Thread: On the Origin of Species: Meowth: Investigating the inspirations behind Pokémon

On the Origin of Species: Meowth: Investigating the inspirations behind Pokémon

In another column exploring the likely cultural and zoological origins of Pokémon species, we take a look at Meowth, the Scratch Cat Pokémon.

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This article made me realize that Meowth is also one of my top favourites.

I knew what Meowth was based off of, I never heard the story in the beginning so it was a fun read.

I expected something on how it is based off feral cats too but that article was still excellent. I should buy a maneki. sometime.

Very interesting. I always thought Meowth was just some ordinary cat.

I knew a bit about the Maneki Neko, but it was still a good read. I also kinda find it a little strange how the article didn't mention Persain at all, but I'm not so surprised since it's just a bigger cat that's apparently been spoiled by luxury or something. So it probably wasn't worth mentioning.

I also find it a tad interesting how the attack Pay Day has slowly becoming less "relavent" as the series went on. Less and less Pokémon are capable of learning it, now only Meowth can.

Haha,I loved the final line xD

"Wow,does that simple cat pokemon represents all that stuff?"
"Meowht?That's right."

Great article as usual. I find it funny how the most famous Meowth of all is the complete opposite of what it's based off of.

I usually see these when I go into Chinese restaurants. Oddly enough, I've never seen them in any Japanese restaurants that I've gone to.

Also have one in Animal Crossing. It's golden. Yay!

Very nice! I never would have thought....

I know about the neko cat (I've seen them a few times), but I didn't know that Meowth would be based off of them. Interesting read, as always.

Wow, good read as usual.
Yeah same, didn't know they were based off them ^ .

Thanks.

lol that was interesting... though it would have been nice to hear about it evolving into Persian.... and the gem on it's head... perhaps suggesting it attaining wealth.

It's amusing how far Meowth in the show is from the Pokemon's Pokedex, who is in turn very far from the source material.

I am already familiar with this kind of origin, mainly because I had seen these kind of ceramic statues in some places, and learnt about the "raised paw" tradition in Picross3D. Oh, and the story reminds me a little about Puss in Boots, where the cat had brought a poor man riches.

Anyway, does Persian have a much different origin to not be mention in this article?

These articles are always interesting. Love 'em.

I think i have seen a money box shaped like that once.
Anyways, i love these origin of species articles.also,does persian have a different origin, is that why its not mentioned in the article?