Blog 16 | Is the Grinch a Cat?
With Christmas fast approaching we wanted to ask, is the Grinch a cat? There are many features that lead us to think he might be but here is the truth as to what he really is and why people often think the Grinch might be a cat — even though he isn’t.
1. His eyes; they look very cat-like
In many versions (especially the 1966 animation and the Jim Carrey movie), the Grinch has:
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Slitted pupils
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Bright, intense eyes. These are classic feline traits so our brains associate him with cats.
2. His sneaky, slinky movements feel “cat-ish”
the Grinch is made to look:
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Smooth, stealthy creeping
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Sudden pouncing motions
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Tail-like body language (even though he has no tail)
These movements resemble the way animated cats act in cartoons.
3. His facial expressions mimic a cats behaviour
The Grinch’s smirks and slow blinks look a lot like the exaggerated expressions animators use for mischievous cats.
But Dr. Seuss never made him a cat
Dr. Seuss characters are usually whimsical hybrids. The Grinch’s official species is simply “a Grinch.”
He’s basically his own thing.
The comparisons and confusion may come from Dr Seuss's other character, The Cat in the Hat.
Why people may confuse them
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Both have exaggerated, mischievous expressions
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Both are furry and non-human
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Both iconic Dr. Seuss characters from adaptations on TV/film
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Both break into homes but for VERY different reasons
There are other similarities between the two characters
1. Both are mischievous rule-breakers
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The Cat brings chaos for fun.
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The Grinch causes trouble out of frustration.
But both would absolutely get reported to neighborhood watch.
2. Both enter homes uninvited
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The Cat walks into the kids’ house like he pays rent.
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The Grinch sneaks into every Who’s house on Christmas Eve.
Different motives, same “this is fine” energy.
3. Both have exaggerated cartoon expressions
Dr. Seuss characters share:
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Tooth-baring grins
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Slitty eyes at times
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Dramatic eyebrows
This makes their faces feel similarly mischievous or cat-like.
4. Both are furry, non-human creatures
Neither fits any real animal exactly.
They’re both:
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Anthropomorphic
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Colourful
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Fantasy-species
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Designed with Seuss’s signature odd proportions
5. Both operate outside normal adult rules
No parents, teachers, or authority figures can control either of them.
They follow their own logic.
6. Both have strong theatrical personalities
They:
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Speak dramatically
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Make grand gestures
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Love big reveals (the Cat’s tricks, the Grinch’s schemes)
They both feel like they should be on stage in a musical.
7. Both have an iconic companion
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The Grinch has Max the dog
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The Cat has Thing 1 & Thing 2
Both use helpers to carry out their antics and chaos.
8. Both get major transformations
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The Grinch: heart grows, becomes kind
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Cat in the Hat: cleans up and restores order
Each ends their story having made things right Seuss-style.
9. Both are cultural icons
They:
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Have movies, books, merch
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Are instantly recognisable silhouettes
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Are tied to big holidays (Grinch → Christmas, Cat → Dr. Seuss Day)
Purrfect regards
