November theme: Cats in Animation

Guest curated by: Rebecca Rose Stanton

NEW Deadline: November 5th, 2019

Animation has changed much over the years, yet perhaps one element that has remained constant is its obsession with cats. Animation has gifted us with a wide variety of memorable cat characters: Garfield, Top Cat, the Cheshire Cat, Hello Kitty, Meowth, Puss in Boots, and many more. No other species of animal has perhaps had such an impact upon animation, and human culture generally. In animation, cats are notable for their villainy, their volatile relationships with other animals, their high intelligence, and their humor. From Felix the Cat’s first 1919 short Feline Follies to more recent CGI-additions such as Puss in Boots (Shrek 2 and Puss in Boots) and the widely anticipated upcoming Cats film, our October theme aims to explore the exciting and diverse world of cats in animation. We welcome posts centered around anything cat-related, but particularly appreciated are contributions focusing on the characterization of domestic cats.

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

  • Cats as villains or troublemakers (Tom from Tom and Jerry, Lucifer from Cinderella, Meowth);
  • Anthropomorphism and cats;
  • Cats and animation theory/theories of cats in animation;
  • Neoteny and cats;
  • Cat merchandise (Hello Kitty, the Cheshire Cat, Lucifer from Cinderella);
  • Cats within Disney history;
  • Cats as sidekicks/ henchmen (Puss in Boots, Meowth);
  • Cats vs. other animals;
  • Cats as pets (Snowball in The Simpsons, Figaro in Pinocchio);
  • Cats in early animation;
  • Cat-focussed series (Tom and Jerry, Garfield, Felix the Cat);
  • Cat-centered films (The Aristocats, The Lion King, Oliver & Company, Puss in Boots);
  • The unique popularity of cats as characters.

Posts of between 600 and 900 words, which discuss any aspect of the above topic are welcome. Contributors are encouraged to include clips and at least one image to support their posts. Please also include a short bio and 3 keywords. All permissions are the responsibility of the contributor. Please contact the managing editor Cristina Formenti (cristina.formenti@unimi.it) with submissions or questions.