Since we at Cats of Thondor have a 'tiny' (aka: extremely large), odd obsession with cats, I thought that it only be prudent if we created a list of our Top 8 cats in video games. I based the list on how well incorporated the characters were as well as how meaningful they were to the game.

#8 "Blaze the Cat" (Sonic Rush)

We love our sonic and when you combine two of our favorite things, 2D DS platforming and cats, then the outcome is usually an easy win in our books. In Sonic Rush, Blaze the Cat is from another dimension and is the so called guardian of the Sol emeralds (*cough* Knuckles clone *cough*). Your only playable characters are Sonic and Blaze. (no Tails *sad face*) Naturally, your main goal is to stop the big bad mean guy from taking over the universe, yada-yada. Moving on.

#7 "Puss in Boots" (Shrek 2)

He was cool in the movie, so why not bring the character Puss in Boots to a game. (And hell, who doesn't love that manly voice of Anthony Banderes. amirite?) The sword wielding cat claws his way into Shrek 2 for the PC, Xbox, or PS2. Though the game didn't do very well with ratings, it ranks well with us at Cats of Thondor.

#6 "Juhani" (Star Wars: Knight of the Old Republic)

What's better than a cat? An alien, cyber-chick, lightsaber wielding, cat... (obv). I played through Knights of the Old Republic in its entirety and loved it to death. Juhani wasn't one of my favorite characters, but she wasn't all that bad either (and she was a cat). Knights of the Old Republic allows you to choose how you want to play the game. There are more choices in this game than you can shake a stick at, all of which affect the outcome of your main character and comrades. You can choose whether or not you want to be good or bad (lightside or darkside); that's what made it awesome. If you decided, 'hmm, I don't like this person anymore.' then just raise you hand and force lightning his/her ass. Sweet. Knights of the Old Republic was created by acclaimed developer, Bioware, makers of the new hugely popular Xbox 360 hit, Mass Effect.

#5 "Mithra Race" (Final Fantasy XI)

I actually played Final Fantasy XI for a couple years. Obviously, I was the cat race, the mithra. When a game creates an entire race of the one animal that I fondly adore, I'm going to be it, and it's going to make it on this list. FFXI is a MMORPG that will consume your life and never let go (lol). I still casually play Final Fantasy XI from time to time, and yes, the screenshot is a picture of my actual character with my friend Ayeka. Catz powa 4 eva!

#4 "Cat Attached to Arrow" (Cat With Bow Golf)

I really don't know what to say about this little flash game other than maybe... it's totally awesome. It was made by an anonymous Japanese developer, but since it's Japanese you know it's tripped out. The whole concept is based around golf, except... The golf ball, so to speak, consists of a cat attached to an arrow. Your main objective is to use your bow and arrow to hit a target (which in essence is the hole) that is selectively placed on each level. Each time you shoot another arrow, it's another stroke. It's that simple, yet hilariously awesome. If you haven't played it, do so now. Furthermore, the japanese developer created two other cat games as well, Cat on a Dolphin and Adventure of Cat!

#3 "Cait Sith & Red XIII" (Final Fantasy VII)

Who the hell hasn't played Final Fantasy VII? If you're into video games then you know of FF7. During the game you meet up with a talking toy cat named Cait Sith, who controls and rides around on a giant stuffed moogle. He talks using a megaphone and joins your party after he tries to predict your main character's future (and fails). There's also Red XIII who was actually a cat too. Well, more like a mountain lion type of deal, but still! You meet him for the first time in the Shinra Company building. Two cats in one game? Thank you Square-Enix. A solid, respective salute to you. With lots of love, the Cats of Thondor.

#2 "Meowth" (Pokemon)

In 1998, Pokemon, versions Red and Blue were introduced to the gaming world. It dominated the lives of all small children and even some older gamers alike. Everyone just had to 'catch 'em all' including that one feline known as no other than, Meowth. Eventually, Meowth was incorporated with the evil nemesis of the pokemon trainers, Team Rocket, and is the comic relief in the game's TV show.

#1 "Your Catz!" (Purr Pals)

Max and I saw this in the store a few weeks ago. It's the same idea as any of the Catz or Dogz games. You have a cat that you have to take care of, play with, etc. For all the cat lovers out there, this should be on your DS shelf. It's no action oriented shooter, but hey, it's all about ze catz. Regardless of its slim popularity, and just having a totally killer name, it had to be my number one pick!

Obviously there are numerous other games with cats in them, but I thought I'd do a small round-up of my favs. During my research I found a few other nominees that didn't quite make it to the main list. These include: Mao, the alcoholic cat from Shadow Hearts: From The New World, the goggle wearing Spitz from the Warioware series, Katt Monroe from the Starfox series, and finally Myau from Phantasy Star.

Well, there you have it. Those are Cats of Thondor's Top 8 games with cats in them. So your cat needs should be totally satisfied now. I leave you with one of our favorite lolcat pictures. :-P