A Futuristic Feline Obscurity

Among the things “The Flintstones” and “The Jetsons” had in common is both have closing credit animation featuring a cat who had very little to do in the actual series. The Flintstones’ Baby Puss appeared in comic books and toys and but, on camera, showed up in only three cartoons—“Nuthin’ But the Tooth,” “Pebbles’ Birthday Party” (both with animation by Carlo Vinci) and “Ten Little Flintstones.” (Late note: There was a fourth. See the comment section).

As best as I can tell, the Jetsons’ cat never had a name. He wasn’t even referred to in the ‘Jetsons End Title Theme’ because, unlike “The Flintstones,” the closing theme had no lyrics.

Here’s a frame grab from the ending you all know so well with the little kitten.



The unnamed cat grew up for his appearance in “Dude Planet.” At least, we’ll presume it’s the same cat. Then, again, maybe it’s a different one as the show reveals the cat always gets sucked up by the vacuum cleaner. If it were me, I’d find a new home. Here he is lying around before the vacuum eyes him. An atypical Hanna-Barbera cat design.



Here he is coming out of the vacuum cleaner and sneezing all the dust off himself.



The cel of the cat remains in place for 22 frames as the dust floats away.



There’s a four-drawing cycle of the cat churning its feet in mid-air...



...then it leaps out of the scene. Some of the animation is reused during the cat’s second and final appearance in the cartoon as it sneezes its way out of a cartoon career.



Some reading will know who did the cat animation (Someone does know. Mike Kazaleh reveals who it is in the comments). I thought it might be Jerry Hathcock. It looks to my untrained eye that George Nicholas worked on part of the cartoon but the correct screen credits were taken off years ago. The cat’s voice sounds like one of Don Messick’s.

Despite this blog being named for that fine cartoon dog, Yowp, we believe in giving credit to obscure cartoon cats as well. So we salute you, Catellite, or whatever your name is. Without you, there would be no need for George Jetson to utter the immoral words: “Jane, stop this crazy thing.”