Pussycats

Pussycats is the plural form of pussycat, a common name for domestic cats (Felis catus). The term is often used affectionately in literature and media and can refer to cats in general, as well as to cat-themed characters and brands in popular culture.

The most prominent use of the name in entertainment is the fictional all-female pop group Josie and the Pussycats. Created by Archie Comics in 1963, the trio consists of Josie McCoy (lead vocalist and guitarist), Valerie Brown (bassist), and Melody Valentine (drummer). They are known for performing in matching outfits with cat-ear headbands and for stories built around friendship, teamwork, and musical adventures. The property expanded into animated TV adaptations by Hanna-Barbera, with several iterations including a 1970 series and Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space in 1972.

In film, Josie and the Pussycats was released in 2001 as a live-action feature directed by Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont. The movie updates the premise to a contemporary setting, focusing on a brainwashing scheme in the music industry and the trio’s efforts to expose the truth while pursuing their music careers. The franchise has influenced subsequent media portrayals of girl groups and remains a recognizable example of a fictional band associated with feline imagery.

Outside of fiction, pussycats frequently appear as a generic or mascot reference to cats and are used in branding, merchandising, and cultural expressions that invoke feline charm.