Nature Cat
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
House cat's adventures inspire kids to get out and play.
Add your rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Nature Cat
Community Reviews
Based on 29 parent reviews
Still trying to figure it out
Well........
What's the Story?
When Fred's family leaves for the day, he ditches his house-cat persona and becomes NATURE CAT (voiced by Taran Killam), "backyard explorer extraordinaire" and adventure enthusiast. Flanked by his best pals -- Hal (Bobby Moynihan), Daisy (Kate Micucci), and Squeaks (Kate McKinnon) -- Fred is eager to make the most of his time outside, but as a lifelong house cat he's not the most skilled outdoorsman. Fortunately his animal friends are happy to keep him on track as they join his adventures and discover new and exciting things about the natural world.
Is It Any Good?
This lively series has many qualities that will appeal to kids, none more so than the exuberant titular character who finds joy in the simple acts of being outside and in the company of friends. They romp and play, get wet and dirty, and love every minute of the unstructured process. Even the most grandiose of their plans (building a rocket to go to the moon, for instance) becomes doable once their imaginations take hold.
Despite what its title might have you think, though, Nature Cat focuses more on the experience of being in nature than it does on a nuts-and-bolts education about the environment. Concepts are presented in very broad terms -- animals leave evidence behind as they go from one place to another, and there's less gravity on the moon than on Earth, for example -- so it probably will be more of a refresher course than a new chapter in your kids' learning. That said, there's lots of value in its reminders to kids that many adventures await in the great outdoors.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different personalities evident in Nature Cat. Which positive qualities does each member bring to the group? How is the team better prepared to tackle the challenges they face because of their combined efforts?
Kids: What kinds of games or imaginative play do you most enjoy outdoors? Are they solitary games, or do others join you? What physical benefits do you get from being outside?
Fred is making his dreams come true by exploring the great outdoors. What kinds of things do your kids imagine doing? Are there obstacles in their way? How can you support their interests?
How do the characters in Nature Cat demonstrate curiosity and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 25, 2015
- Cast: Kate McKinnon , Bobby Moynihan , Taran Killam
- Network: PBS Kids
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Adventures , Cats, Dogs, and Mice , Science and Nature
- Character Strengths: Curiosity , Teamwork
- TV rating: NR
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Best Animal Movies for Kids
Best Health Apps and Games for Kids
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate