Parents' Guide to The Royal Cat

Movie PG-13 2025 97 minutes
The Royal Cat movie poster: Chinese young man in white left, dragon masked warrior right, cat samurai in red armor center, flames emanating from paw

Common Sense Media Review

JK Sooja By JK Sooja , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Peril, bloody violence in solid animated action-adventure.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

  • The Royal Cat Trailer
  • The Royal Cat movie: Cat samurai in red armor right points sword blade forward amidst dark and fiery ship
  • The Royal Cat movie: A cat samurai in red armor growls center in front of glowing candles in the dark
  • The Royal Cat movie: An orange and white cat left and a Chinese young man in blue and white right both look up while in a barred cell

Parent and Kid Reviews

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What's the Story?

In THE ROYAL CAT, Zhan Ao (Ryan Negrón) is a cat without a tail living a different life after he lost his human master in a fight years ago. Once a fearless fighter, Zhan Ao now blames himself for the death of General Kou, but with the help of Bao Zheng, together they will learn to believe in the power of redemption and second chances.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

A bit formulaic, this animated action-adventure still has plenty of action, humor, and heart. The film doesn't seem to know which audience it wants, though. While the characters, story, talking-cat main character, humor, and tone all point to a family movie, a few moments of intense bloody violence, fighting, and torture feel like they belong in a different movie. It feels odd when the film is suddenly mature, like when Zhan Ao remembers his tail being cut off or when Zhan Ao is mistreated for not having a tail.

The bones of a solid action tale of redemptive heroism are here, but some of the animation fails the ambition of this adventure. The fight scenes and set pieces can occasionally feel AI-generated. Also, some of the supporting characters get lost in the shuffle after wonderful introductions (Jinmao Mouse), and audiences will likely be divided on Bao Zheng's sufferingly naive character. All in all, though, this is a decent jaunt that follows a talking cat in search of purpose and redemption after a great loss.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about violence in animated action-adventure movies. Did any of the violence in The Royal Cat surprise you? Do you feel the most violent parts fit the rest of the movie?

  • How do characters show courage, empathy, and perseverance? When Zhan Ao faces his past, how does he overcome his fears and doubt? How do characters like Bao Zheng and Jinmao Mouse help Zhan Ao?

  • What do you think is the main lesson or moral of the story?

  • Are you satisfied with how this movie ends? Why or why not?

  • Would you be eager for a sequel? Why or why not?

Movie Details

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The Royal Cat movie poster: Chinese young man in white left, dragon masked warrior right, cat samurai in red armor center, flames emanating from paw

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