Meowth
Meowth is a Normal-type Pokémon and is recognized for its ability to speak human language in the Pokémon animated series. Meowth is often associated with Team Rocket, as one of its members, Jessie, owns a particularly prominent and talkative Meowth named Meowth (referred to as “Team Rocket’s Meowth” in some contexts).
| National Pokedex No: 0052 |
| Type: |
| Category: Scratch Cat Pokémon |
| Height: 0.4 m (1′04″) |
| Weight : 4.2 kg (9.3 lbs) |
| Gender: 50% ♂, 50 % ♀ |
| Abilities/Hidden abilities: Pickup or Technician/ Unnerve |
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Meowth is a small, feline Pokémon known for its distinctive appearance. Here are detailed characteristics.
Meowth’s fur is soft and sleek, covering its entire body. The primary color of its fur is a cream or beige shade, giving it a plush appearance.
The eyes are large, expressive, and have a golden-yellow color. Meowth’s pupils are vertical slits, emphasizing its feline nature. Its nose is small and triangular, and it has a distinct mouth with pronounced whiskers. The coin on its forehead is a signature feature, often associated with its special move, “Pay Day.”
Meowth’s ears are large and pointy, adding to its adorable and alert appearance. The ears have a pink inner coloration, creating a cute contrast. Meowth’s tail is long, slender, and ends in a distinctive curl. The curl in its tail is a characteristic trait, and it is often shown as a playful feature in various depictions.
Meowth has three toes on each paw, each equipped with sharp claws. The claws are retractable, and Meowth can extend them for climbing or scratching. Meowth is a small Pokémon, standing at approximately 1 foot in height. Its compact size and proportions contribute to its agility and nimbleness. Its expressive features contribute to its ability to communicate non-verbally with trainers and other Pokémon.
These detailed physical characteristics make Meowth an endearing and recognizable Pokémon in the Pokémon universe. The regional variants showcase the diverse adaptations of Meowth in different Pokémon regions, each with its own unique charm and characteristics.
Alolan form
Alolan Meowth has a darker fur coat compared to its Kantonian counterpart. The primary color is a cool gray with darker gray stripes on its back and tail.
The fur on its face has a distinctive “V” shape between its eyes.
Alolan Meowth retains the large, pointy ears seen in the Kantonian form. The inner coloration of the ears is pink, providing a charming contrast.
The tail of Alolan Meowth maintains the signature curl, similar to the Kantonian form. The tail’s fur is gray, matching the body color.
The facial features, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, are similar to the Kantonian Meowth but with a unique pattern on its face.The eyes still have a golden-yellow color, maintaining the feline expression.
Galarian form
Galarian Meowth has a steel-gray fur coat, resembling metal. Its overall appearance is sleek and modern, reflecting the industrial theme of the Galar region.
The facial fur is notably different, with a scruffier appearance and a beard-like pattern. The eyes are large and expressive, with a more intense gaze compared to the Kantonian Meowth.
Galarian Meowth has a distinctive mustache and beard pattern, giving it a more mature and sophisticated look. The ears are rounded and less pointy than the Kantonian and Alolan forms. The inner coloration of the ears is a pale gray.
Galarian Meowth retains the curled tail, but the fur is sleek and matches the body color. The paws have a sleeker appearance, and the claws remain sharp and retractable.
Behaviour
Meowth, known for its mischievous and cunning nature, exhibits various behaviors that make it an interesting Pokémon. Here are detailed aspects of Meowth’s behavior.
Meowth is often portrayed as playful and enjoys engaging in activities that showcase its agility. It uses its sharp claws for play and may playfully pounce on objects or other Pokémon. Meowth is renowned for its cleverness and cunning nature. It has the unique ability to learn and use the move “Pay Day,” allowing it to generate money during battles.
Some Meowth, particularly the one featured in the Pokémon animated series known as “Team Rocket’s Meowth,” has developed linguistic abilities. It can speak human language, a rare trait among Pokémon, which it acquired in an effort to impress a female Meowth.
Meowth, when raised by Trainers, can develop strong bonds and become affectionate companions. It may show its affection by rubbing against its Trainer or purring contentedly.
Meowth has a peculiar fascination with coins and shiny objects. This behavior is reflected in its signature move, “Pay Day,” where it scatters coins during battle. In the wild, Meowth may exhibit territorial behavior, marking its territory with its sharp claws. It can be protective of its space and may not take kindly to intruders.
Meowth is often depicted as a nocturnal Pokémon, being more active during the night. Its night prowling habits contribute to its association with lunar phases. Meowth is known for its ability to balance on its hind legs. This skill is often demonstrated as part of its playful behavior and is showcased in various Pokémon performances.
Meowth tends to have an independent streak, reflecting a feline-like nature. It may prefer moments of solitude and may not always adhere strictly to Trainer commands. While Meowth can be independent, it may also enjoy social interactions with other Pokémon or Trainers. In the presence of a Trainer, it may seek attention and companionship.
Meowth’s behavior is influenced by a combination of its species traits, individual personality, and the environment in which it is raised or encountered. Whether as a mischievous wild Pokémon or a loyal companion to a Trainer, Meowth’s behaviors contribute to its charm and versatility as a Pokémon species.
Evolution
Meowth, a Normal-type Pokémon, evolves into Persian. Here are the details of Meowth’s evolution.
Meowth evolves into Persian starting at level 28. Upon reaching level 28, Meowth undergoes a natural transformation into Persian. The evolution results in a significant change in Meowth’s appearance, transitioning into the sleek and elegant Persian.
Persian is characterized by a longer body, elongated tail, and a more refined and regal demeanor compared to Meowth. With evolution, there are alterations in Persian’s base stats compared to Meowth. Persian generally experiences an increase in its stats, reflecting its growth and development into a more powerful and mature form. Evolution often brings about changes in a Pokémon’s move learnset. Persian gains access to new moves as it evolves, expanding its range of abilities and enhancing its effectiveness in battles. The evolution from Meowth to Persian follows a theme of growth and maturity.
Alolan Form
In the Alola region, Meowth has a unique regional variant known as Alolan Meowth. Alolan Meowth evolves into Alolan Persian under certain conditions, specifically when leveled up with high friendship or happiness during the night.
Galarian Form
In the Galar region, Meowth has another regional variant known as Galarian Meowth. Galarian Meowth evolves into Perrserker starting at level 28.
In various Pokémon games, Meowth may have different evolution requirements or evolve into additional forms based on regional variations introduced in those specific game versions.
Meowth’s evolution is primarily triggered by reaching a certain level. The evolution of Alolan Meowth into Alolan Persian involves an additional requirement of high friendship or happiness during the night.
The evolution from Meowth to Persian represents a natural progression in Meowth’s life cycle. Alolan Meowth’s evolution into Alolan Persian showcases the influence of regional factors on a Pokémon’s development. Galarian Meowth’s evolution into Perrserker reflects the unique evolutionary patterns associated with Pokémon in the Galar region. Meowth’s evolution showcases the diverse ways in which Pokémon adapt and transform in different regions, adding depth to the overall Pokémon world and gameplay experiences.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
Team Rocket’s Meowth
Team Rocket’s Meowth is special because it is capable of human speech, a trait not common among Pokémon. It learned to speak in an effort to impress a female Meowth but was rejected due to its appearance. Meowth is a member of Team Rocket, a notorious group of Pokémon thieves. Alongside Jessie and James, Meowth participates in various schemes and attempts to capture rare and powerful Pokémon, including Pikachu. He debuted in the episode ”Pokémon Emergency!”.
Meowzie
Meowzie is a female Meowth who plays a significant role in the backstory of Team Rocket’s Meowth, the talking Meowth featured in the Pokémon anime. Meowzie first appears in the Pokémon anime episode titled “Go West, Young Meowth!”. This episode delves into the past of Team Rocket’s Meowth and provides insights into his life before joining Team Rocket. Meowth developed strong romantic feelings for Meowzie when they both lived on the streets of Hollywood. In an attempt to win her affection, Meowth taught himself to speak and adopted human-like behaviors. Despite Meowth’s efforts to impress Meowzie, she ultimately rejects him.
Tyson’s Meowth
Tyson’s Meowth is a Pokémon that appears for the first time in the episode ”Like a Meowth to a Flame”. Because of his ”way of dressing” similar to Puss in Boots he got the nickname Meowth in Boots.
Matori’s Meowth
In the episode “Acting True to Form!”, an Alolan Meowth initially collaborated with Team Rocket. Following its stint, it managed to reach Team Rocket HQ by pilfering the trio’s funds for a flight ticket to Kanto. Subsequently, it assumed the role of an assistant to Matori at Team Rocket HQ.
Other appearences: In the episode “The Purr-fect Hero“, a Meowth initially saved Timmy from a Beedrill, creating confusion about its identity. Later, the real Meowth appeared to rescue Timmy. “Mewtwo Strikes Back” featured a cloned Meowth, distinct from Team Rocket’s, lacking language ability. “Go West Young Meowth” revealed Hollywood street Meowth, with Team Rocket’s Meowth as a former member. “Spinarak Attack” showcased The Black Arachnid’s Meowth from over a century ago. “Why Not Give Me a Z-Ring Sometime?” introduced Alolan Meowth living with Nanu, stealing Team Rocket’s food. Galarian Meowth debuted in “Just a Scone’s Throw From Here!” causing trouble in Wyndon.
Anime Minor Appearances
Meowth appeares in various episodes.
In the episode “The Ultimate Test”, Ash utilized a Meowth in the Pokémon League Admissions Exam, but it was defeated by the instructor’s Vaporeon. “Lights, Camerupt, Action!” featured a Meowth as an actor in one of Elijah’s movies, enhanced to appear larger. In “Lucario and the Mystery of Mew”, Mew transformed into a Meowth. “The Island of Illusions!” showcased a giant Meowth as part of Zoroark’s illusions.
The end of “The Cave of Mirrors!” revealed a Mirror World Meowth in Mirror Team Rocket. The episode “Dreams Are Made of These!” presented three Meowth as followers of a Persian. A fantasy in “Searching for Service with a Smile!” included a Meowth. “Heroes Unite!” featured a Meowth in a flashback, and two Galarian Meowth appeared in HZ040 at Manya’s house.
Manga Appearances
The Electric Tale of Pikachu
In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga, Meowth joins forces with teammates Jessie and James – Team Rocket. Meowth debuts in the episode ”Pikachu’s Excellent Adventure”.
In the episode ”Days of Gloom and Glory”, a Meowzie-like Meowth is featured. Similar to the anime, Meowzie is unsettled by Meowth’s human language skills. In the manga, she has a kitten, safeguarded in a stolen Poké Ball to shield it from an approaching flood.
Pokémon Adventures
Meowth debuted in a cameo in ”Bulbasaur, Come Home!” as one of the escaped Pokémon from Professor Oak’s Laboratory. It appeared in a flashback in ”The Coming of Slowpoke (Eventually)”, when the Pokémon Fan Club President explained Pay Day. In ”The Last Battle XIII”, a Meowth participated in the fight in Ilex Forest. Team Galactic Grunts used multiple Meowth in ”Cleaning Up Grimer”, and an Alolan Meowth appeared in ”The Decision and the Tournament of Six”. Additionally, a Gigantamaxed Meowth appeared in PASS41.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
In various episodes:
- ”Which One is the Real Clefairy!?”(multiple Meowth owned by Team Rocket Grunts)
- ”The No. 1 Pokémon!!” (Green’s Meowth)
- ”The Pokémon Banana League (Part 1)” (Blaine borrowed her Meowth to Red)
- ”Bring Down the Strongest Pokémon!!” (Giovanni’ Meowth, often assistsing his Hitmons)
- ”Fighting Over Otoshidama!!”
- ”A Meowth appeared in Pikachu’s Birthday Party”
Meowth also appeares in the following Pokémon manga:
Ash & Pikachu – in many episodes.
Movie adaptation – having appeared in every movie to date, Meowth has also been featured in their manga adaptations.
Pocket Monsters DP – in the sixtieth and final chapter of the Pocket Monsters DP manga, PMDP60.
Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All – in the episode ”Catch the Poliwag!” (background collage), and in the eighteenth chapter of the Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All manga, GDZ18, under the ownership of Masatoshi (one of Shu’s many rivals), playing Japanese stringed instrument, a shamisen).
Pokémon Horizon – in the episode ”The Power of Teamwork” (Alolan Meowth owned by Trainer).
Pokémon Journeys: The Series – in the episode ”Flash of the Titans!”.
Pokémon + Nobunaga’s Ambition ~ Ranse’s Color Picture Scroll ~ – in the episode ”The White Scroll: Oichi’s Worries” (multiple Meowth).
Game data
Stats
Location
| Game version | Location |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Red | Trade |
| Pokémon Blue | Routes 5, 6, 7, and 8 |
| Pokémon Yellow | Trade |
| Pokémon Gold | Trade |
| Pokémon Silver | Routes 5, 6, 7, 8, 38, and 39 |
| Pokémon Crystal | Routes 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 38, and 39 |
| Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | Trade |
| Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen | Routes 5, 6, 7, and 8, Bond Bridge, Canyon Entrance, Cape Brink, Five Isle Meadow, Kindle Road, Ruin Valley, Sevault Canyon, Treasure Beach, Water Path |
| Pokémon Emerald | Trade |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Trade |
| Pokémon XD | Prestige Precept Center |
| Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Trophy Garden |
| Pokémon Platinum | Trophy Garden |
| Pokémon HeartGold | Trade |
| Pokémon SoulSilver | Routes 5, 6, 7, 8, 38, and 39 |
| Pokémon Black and Pokémon White | Trade |
| Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 | Trade |
| Pokémon X and Pokémon Y | Friend Safari |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Breed Persian |
| Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon | Route 2, Trainers' School, Hau'oli City, Malie Garden (Alolan Form) |
| Pokémon Bank (Kantonian Form) | Diglett's Cave (Kantonian Form) |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon | Route 2, Trainers' School, Hau'oli City, Malie Garden (Alolan Form) |
| Pokémon Bank (Kantonian Form) | Route 6, Giant's Mirror, Giant's Cap, Dusty Bowl, Lake of Outrage, Hammerlocke Hills (Kantonian Form) |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! | Trade |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Routes 24 and 25 (Kantonian Form) |
| Trade (Alolan Form) | Unobtainable |
| Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Trade (Kantonian Form), Trade (Alolan Form), Route 4 (Galarian form) |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | Trophy Garden |
| Legends Arceus | Unobtainable |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | East Province (Area Three), West Province (Area Two), West Province (Area Three) |
Meowth's origin name
Meowth’s names across languages consistently draw inspiration from the characteristic sound associated with cats, providing a cohesive and universally recognizable representation of the Pokémon’s feline qualities.
English: Meowth – The English name “Meowth” is a combination of two elements: “meow,” which is an onomatopoeic representation of the sound a cat makes, and “mouth,” referring to the facial feature of a cat. The name captures the feline nature of the Pokémon and is reflective of its cat-like appearance and behavior.
Japanese: Nyāsu (ニャース) – In Japanese, Meowth is known as “Nyāsu” (ニャース), which is a play on the Japanese onomatopoeia for a cat’s meow, “nyā” (ニャー). The name emphasizes the cat-like vocalization and is a straightforward representation of the sound associated with cats.
French: Miaouss – The French name for Meowth is “Miaouss,” derived from the French onomatopoeia for a cat’s meow, “miaou.” Similar to the English and Japanese names, the French name captures the cat-like essence of Meowth through its association with the sound cats make.
German: Mauzi – In German, Meowth is called “Mauzi,” which is also inspired by the cat’s meow, resembling the German onomatopoeia “miau.”The name retains the playful and feline connotations associated with Meowth.
Spanish: Meowth – The Spanish name for Meowth remains the same as the English name, “Meowth.” It retains the connection to the cat’s meow, and the name is easily recognizable to English-speaking audiences.
Italian: Meowth – Similar to Spanish and English, Meowth is called “Meowth” in Italian. The name preserves the link to the sound of a cat’s meow.
Korean: 나옹 (Na-ong) – In Korean, Meowth is known as “나옹 (Na-ong),” which reflects the sound a cat makes in Korean.
Chinese (Simplified): 喵喵 (Miāo Miāo) – In Simplified Chinese, Meowth is referred to as “喵喵 (Miāo Miāo),” echoing the sound of a cat’s meow in Chinese.
Chinese (Traditional): 喵喵 (Miāo Miāo) – In Traditional Chinese, the name remains the same as in Simplified Chinese, written as “喵喵 (Miāo Miāo)”.