From ancient deities to viral internet memes, cats have always held a special place in the human imagination. Their curious charm, aloof attitude, and undeniable screen presence have made them not just household companions but full-blown pop culture icons. Music videos, known for their bold visuals and eccentric storytelling, are the perfect stage for these feline stars to shine.
Across genres and generations, artists have invited cats into their music videos—sometimes as adorable background guests, other times as central characters with symbolic weight. Whether it’s a metaphor for independence, a symbol of grace, or just a fluffy distraction, cats have a way of stealing the show. From indie rock oddities to high-production pop anthems, their appearances often add an extra layer of personality and allure.
In this list, we round up 11 unforgettable music videos where cats truly took over the scene. Some are subtle, some are downright surreal, but each one proves that when it comes to music videos, a little feline flair goes a long way. Ready to pounce into the world of paws, beats, and music video magic? Let’s go.
1. “We Are All Made of Stars” – Moby
Floating through a hazy, cosmic dream, Moby’s We Are All Made of Stars presents a bizarre yet beautiful vision of celebrity culture and existence. Among the astronauts and surreal scenes, a cat in a miniature spacesuit makes a brief but striking appearance. This moment doesn’t just offer novelty—it adds an oddly touching, contemplative layer to the video’s overarching theme of interconnectedness. Rather than feeling like a gimmick, the feline figure fits naturally within the surrealist tone. Its eyes gleam like galaxies, reinforcing the celestial vibe. With calm indifference, the cat floats past Hollywood’s neon blur, unaffected by fame or spectacle. It’s a quiet reminder that even in space, cats remain the ultimate scene-stealers.
2. “Roar” – Katy Perry
Empowered and untamed, Katy Perry’s Roar drops her into a vivid jungle where she learns to survive, thrive, and eventually rule. Amid the lush greens and exotic wildlife, big cats take center stage beside her, symbolizing strength, intuition, and independence. These feline co-stars aren’t just background—they become part of her transformation story. As Katy gains confidence, she bonds with a tiger, her spirit animal in both visuals and message. Vibrant colors, playful CGI, and bold makeup keep the energy wild and fun. The cats amplify the theme of owning one’s voice in a world that tries to tame it. It’s a bold, fierce celebration of femininity—with paws and claws.
3. “Know Your Worth” – Khalid & Disclosure
Sleek and magnetic, the black cat in Khalid and Disclosure’s Know Your Worth appears almost like a spiritual guide. The video is filled with earthy colors, geometric shapes, and mesmerizing movement, creating a hypnotic atmosphere. The feline, calmly walking through the scenery, adds a mystique that deepens the video’s introspective energy. Every glance from its golden eyes feels intentional, like it sees something the viewer doesn’t. While dancers twist and turn in sharp, fluid choreography, the cat remains poised—unchanging, unknowable. It becomes a quiet symbol of self-assurance and inner power. In a song about value and self-respect, the cat embodies both effortlessly.
4. “Love Cats” – The Cure
Right from the title, Love Cats purrs with feline affection and offbeat romance. Robert Smith and his band are surrounded by a chaotic blend of plush cats, taxidermy, and live animals, all adding to the song’s whimsical charm. The music video doesn’t take itself too seriously, and neither do its feline stars. There’s a playful awkwardness to how the cats interact with the band—sometimes indifferent, sometimes curious. The 1983 visuals scream DIY weirdness in the best possible way. More than just props, the cats elevate the absurdity and eccentricity of the post-punk classic. It’s a quirky love letter to both romance and the unpredictable magic of cats.
5. “White Noise” – Disclosure ft. AlunaGeorge
Set against Detroit’s urban decay, White Noise tells a story not through dialogue or lyrics, but through silent companionship. A man wanders abandoned buildings, seemingly aimless, until he meets a stray cat. Their bond grows quietly, subtly, and without cliché. As the track pulses in the background, the cat becomes an emotional anchor. Rather than dramatic gestures, the connection is shown through quiet moments—shared space, eye contact, slow trust. The juxtaposition of the decaying environment and the life this cat brings is quietly powerful. This unexpected friendship turns a beat-heavy dance track into something human, soulful, and deeply relatable.
6. “Mean” – Taylor Swift
Set in a vintage, sepia-toned world, Mean features Taylor Swift playing a sweet country heroine rising above small-town ridicule. Among the rustic charm, a cozy tabby cat lounges on her front porch, basking in the sunshine. While brief, its presence gives the scene warmth and domestic comfort. The cat, relaxed and unbothered, mirrors Taylor’s emotional journey from insecurity to confidence. As Taylor sings through banjos and banter, the feline remains a gentle visual contrast to the conflict around her. It’s a tiny detail, but it grounds the video in everyday relatability. Because sometimes, confidence starts with a quiet moment and a cat by your side.
7. “Hard to Explain” – The Strokes
Fragmented and cryptic, Hard to Explain feels more like a moving collage than a traditional music video. Amid flashing lights, abstract imagery, and performance cuts, a blink-and-you-miss-it shot of a cat appears. It’s sudden, odd, and completely on-brand for The Strokes’ early-2000s aesthetic. Rather than having symbolic weight, the cat’s presence feels like a random spark in a chaotic stream. That randomness, however, contributes to the video’s charm. Every frame is unpredictable, and the cat slips in like a visual non sequitur. It’s a reminder that in a world of cool detachment, cats still manage to pop in and own the frame.
8. “An Open Letter to NYC” – Beastie Boys
Nothing says “real New York” like the inclusion of a cat casually strolling through a gritty alley. An Open Letter to NYC is a love song to the city’s resilience, noise, and beautiful chaos. The cat appears briefly, but its energy speaks volumes—it’s independent, alert, and streetwise. As the Beastie Boys rap about boroughs and pride, the feline presence grounds the sentiment in everyday urban life. It’s not glamorous, but it’s authentic. That cat could belong to anyone—or no one—which makes it the perfect mascot for the city that never sleeps. In a city full of stories, even stray cats are legends.
9. “Blur – Ong Ong”
Blur’s “Ong Ong” video is a kaleidoscope of creativity, and at its heart is a delightful cat character that captures the imagination. Dressed in a vibrant costume, this feline rocks out, playing along with the band in an animated wonderland. The cat’s playful spirit and lively expressions make it an unforgettable part of the visual spectacle. It’s as if the cat is not just part of the band but the star of the show. This video’s charm lies in its ability to blend music and animation seamlessly, with the cat playing a pivotal role in its success.
10. “Kedi (Soundtrack Video)” – Patrick Watson
Drawn from the critically loved documentary Kedi, this video is a heartfelt tribute to Istanbul’s beloved street cats. Set to Patrick Watson’s ethereal soundtrack, the visuals glide through narrow alleys, bustling markets, and quiet rooftops. Each cat introduced has its own rhythm, personality, and grace. The video feels more like poetry than a promo—delicate, observational, deeply moving. As Watson’s music swells, so does the emotional weight of each feline interaction. These cats aren’t actors or metaphors—they’re living parts of the city’s soul. It’s a love story told in paws and piano keys.
11. “Dark Horse” – Katy Perry
Opulent and otherworldly, Dark Horse plunges viewers into a dazzling vision of Ancient Egypt with a fantastical twist. Amidst gold-plated pyramids, lightning spells, and candy-colored hieroglyphs, a regal white cat appears as Katy Perry’s mystical companion. Draped in jewels and seated beside the throne, the feline exudes the same commanding aura as Katy’s Cleopatra-inspired persona. It isn’t merely decoration—it feels like a spiritual equal, a quiet enforcer of her magical dominion. While the humans in the video dance, bow, and fall victim to her powers, the cat remains composed and untouchable. Its presence reinforces the themes of power, seduction, and divine femininity that run through the track. In a kingdom built on spectacle, the cat is cool, calm, and unmistakably in charge.