Cats are possibly the greatest creatures on the planet. Over the years a number of them have appeared in Sci-fi shows, adding a new feline level to the stories. Sometimes they are loyal companions to favourite characters, sometimes they are heroes in their own rights.
Here is a rundown of some of the best:
Isis
From Star Trek: The Original Series
What one accessory was James Bond and Doctor Who both missing? That’s right, a cat sidekick. In the Star Trek episode ‘Assignment: Earth’, we were introduced to Gary Seven, the time travelling secret agent. With the skills and strength of Bond and the gadgets and intelligence of the Doctor, he was the ultimate hero. Especially so with his companion Isis.
She was a cat who could communicate with him telepathically, often resulting in amusing exchanges.
Her true secret though was that she could take on human form at will, becoming a beautiful female. What more could you want from a cat companion?
It’s a shame that the pair did not return for more adventures.
Orion
From Men in Black
Orion is the pet cat of Gentle Rosenburg, an Arquilian who lives among humans on Earth. Rosenburg is also the guardian of his entire galaxy. Wisely he sees fit to entrust the fate of the galaxy to his pet cat. The choice proves to be worthwhile. Rosenburg is murdered, and the galaxy remains safe with his cat.
Jonesy
From Alien and Aliens
Jonesy is the ships cat. He seems to have a friendly bond with everyone on board, but the surprises come later when the Xenomorph alien attacks.
It soon becomes Ripleys priority to save Jonesy, though for the most part it seems as though he could take care of himself until she trapped him in that cat cage.
Before then, Jonesy repeatedly risked his life trying to warn the crew members where the Alien was hiding. They foolishly did not take note of his warnings and steer clear and invariably ended up dead.
The Alien did not attack Jonesy, even when given ample opportunity. Perhaps it realised that Jonesy was too worthy a foe to destroy and left him alone with respect.
Spot
From Star Trek: The Next Generation
Spot was Data’s pet cat. Not only did Spot provide the Enterprise D with a much needed feline presence, but she helped Data in his ever continuing quest to become more human.
Through Spot, Data learned important emotions connected to attachment, friendship and parenthood. He even wrote the cat a poem.
Spot is not only great for her effect on Data. She played a part in saving the entire crew when they were infected by a disease causing them to de-evolve. Data found that Spots newborn kittens were immune to the disease, and based on that he managed to find a cure for the Enterprise crew.
Finally the first tear Data ever shed was for his cat, when he discovered his friend had survived the destruction of the starship.
The Cat
From Red Dwarf
The product of centuries of cat evolution. Over the years his species took on a more humanoid form with increased intelligence and opposable thumbs.
However, he retained the cool demeanour of a cat complete with rhythm, style, grooming, agility and a taste for fish.
With his increased sense of smell and great reaction times, he became ship pilot, out performing any of the other crewmates.
