World's most famous cats

World's most famous cats

World's most famous cats. Cats have influenced ancient cultures and quantum physics, our everyday lives and many other things. June is Adopt-A-Cat Month, so we're paying tribute to the finest of felines. See which pop culture kitties are our picks of the litter, and check out this interactive visual search gallery of cat breeds.

The Cheshire Cat
When Lewis Carroll debuted "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" in 1865, he gave us one of history's most curious cats. The rotund riddler is best known for his grin, which inspired a common saying.

Felix the Cat
This black-and-white scamp graced silent films and news strips starting in 1919. There was a dispute over who created him; two claimed credit.

Tom the Cat
Hanna-Barbera's Tom has been chasing his foil, Jerry Mouse, since 1940. . The duo's cartoon antics are no laughing matter for some

Sylvester the Cat
Looney Tunes' scheming "puddy tat" started chasing his adorable feathered prey in 1945 Remember his sputtering catchphrase?

The Cat in the Hat
Dr. Seuss debuted his mischief-making cat in a 1957 learn-to-read book. Since then, the larger-than-life cat has become a cultural icon. 

Heathcliff
The wily fishbone-loving alley cat has appeared in newspaper comic strips since his 1973 creation 

Hello Kitty
Since her birth in 1974  this kawaii  Japanese cat has graced stickers, notebooks and over-the-top goods for jet-setters, fashionistas  and even expectant moms.

Garfield
On June 19, this famous comic strip grump celebrates his 33rd birthday. When not mailing pests overseas or tormenting his owner's dopey dog, Garfield can be found wisecracking through daily comic strips.

Morris the Cat
This spoiled tabby was a finicky '70s spokes-cat. 

Socks the Cat
Socks had a rags-to-riches story; the stray made it all the way to the White House. 

Maru 
 This pudgy Japanese housecat has been an Internet sensation since 2008. He has millions of YouTube viewers and his own Twitter account.