See more TV reviews

Cattanooga Cats (Boomerang)

common sense media says

Vintage, rarely seen (with reason) Hanna-Barbera.

parents & educators say
Be the first to review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the titular band's music cartoons -- which intersperse other parts of the show -- are cult favorites, offering irresistible comparisons to the idealized version of a '60s "head trip," although young viewers would never make that connection. The lyrics can also be mildly suggestive, although the visuals aren't.

Positive messages: The wolf never gets to eat the lamb. The villain never stops the hot air balloon -- but you get the sense that's more so the cartoon will live another day than for its value as a lesson in social behavior.
Violence & scariness: Characters punch, kick, and scuffle; sink hot air balloons; and send one another off cliffs in the classic cartoon manner. Weapons appear but are usually used on inanimate objects.
Sexy stuff: Mildly suggestive song lyrics (titles include "Ain't I Cute in My Birthday Suit," "SuperLove," etc.).
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Cattanooga Cats

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the recurring cat/mouse, wolf/sheep theme that pervaded all the cartoons of this era. Why was that so popular? Is there anything more to it than the comfortable format of "chase and capture"? Kids: What do you enjoy about cartoons that follow that kind of storyline? Does it ever get boring? Why or why not?

What's the story?

What's the story?

CATTANOOGA CATS was a late '60s/early '70s Hanna-Barbera variety show that offered cartoons about the titular feline band -- as well as "Autocat," "Around the World in 79 Days," and "It's the Wolf" -- with mini psychedelic 'toon forerunners of music videos from the Cats' band interspersed in between.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This show ran briefly and rarely appeared in reruns, so viewers who saw it then are guaranteed an unsullied hit of nostalgia now. The music videos, with their mesmerizing cartoon effects and oddly catchy tunes, are the best reason to tune in to Cattanooga Cats. Although the visuals are strictly G-rated, the songs themselves can be somewhat suggestive -- "Aren't I Cute in My Birthday Suit," "SuperLove," etc. Otherwise, the cartoons are strictly of the knock-off variety, although the chance to hear the voice of the inimitable Paul Lynde as Mildew Wolf trying to eat Daws Butler's Lambsy-Divey makes "It's the Wolf" almost funny.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Boomerang
Cast: Bill Callaway, Casey Kasem, Julie Bennett
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Boomerang
This review was written by KJ Dell Antonia
 
 

Review It

 

Review Cattanooga Cats

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

There aren’t any reviews yet. Ask your friends to review this title.

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Cattanooga Cats?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more TV
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines