Meowth

File:Manekineko1003.jpg]]

Meowth is a species of fictional creatures called Pokémon created for the Pokémon media franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the Japanese franchise began in 1996 with the video games Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy, which were later released in North America as Pokémon Red and Blue in 1998.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |title=Pokémon Red & Blue – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All |magazine=Game Informer |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=December 25, 2016 |access-date=January 22, 2024 |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001192920/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |url-status=dead }} In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon. Some Pokémon can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution via various means, such as exposure to specific items. Each Pokémon have one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.{{cite book |title=Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook |date=July 28, 2015 |publisher=Scholastic Inc. |page=5 |isbn=9780545795661}} A major goal in each game is to complete the Pokédex, a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading with other Trainers to obtain individuals from all Pokémon species.{{cite book |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |first=Anne |last=Allison |date=May 2006 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=9780520938991 |pages=192–197}} Meowth is a Normal-type Pokémon which can evolve into Persian via training.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}} Its Japanese name, Nyarth, comes from a Japanese proverb about a cat unknowingly having money on its head, which is meant to impart the importance of money. Series creator Satoshi Tajiri stated that there was no similar concept to this in the United States, and thus its name was changed to Meowth.{{cite magazine|last=Larimer|first=Tim|date=22 November 1999|title=The Ultimate Game Freak|magazine=Time|publisher=Time Inc.|location=New York City|volume=154|issue=20|url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/pokemon6.fullinterview2.html|access-date=23 November 2021|page=2|archive-date=20 February 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010220054345/http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/pokemon6.fullinterview2.html|url-status=dead}}

Meowth has received various new forms and evolutions, most of which were used in the final version of the series. In the sequel, Pokémon Gold and Silver, a new pre-evolution form of Meowth was planned, but was ultimately cut before the final release. This form has a five-yen coin on its head. During the development of sequel titles Pokémon Sun and Moon, "Alolan form" variants of several existing Pokémon were introduced, meant to be tied thematically to the game's region, which was modeled after Hawaii.{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2016/08/01/pokemon-sun-moon-alola-forms-teaser/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |title=Pokemon Sun and Moon: New Pokemon and Forms Revealed in Teaser |first=Dylan |last=Kickham |accessdate=2024-01-22 |date=2016-08-01 |archive-date=January 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123041652/https://ew.com/article/2016/08/01/pokemon-sun-moon-alola-forms-teaser/ |url-status=live }} Both Meowth and Persian received Alolan forms, which give them a new Dark type instead of its Normal type. Like Meowth, it also evolves into Persian, which is also newly Dark type. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Meowth is given two new forms. The first is a special transformation called a Gigantamax form, which causes Meowth to both grow to incredible heights and become very long. The second is called Galarian Meowth, a Steel-type Pokémon that evolves into a new Pokémon called Perrserker instead of Persian.{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-sword-shield-persian-cofagrigus-locations-6017 |title=Pokémon Sword and Shield Persian and Cofagrigus locations explained |work=Eurogamer |last=Lynn |first=Lottie |date=January 12, 2021 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816001358/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-sword-shield-persian-cofagrigus-locations-6017 |url-status=live }}

In the Pokémon TV series, Meowth has had multiple voice actors. In Japan, Meowth has been voiced by Inuko Inuyama.{{cite web |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2013/10/17/video-meowth-puppet-hypes-pokmon-xy-card-game |title=VIDEO: Meowth Puppet Hypes "Pokémon XY" Card Game |work=Crunchy Roll News |last=Green |first=Scott |date=October 17, 2013 |accessdate=April 22, 2025}} In the Japanese version, Meowth uses the unusual first-person pronoun "nyā."{{cite web |url=https://legendsoflocalization.com/articles/personal-pronouns-in-japanese/ |title=Tricky Translations #4: "I" & "Me" in Japanese |work=Legends of Localization |last=Mandelin |first=Clyde |date=June 1, 2019 |accessdate=March 16, 2025 |archive-date=April 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405220313/https://legendsoflocalization.com/articles/personal-pronouns-in-japanese/ |url-status=live }} and its original English voice actor was Matthew Sussman. When auditioning for Meowth, Sussman imagined Meowth as a combination of a gangster from old movies and Jerry Lewis due to the character being described as someone who thinks he is a tough guy, but is "just this little cat." He was initially unaware that other Pokémon could not communicate like Meowth. Meowth features a "nasal-yet-swarthy" voice that, according to Them.us writer David Levesley, conveys that he may be the runt of the litter but still have seen some things in his life. Sussman portrayed Meowth for 37 episodes before leaving the role due to receiving a promising stage play opportunity and not being able to record remotely. When he returned, Sussman stated that the producers indicated that they did not want to confuse viewers by switching back from the actor who replaced him, though he felt that it was just for convenience’s sake.{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/meowth-actor-matthew-sussman-interview-london-card-show/ |title=Matthew Sussman Interview - Coming Up With The Voice Of Meowth And The Surprising Longevity Of Pokemon |work=TheGamer |last=Woods |first=Sam |date=February 15, 2025 |accessdate=March 16, 2025 |archive-date=February 28, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228144643/https://www.thegamer.com/meowth-actor-matthew-sussman-interview-london-card-show/ |url-status=live }} He was replaced by Maddie Blaustein,{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/pokmon-meowth-voice-actress-transition-episode/ |title=Pokémon's Meowth Actress Was Inspired to Transition By One Episode |work=Screen Rant |last=Davis |first=Angela |date=January 11, 2023 |accessdate=April 22, 2025}} who was instructed to base her performance on Sussman's. Blaustein was eventually replaced by James Carter Cathcart in 2006, who portrayed him until retiring in 2023 due to cancer.{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-anime-oak-james-carter-cathcart-retire-cancer-1850353327 |title=Pokémon's Team Rocket, Professor Oak Voice Actor Retires Due To Cancer |work=Kotaku |last=Winslow |first=Levi |date=April 19, 2023 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426173236/https://kotaku.com/pokemon-anime-oak-james-carter-cathcart-retire-cancer-1850353327 |url-status=live }}

Meowth is a white bipedal cat with a gold koban coin on its head.{{cite web |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/meowth-pokemon-talking-ability-explained/ |title=Why Is Meowth the Only Pokémon Who Can Talk? |work=Den of Geek |last=Kelley |first=Shamus |date=July 9, 2021 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208045714/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/meowth-pokemon-talking-ability-explained/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://dotesports.com/pokemon/news/all-of-the-cat-species-in-the-pokemon-franchise |title=All cat species in the Pokémon franchise |work=Dot Esports |last1=Morrow |first1=Emily |last2=Challies |first2=Josh |date=November 26, 2024 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=January 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122085354/https://dotesports.com/pokemon/news/all-of-the-cat-species-in-the-pokemon-franchise |url-status=live }} It is based on the Japanese good luck charm manekineko.{{Cite web |date=2021-05-04 |title=The fascinating history behind the popular 'waving lucky cat' |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/history-and-civilisation/2021/05/the-fascinating-history-behind-the-popular-waving-lucky-cat |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=National Geographic |language=en-gb |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201002643/https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/history-and-civilisation/2021/05/the-fascinating-history-behind-the-popular-waving-lucky-cat |url-status=live}} The Alolan form of Meowth has a similar design, except it has bigger ears, blue/grey fur, and a more relaxed disposition.{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/pokemon/a804172/pokemon-sun-and-moons-alolan-meowth-is-sexy-as/ |title=Pokémon Sun and Moon's Alolan Meowth is sexy as |work=Digital Spy |last=Loveridge |first=Sam |date=August 9, 2016 |accessdate=April 22, 2025}} Its disposition came from being a favorite Pokémon of royalty before becoming a wild Pokémon after the destruction of the royalty.{{cite web |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/pokemon-sun-pokemon-moon/7-new-and-old-pokemon-we-met-when-we-played-pokemon-sun-and-moon/ |title=7 new and old Pokemon we met when we played Pokemon Sun and Moon |work=Pocket Gamer |last=Brown |first=Mark |date=October 12, 2016 |accessdate=April 22, 2025}} The Galarian form of Meowth, meanwhile, has grey iron fur, a beard, and sharp teeth.{{cite web |url=https://dotesports.com/pokemon/news/pokemon-sword-and-shield-leaks-reveal-galarian-meowth-and-a-new-evolution |title=Pokémon Sword and Shield leaks reveal Galarian Meowth and a new evolution |work=Dot Esports |last=Michael |first=Cale |date=November 1, 2019 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522204839/https://dotesports.com/pokemon/news/pokemon-sword-and-shield-leaks-reveal-galarian-meowth-and-a-new-evolution |url-status=live }}

File:Meowths.png

First found in Pokémon Red and Blue, Meowth has appeared in most Pokémon titles since, including every major game.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} It is only available in Red through trading.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/14/pokemon-crystal-version-pokamon-of-the-day-meowth-52-374276 |title=Pok¿mon of the Day: Meowth (#52) |work=IGN |date=October 14, 2002 |accessdate=March 15, 2025 |archive-date=March 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330054002/http://faqs.ign.com/articles/374/374276p1.html |url-status=live }} It appears in Pokémon Yellow as an enemy along the characters Jessie and James of Team Rocket; however, it cannot be obtained in the wild, and can only be obtained via trading.{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.gamehistory.org/item/d16b5596-e96a-40bf-a34d-db1de32943b8 |title=And The Rest... |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |date=November 1999 |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=124 |page=209 |access-date=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407144755/https://archive.gamehistory.org/item/d16b5596-e96a-40bf-a34d-db1de32943b8 |url-status=live }} The regular Meowth was omitted from the games Pokémon Sun and Moon outside of trading. Instead, the only form accessible is its Alolan form.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Galarian Meowth can be found in the wild, while the regular Meowth form can be obtained by trading a Galarian Meowth for it.{{cite web |url=https://www.rpgsite.net/feature/9222-pokemon-sword-and-shield-in-game-trades-all-npc-pokemon-trades-listed |title=Pokemon Sword and Shield In-Game Trades: all NPC Pokemon trades listed |work=RPG Site |date=November 23, 2019 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=February 12, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212005953/https://www.rpgsite.net/feature/9222-pokemon-sword-and-shield-in-game-trades-all-npc-pokemon-trades-listed |url-status=live }} Regular Meowth is capable of transforming into Gigantamax Meowth in these games as well.

{{Anchor|Meowth's Party}}Meowth appears in other spin-off games, including Pokémon Snap,{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.gamehistory.org/item/d254b11f-eb2d-419d-864a-30aaf363a66c |title=Pokémon Snap Basic Training |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=Sunrise Publications, Funco, Inc. |page=96 |issue=77 |date=September 1999 |accessdate=March 16, 2025 |archive-date=March 18, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318211130/https://archive.gamehistory.org/item/d254b11f-eb2d-419d-864a-30aaf363a66c |url-status=live }} and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, where the player can either play as a Meowth or make their partner Meowth.{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-mystery-dungeon-rescue-team-dx-personality-quiz-answers-playable-pokemon |title=Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Rescue Team DX: Pokémon personality quiz, answers and playable Pokémon explained |work=Eurogamer |last=Lynn |first=Lottie |date=March 6, 2020 |accessdate=April 22, 2025}} It can also be found in Pokémon Pinball as a captureable Pokémon and with a bonus stage themed after itself. In Pokémon Channel, Meowth appears as a TV news reporter alongside Psyduck.{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4182/pokemon-channel-review |title=Pokémon Channel Review |work=Nintendo World Report |last=Kosmina |first=Ben |date=February 14, 2004 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=April 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250408073405/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4182/pokemon-channel-review |url-status=live }}All three regional variants have appeared in the mobile game Pokémon Go and in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.{{cite web |url=https://in.ign.com/pokemon-go/210742/news/pokemon-go-announces-ultra-unlock-better-together-event-along-with-new-ticket-for-shared-skies-seaso |title=Pokemon GO Announces Ultra Unlock Better Together Event Along With New Ticket for Shared Skies Season |work=IGN |last=Bhowmick |first=Aritra |date=July 16, 2024 |accessdate=April 22, 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-trading-card-game-tcg-most-cards-amount/ |title=Pokemon TCG: The 10 Pokemon With The Most Cards |work=TheGamer |last=Zalace |first=Jacqueline |date=October 12, 2022 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218000557/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-trading-card-game-tcg-most-cards-amount/ |url-status=live }} In Pokémon Go, the characters Jessie and James appear at times riding in the Meowth balloon seen in the anime.{{cite web |url=https://www.pockettactics.com/pokemon-go/team-rocket-jessie-james-return-debate |title=Pokémon Go players totally disagree about the return of an iconic duo |work=Pocket Tactics |last=Osborne |first=James |date=January 18, 2024 |accessdate=April 22, 2025}} An adaptation of the card game for the Game Boy Color, titled Pokémon Trading Card Game, came with a promotional Meowth card included in the box.{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.gamehistory.org/item/0e616bb4-1edd-46be-aba9-2a5cdde8a227 |title=Pokémon Trading Card Game |magazine=Game Informer |last=Reiner |first=Andrew |date=June 2000 |issue=86 |accessdate=March 16, 2025 |page=62 |publisher=Sunrise Publications, Funco Inc.}} A tech demo for the Nintendo GameCube titled Meowth's Party was shown at one of Nintendo's Space World conference, which featured the Pokémon TV series song "Nyasu no Party," which was used as an ending credits theme in the series.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/24/meowths-party-movie |title=Meowth's Party Movie |work=IGN |date=August 23, 2000 |accessdate=March 16, 2025 |archive-date=December 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214091422/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/24/meowths-party-movie |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/24/meowths-party-impressions-and-shots |title=Meowth's Party Impressions and Shots |work=IGN |date=August 23, 2000 |accessdate=June 3, 2025 |archive-date=December 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209105223/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/24/meowths-party-impressions-and-shots |url-status=live }}

Meowth appears in Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo 64 as a Poké Ball Pokémon that can be summoned to aide the summoner in battle, scattering coins around itself that damage opponents. Meowth appears in Super Smash Bros. Melee as a collectible trophy, based on his appearance in the Meowth's Party tech demo.{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-meowth-unknown-facts-trivia/ |title=Pokemon: 15 Facts You Didn't Know About Meowth |work=Screen Rant |last=Baird |first=Scott |date=August 31, 2016 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=July 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714135622/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-meowth-unknown-facts-trivia/ |url-status=live }} In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Meowth once again appears as a Poké Ball Pokémon, its attack shooting coins in a direction instead of all around itself like in the Nintendo 64 game.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/smashradar-the-pokemon-of-brawl/ |title=SmashRadar: the Pokemon of Brawl |work=GamesRadar+ |last=Elston |first=Brett |date=March 21, 2008 |accessdate=March 16, 2025}} This same summon was featured in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, as well as in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/47764/the-20-most-deserving-super-smash-bros-ultimate-newcomers-10-6 |title=The 20 Most Deserving Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Newcomers |work=Nintendo World Report |last=Berube |first=Justin |date=August 6, 2018 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729200254/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/47764/the-20-most-deserving-super-smash-bros-ultimate-newcomers-10-6 |url-status=live }} Rumors existed that Meowth was considered for inclusion as a playable character in Super Smash Bros., but this has neither been confirmed nor denied by series creator Masahiro Sakurai.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-facts-15-little-known-things-about-classic-franchise/ |title=Pokemon facts - 30 little known pieces of trivia from the classic franchise |work=GamesRadar+ |last=Gilbert |first=Henry |date=October 10, 2013 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407140747/https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-facts-15-little-known-things-about-classic-franchise/ |url-status=live }}

In the Pokémon TV series, Meowth is a member of Team Rocket alongside Jessie and James. They are introduced in the second episode, and appear in most episodes following it.{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/team-rockets-best-team-rocket-moments/ |title=Pokémon: Team Rocket's 10 Most Iconic Scenes From The Anime |work=Screen Rant |last=Cabellero |first=David |date=July 12, 2021 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718193224/https://screenrant.com/team-rockets-best-team-rocket-moments/ |url-status=live }} The trio's goal is typically to capture Pikachu, the Starter Pokémon of the protagonist Ash Ketchum. They use a Meowth-themed balloon to travel, and often wear disguises as part of their plans.{{cite web |url=https://natalie.mu/eiga/news/240732 |title=ニャース気球お披露目！林原めぐみ、三木眞一郎、犬山イヌコがR団としての野望語る |work=Natalie |date=July 13, 2017 |accessdate=April 22, 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://futaman.futabanet.jp/articles/-/122823?page=1 |title=『機動戦士Zガンダム』や『ゴルゴ13』の主要人物たちも…そんなに出しててなぜバレない!? 漫画やアニメの「変装がバレバレなキャラ」3選 |work=Futaman |last=Shinsuke |first=Shouya |date=November 6, 2022 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=November 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106031357/https://futaman.futabanet.jp/articles/-/122823?page=1 |url-status=live }} While most Pokémon are not able to communicate with humans, Meowth is, having learned it after he met a female Meowth and wanted to impress her. In the Galar region, Meowth is able to transform into the species' Gigantamax form.{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/team-rocket-meowt-gigantamax-pokemon-anime/ |title=Team Rocket's Meowth Can Gigantamax In The Pokemon Anime |work=TheGamer |last=Baird |first=Scott |date=November 6, 2020 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407141806/https://www.thegamer.com/team-rocket-meowt-gigantamax-pokemon-anime/ |url-status=live }} Near the end of Ash Ketchum's journey, the trio reunite with all the Pokémon they caught over the years, choosing to make a last attempt to capture Pikachu, only to fail. After this failure, they decide to break up the group.consider breaking up, but stick together in the end, showing them continuing to pursue Ash and his Pikachu. They later decide to reunite after deciding that being separated was not for them, choosing to continue pursuing Ash and Pikachu.{{cite web |url=https://nerdist.com/article/team-rocket-says-goodbye-disbands-on-the-way-to-final-ash-pikachu-final-pokemon-episodes/ |title=POKÉMON Says Goodbye to Team Rocket in Final Ash Episodes, Trio Disbands and Reforms |work=Nerdist |last=Rusak |first=Rotem |date=March 24, 2023 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=February 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250209082843/https://nerdist.com/article/team-rocket-says-goodbye-disbands-on-the-way-to-final-ash-pikachu-final-pokemon-episodes/ |url-status=live }}

Meowth has also been made into several different toys, including figures{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/01/new_pokemon_funko_pops_announced_including_meowth_psyduck_and_a_fresh_pikachu_variant|title=New Pokémon Funko Pops Announced, Including Meowth, Psyduck And A Fresh Pikachu Variant|date=22 January 2021|website=Nintendo Life|author=Stockdale, Henry|access-date=12 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127135236/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/01/new_pokemon_funko_pops_announced_including_meowth_psyduck_and_a_fresh_pikachu_variant |archive-date=27 November 2022}} and plush toys,{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/2020/4/30/21242608/pokemon-super-gigantamax-pikachu-meowth-plush-toys-pokemon-center|title=Massive chonky Pikachu and longcat Meowth Pokémon plush toys coming to Japan's Pokémon Center|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|date=30 April 2020|website=Polygon |access-date=12 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112155033/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/2020/4/30/21242608/pokemon-super-gigantamax-pikachu-meowth-plush-toys-pokemon-center |archive-date=12 November 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/8/22272538/pokemon-sword-shield-big-boy-meowth-plush|title=This $300 Meowth turns a meme into a five-foot-tall plushie|first=Megan|last=Farokhmanesh|date=8 February 2021|website=The Verge|access-date=12 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112154112/https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/8/22272538/pokemon-sword-shield-big-boy-meowth-plush |archive-date=12 November 2022}}

As one of the most popular characters from the Pokémon franchise, Meowth has been featured in various promotional events as well as collectible items. It was among eleven Pokémon selected as Japan's mascot for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/15/5512550/pikachu-is-japans-official-mascot-for-the-fifa-2014-world-cup-brazil|title = Pikachu is Japan's official mascot for the FIFA 2014 World Cup Brazil|date = 15 March 2014 |author=Farokhmanesh, Megan | website=Polygon |access-date=12 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112151818/https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/15/5512550/pikachu-is-japans-official-mascot-for-the-fifa-2014-world-cup-brazil |archive-date=12 November 2022}} The Meowth balloon was featured at a promotion for the film Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! at Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu in Tokyo. In 2022, Meowth, along with other feline Pokémon species was featured on a three-dimensional electronic billboard in Japan to commemorate International Cat Day which is celebrated in August.{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-has-an-eye-popping-3d-billboard-for-international-cat-day |title=Pokémon Go has an eye-popping 3D billboard for International Cat Day |author=Phillips, Tom |date=8 August 2022 |publisher=Eurogamer |access-date=12 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112163158/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-has-an-eye-popping-3d-billboard-for-international-cat-day |archive-date=12 November 2022}}

Meowth has received generally positive reception, with author Harry Schlesinger stating that Meowth was particularly popular among girls.{{Cite book | url = https://archive.org/details/pokemonfever00hank_0 | url-access = registration | title = Pokemon Fever: The Unauthorized Guide | publisher = Macmillan | isbn = 9780312975302 | last1 = Schlesinger | first1 = Hank | date = 1999-12-15}} NintendoLife [writer] discussed how he enjoys the Pokémon for its greed and design. Meanwhile, [writer] argued that its anime personality made it iconic, rather than itself being iconic, while [writer] stated that its Gigantamax form was "fantastic."{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/features/weve-ranked-all-151-gen-1-pokemon-and-it-nearly-killed-us |title=Feature: We've Ranked All 151 Gen 1 Pokémon And It Nearly Killed Us |work=Nintendo Life |last=Olney |first=Alex |date=December 25, 2021 |accessdate=February 28, 2025 |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213172036/https://www.nintendolife.com/features/weve-ranked-all-151-gen-1-pokemon-and-it-nearly-killed-us |url-status=live }} Nintendo World Report writer Andrew Brown considered him among the best Pokémon species, stating that he loves every aspect of Meowth in both its anime and game incarnations. He appreciated how much of Japanese culture is represented in Meowth's design and lore, particularly that it collects items, being lucky, and being attracted to round objects.{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/42305/nwrs-favorite-pokemon-meowth |title=NWR's Favorite Pokemon |work=Nintendo World Report |last=Brown |first=Andrew |date=March 18, 2016 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=September 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907004125/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/42305/nwrs-favorite-pokemon-meowth |url-status=live }} Shack News writer Brittany Vincent regarded it as her favorite Pokémon, stating that she was a fan of both the anime and video game incarnation of it to the point that she picked Pokémon Blue to make sure she got a Meowth. Her love of cats was a large factor in her enjoyment of Meowth, stating that she was collecting Meowth merchandise even before the series became popular.{{cite web |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/108565/shack-chat-whats-your-favorite-pokemon |title=Shack Chat: What's your favorite Pokemon? |work=Shack News |last=Vincent |first=Brittany |date=November 16, 2018 |accessdate=March 16, 2025}}

Meowth has been generally well received, described by GameSpot staff as among the most popular Pokémon.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/20-adorable-cats-who-made-video-game-history/2900-49/ |title=20 Adorable Cats Who Made Video Game History |work=GameSpot |date=March 11, 2019 |accessdate=March 16, 2025 |archive-date=March 16, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250316120326/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/20-adorable-cats-who-made-video-game-history/2900-49/ |url-status=live }} Destructoid writer Marcel Hoang considered Galarian Meowth his favorite Pokémon in Sword and Shield, calling regular Meowth a "baseline" and considering Alolan Meowth a good demonstration of how regional forms can be interesting. He felt that Meowth's "street cat flavor" was enhanced significantly to the point of making Galarian Meowth almost feral.{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/my-favorite-pokemon-in-sword-and-shield-is-a-dirty-smelly-metal-cat-whats-yours/ |title=My favorite Pokémon in Sword and Shield is a dirty, smelly, metal cat. What's yours? |work=Destructoid |last=Hoang |first=Marcel |date=December 4, 2019 |accessdate=March 15, 2025 |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407135235/https://www.destructoid.com/my-favorite-pokemon-in-sword-and-shield-is-a-dirty-smelly-metal-cat-whats-yours/ |url-status=live }} TheGamer writer Stacey Henley was frustrated by the propensity of generation I Pokémon getting regional forms, Meowth in particular due to the fact that it got two different regional forms. She believed that Meowth getting its Alolan form was acceptable but not a necessary one due to its popularity in the anime. On its Galarian form, she felt that Meowth having four new forms with Alolan Meowth and Persian, Galarian Meowth, and Perrserker was stupid.{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/gen-1-pokemon-regional-variants-legends-arceus-hisuian/ |title=Please Stop Giving Gen 1 Pokemon Regional Variants |work=TheGamer |last=Henley |first=Stacey |date=January 8, 2022 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407132823/https://www.thegamer.com/gen-1-pokemon-regional-variants-legends-arceus-hisuian/ |url-status=live }} The baby form that was cut from Gold and Silver was a popular design with fans.{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/10-pokemon-that-never-were-a-tribute-to-the-pokemon-that-died-inside-the-pokemon-gold-beta |title=10 Pokemon That Never Were - A Tribute to the Pokemon That Died Inside the Pokemon Gold Beta |work=VG247 |last=Oxford |first=Nadia |date=June 1, 2018 |accessdate=March 16, 2025 |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521205938/https://www.vg247.com/10-pokemon-that-never-were-a-tribute-to-the-pokemon-that-died-inside-the-pokemon-gold-beta |url-status=live }} Multiple critics drew a comparison between Meowth's Gigantamax form and the Longcat meme.{{cite web |url=https://www.inverse.com/article/60179-pokemon-sword-shield-meowth-longcat-gigantamax |title='Sword and Shield's Gigantamax Meowth takes a cue from a beloved feline meme |work=Inverse |last=Glennon |first=Jen |date=October 16, 2019 |accessdate=March 16, 2025 |archive-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516063222/https://www.inverse.com/article/60179-pokemon-sword-shield-meowth-longcat-gigantamax |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-sword-and-shield-revives-longcat-meme |title=Pokémon Sword and Shield revives longcat meme for Gigantamax Meowth |work=Eurogamer |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=October 16, 2019 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407135633/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-sword-and-shield-revives-longcat-meme |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.fanbyte.com/legacy/pokemon-thicc-pikachu-meowth |title=The Official Thicc Pikachu And Long Meowth Are Absolute Units |work=Fanbyte |last=Rose |first=Victoria |date=October 16, 2019 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407135443/https://www.fanbyte.com/legacy/pokemon-thicc-pikachu-meowth |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/10/16/20917080/pokemon-sword-shield-new-gigantamax-pikachu-meowth-eevee-memes |title=Thicc Pikachu and Longcat Meowth coming to Pokémon Sword and Shield |work=Polygon |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=October 16, 2019 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516063221/https://www.polygon.com/2019/10/16/20917080/pokemon-sword-shield-new-gigantamax-pikachu-meowth-eevee-memes |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/pokemon-sword-and-shield-gigantamax |title=Pokemon Sword and Shield turns Meowth into a towering Long Cat meme |work=VG247 |last=Gera |first=Emily |date=October 16, 2019 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407134239/https://www.vg247.com/pokemon-sword-and-shield-gigantamax |url-status=live }}

The anime incarnation of Meowth has received positive reception, with IGN staff stating that its popularity in the anime resulted in it being popular for players in the games. Kotaku writer Sisi Jiang believed that Meowth, along with Jessie and James, was a contributing factor in the anime's popularity.{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-anime-team-rocket-disbanding-final-episodes-1850219962 |title=Pokémon Fans Crushed That Team Rocket Disbands At End Of Anime |work=Kotaku |last=Jiang |first=Sisi |date=March 13, 2023 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128030211/https://kotaku.com/pokemon-anime-team-rocket-disbanding-final-episodes-1850219962 |url-status=live }} Dot Esports writer Gökhan Çakır felt that he was a memorable character, stating that his sense of humor was influential.{{cite web |url=https://dotesports.com/general/news/9-of-the-best-cats-in-gaming |title=9 of the best cats in gaming |work=Dot Esports |last=Çakır |first=Gökhan |date=October 29, 2020 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=December 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209163745/https://dotesports.com/general/news/9-of-the-best-cats-in-gaming |url-status=live }} Nintendo World Report writer Pedro Hernandez attributed his enjoyment of the anime to the team, praising Meowth for his "humor, wit, and snark." He stated that he had a Meowth in his game party because of the anime role, wanting to take a "little bit of the TV series" into the game.{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/25502/top-5-pokemon-pedros-picks |title=Top 5 Pokémon |work=Nintendo World Report |last=Hernandez |first=Pedro |date=March 1, 2011 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407131120/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/25502/top-5-pokemon-pedros-picks |url-status=live }} GamesRadar+ writer Lucas Sullivan felt that Meowth was nothing special, especially as more Pokémon have been introduced with each game, its only saving graces being the koban coin on its forehead and its appeal to cat fans. On the other hand, Sullivan found the anime incarnation significantly more interesting, finding its backstory of learning to speak tragic.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/top-7-characters-who-are-infinitely-more-interesting-outside-games/ |title=Characters who are infinitely more interesting outside of games |work=GamesRadar+ |last=Sullivan |first=Lucas |date=March 30, 2015 |accessdate=March 16, 2025}} Discussing Jessie and James' queer characterization, The Daily Beast writer Jay Castello stated that while he was the "token straight friend" of the Team Rocket trio, though found it notable that he was voiced by someone who was both intersex and transgender.{{cite web |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/the-very-queer-legacy-of-team-rocket-in-the-pokemon-anime/ |title=The Very Queer, 25-Year Legacy of 'Pokémon' Antiheroes Team Rocket |work=The Daily Beast |last=Castello |first=Jay |date=April 7, 2023 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archive-date=April 11, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411103851/https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/the-very-queer-legacy-of-team-rocket-in-the-pokemon-anime/ |url-status=live }} Andrew Brown felt that Meowth had the most fleshed-out backstory, noting how notable it is that Meowth is both one of the only "bad guy" Pokémon and one of the only Pokémon that can speak English without telepathy. Connor Christie believed that Meowth was the most ubiquitous cat Pokémon, owing to its anime appearance and stating that it stood alongside Pikachu and Jigglypuff in terms of recognizability.{{cite web |url=https://www.pockettactics.com/cat-pokemon |title=The best cat Pokémon: Sprigatito, Meowth, and more |work=Pocket Tactics |last=Christie |first=Connor |accessdate=April 22, 2025}}

Blaustein's decision to come out of the closet and begin her gender transition into a woman was inspired by the episode "Go West, Young Meowth." This episode centers around Meowth attempting to learn English and stand upright to impress a female Meowth, only to be regarded as a "freak" by her, her friend comparing Blaustein's feelings of being a "woman trapped in a man's body" with Meowth's, stating that Meowth was a human trapped in a Pokémon's body.{{cite web |url=https://www.them.us/story/maddie-blaustein-pokemon |title=The Inspiring Story of the Trans Actress Behind Your Favorite Pokémon's Voice |work=Them |last=Levelsey |first=David |date=February 27, 2019 |accessdate=March 16, 2025 |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329054213/https://www.them.us/story/maddie-blaustein-pokemon |url-status=live }}

{{reflist|2}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokedex/meowth Meowth on Pokemon.com]
• {{Bulbapedia}}

{{Pokémon Generation 1|state=expanded}}

{{Pokémon}}

Category:Anime and manga characters introduced in 1997

Category:Anthropomorphic cats

Category:Characters in animated television series

Category:Fictional characters who can change size

Category:Fictional characters who can manipulate darkness or shadows

Category:Fictional characters with metal abilities

Category:Fictional gangsters

Category:Fictional thieves

Category:Pokémon introduced in generation I

Category:Pokémon with regional variants

Category:Video game characters introduced in 1996