Meowth (Pokémon): Difference between revisions

Meowth has a distinctly feline appearance, resembling a small house cat. It has cream-colored fur, which turns brown at its paws and tail tip. Its oval-shaped head features prominent whiskers, no nose, black-and-brown ears and a gold oval coin (also known as "charm") embedded in its forehead. Meowth's coloration, its love of coins (see Special abilities) and its charm indicate that Meowth is based on the Japanese [[wp:Maneki Neko|Maneki Neko]], a cat-shaped figurine that is said to bring good luck and money to its owner.

Meowth usually live in towns and cities. They can also occasionally be found in vibrant forests or near beaches.

[[Tyson's Meowth]] debuted in ''[[AG125|Like a Meowth to a Flame]]''. This Meowth was dressed up like [[wp:Puss in Boots (fairy tale)|Puss in Boots]].

*Meowth's number in the [[National Dex]] (52) happens to be the reversed version of {{P|Pikachu}}'s (25). It is unknown whether or not this was intentional, however, in the anime, [[Meowth (Team Rocket)|Team Rocket's Meowth]] and [[Ash's Pikachu]] are rivals.

*The original Meowth sprites depicted it standing on all fours, not like a human. In the [[Pokémon anime]] episode ''[[EP070|Go West, Young Meowth]]'', it was stated that [[Meowth (Team Rocket) | Meowth]] of [[Team Rocket]] had to learn and practice standing on his hind legs like a human, implying that Meowth as a species are not naturally able to stand on their hind legs.  The more recent Meowth sprites, however, in the [[Pokémon games]] depict it standing on its hind legs, as if Meowth had the natural ability to walk on two legs. [[Tyson's Meowth]] is also able to walk on two legs, seemingly naturally.

Meowth seems to be based upon the Japanese legend of the 招き猫 ''[[wp:Maneki Neko|Maneki Neko]]'', also known as the lucky cat or beckoning cat. According to one legend, a cat raised its paw to welcome a lord and saved his life when a lightning bolt hit the spot where he had been standing. Maneki Neko are often used as charms in restaurants and shops to bring customers or fortune and good luck. Statues of the cat are usually depicted holding a ''koban'', an ancient coin used in Japan, like the one on Meowth's head.