Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
House cat's adventures inspire kids to get out and play.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Nature Cat
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 28 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say the show has become disappointing over the years, with many expressing nostalgia for its earlier iterations and criticizing the current writing, characters, and humor. While some find it educational and entertaining for younger audiences, others deem it cringeworthy, annoying, and overly focused on slapstick comedy rather than quality storytelling.
- nostalgia
- disappointing characters
- educational value
- annoying humor
- targeted audience
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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 , Animals , STEM
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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