The Orange Cat is a cat who's instincts was swapped with dog. His first and only appearance is in the Gene Deitch-era Tom and Jerry short "Switchin' Kitten".
Characteristics[]
Bio[]
The orange cat was an ordinary feline until his instincts were swapped with those of a blue dog, giving him the loyalty and protective nature typically associated with dogs. The scientist gifted him to Jerry, a mouse, intending for the cat to be a faithful companion. Other cats found the orange cat strange due to his dog-like behaviors and looked down upon his friendship with Jerry, the very creature they considered natural prey. The orange cat despises it when any cats mistreat Jerry and will go to great lengths to protect him, defying the expectations of his feline peers.
Appearance[]
The orange cat bears a striking resemblance to both Tom and Lightning. He looks much like Tom, but with a vibrant orange coat and lighter-colored ears. Additionally, he shares similarities with Lightning, though he has a short tail and a white chest that set him apart.
Personality[]
Initially, the orange cat was timid, especially when the scientist selected him, compounded by the barking of a bulldog in the vicinity. His original feline instincts kept him in a reserved state, especially in the company of the other cats in the cell. However, after his instincts were swapped with those of a dog, he transformed into a braver and tougher creature, becoming loyal, devoted, aggressive, and quite stubborn.
History[]
Tom and Jerry[]
The Orange Cat makes his only apperance in Switchin' Kitten.
Role in the short[]
The orange cat embodies the unexpected hero in the story. Once a scared and timid creature, he becomes fiercely protective of Jerry, his newfound friend and companion. His dog-like loyalty drives him to defend Jerry against Tom, despite the traditional expectations of a cat and mouse relationship. Throughout the cartoon, he showcases behaviors typical of dogs, such as barking, growling, and eagerness to play, much to the confusion of Tom and the disdain of other cats. His protective nature and willingness to confront Tom highlight his new role as a guardian rather than a predator, subverting the traditional cat-and-mouse dynamic.
The blue bulldog, who is strapped nearby the orange cat, represents the source of the orange cat's transformation. As the character whose instincts are swapped with the orange cat, he serves as a contrast to the orange cat’s evolving personality. The dog begins the story as a typical bulldog—assertive and brash—exemplifying the characteristics that are atypical for a cat. Although he is primarily a background character in this short, the essence of his behavior reinforces the cartoon's central theme of identity—showing how instincts dictate actions and relationships.
Gallery[]
