CuteLittleFangs and a tendency to use a CatSmile when happy. Female Catgirls often have a GenkiGirl personality. Anime characters which are not actually catgirls often show up ''as'' catgirls in the [[FanService fantasies of other characters]]. Collars often make a prominent appearance in such cases. In a less suggestive context, playful female characters often have catgirl avatars in CyberSpace sequences.

However, it is worth noting that this trope is primarly about appearance, not gender, and that male examples of characters with real or fake cat ears are by no means unheard of. In the early decades of anime there were few dog and cat-boy characters because there was largely no place for them in anime. They had no role to serve and no audience to appeal to. As of the 2000s and the evolving characteristics of anime and anime viewers, there became more of a demand for catboys, particularly in media targeted at a female audience, hence more of them have begun appearing. See [[http://www.animenation.net/blog/2010/04/12/ask-john-why-are-there-so-few-dog-boys/ here]] for more information. They tend to be either {{Keet}}s or [[AllGirlsWantBadBoys bad boys]], and are actually ''more'' likely to wear collars than their female counterparts - especially in FanArt.

[[quoteright:250:[[/Manga/TokyoMewMew http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/cutecatgirl_720.jpg]]]]

[[quoteright:250:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/cutecatgirl_720.jpg]]

The CatGirl is sterotypically female, perhaps because of the FelineFemale association, or perhaps because MostWritersAreMale. Many fans appreciate catgirls because they’re cute and they suggest softness, cuddliness, aloofness and hidden claws. The combination of feline and female seems to resonate strongly in the collective muse and shows up in many forms, ranging from the "10,000 horsepower innocent" cyborg Nuku-Nuku (from ''AllPurposeCulturalCatGirlNukuNuku'') all the way up to the devastatingly sexy criminals such as Ana and Una Puma from ''DominionTankPolice'' and {{ComicBook/Catwoman}}.

The CatGirl is sterotypically female, perhaps because of the FelineFemale association, or perhaps because MostWritersAreMale. Many fans appreciate catgirls because they’re cute and they suggest softness, cuddliness, aloofness and hidden claws. The combination of feline and female seems to resonate strongly in the collective muse and shows up in many forms, ranging from the "10,000 horsepower innocent" cyborg Nuku-Nuku (from ''AllPurposeCulturalCatGirlNukuNuku'') all the way up to the devastatingly sexy criminals such as Ana and Una Puma from ''DominionTankPolice'' and {{ComicBook/Catwoman}}. However, it is worth noting that this trope is primarly about appearance, not gender, and that male examples of characters with real or fake cat ears are by no means unheard of.

In Japan the CatGirl is closely associated with {{Moe}}. It is noteworthy that the most common method of drawing anime characters, particularly females, tends to give them catlike features (large eyes, a small mouth and a skull shaped much like that of a young human child) - and that cats are ''extremely'' anthropomorphic for non-primates in the first place. Given this, the CatGirl is possibly nothing more than the logical conclusion of this. Anime Catgirls usually have CuteLittleFangs and a tendency to use a CatSmile when happy. Female Catgirls often have a GenkiGirl personality. Catboys can also be found, particularly in media targeted at a female audience. They tend to be either {{Keet}}s or [[AllGirlsWantBadBoys bad boys]], and are actually ''more'' likely to wear collars than their female counterparts - especially in FanArt.

Anime characters which are not actually catgirls often show up ''as'' catgirls in the [[FanService fantasies of other (male) characters]]. Collars often make a prominent appearance in such cases. In a less suggestive context, playful female characters often have catgirl avatars in CyberSpace sequences. See also SproutingEars for examples of characters that do not normally have cat ears being temporary drawn with cat ears because of the use of SuperDeformed art to emphasis certain emotions are character traits.

Catgirls are ''extremely'' common subjects of [[CosplayOtakuGirl cosplay]] and roleplaying and in the US at least, catgirl cosplayers are often stereotyped as [[FanDumb obnoxious, pushy preteens]] with squeaky voices, [[GratuitousJapanese broken Japanese]], and gratuitous use of the "Nya" VerbalTic. (Cosplaying a pre-established character who just happens to be a catgirl is much more socially acceptable, but cosplaying your own original catgirl, or just wearing cat ears with your normal clothes, fits right here.) [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp01192004.shtml 'Please spay your catgirl']] is a common joke in some circles, reflecting the general low esteem they are held in by some people, especially those who conflate them with the more negative aspects of the FurryFandom. However, catgirls are a popular subject of FanArt among US anime fans, including catgirl versions of non-catgirl characters.

The CatGirl is sterotypically female, perhaps because of the FelineFemale association, or perhaps because MostWritersAreMale. The combination of feline and female seems to resonate strongly in the collective muse and shows up in many forms, ranging from the "10,000 horsepower innocent" cyborg Nuku-Nuku (from ''AllPurposeCulturalCatGirlNukuNuku'') all the way up to the devastatingly sexy criminals such as Ana and Una Puma from ''DominionTankPolice'' and {{ComicBook/Catwoman}}. However, it is worth noting that this trope is primarly about appearance, not gender, and that male examples of characters with real or fake cat ears are by no means unheard of.

The CatGirl is most commonly female, perhaps because of the FelineFemale association, or perhaps because MostWritersAreMale. The combination of feline and female seems to resonate strongly in the collective muse and shows up in many forms, ranging from the "10,000 horsepower innocent" cyborg Nuku-Nuku (from ''AllPurposeCulturalCatGirlNukuNuku'') all the way up to the devastatingly sexy criminals such as Ana and Una Puma from ''DominionTankPolice'' and {{ComicBook/Catwoman}}. However, Catboys can also be found, particularly in media targeted at a female audience. They tend to be either {{Keet}}s or [[AllGirlsWantBadBoys bad boys]], and are actually ''more'' likely to wear collars than their female counterparts - especially in FanArt.

In Japan the CatGirl is closely associated with {{Moe}}. It is noteworthy that the most common method of drawing anime characters, particularly females, tends to give them catlike features (large eyes, a small mouth and a skull shaped much like that of a young human child) - and that cats are ''extremely'' anthropomorphic for non-primates in the first place. Given this, the CatGirl is possibly nothing more than the logical conclusion of this. Anime Catgirls usually have CuteLittleFangs and a tendency to use a CatSmile when happy. Female Catgirls often have a GenkiGirl personality.