The beloved fantasy series “The Cat and the Dragon” (Neko to Ryū) is officially receiving a TV anime adaptation, as announced on February 22, 2025, coinciding with Japan’s “Cat Day.” The announcement was accompanied by a captivating teaser visual and an initial trailer, offering fans a first glimpse into the animated world of the dragon raised by felines.
While the news has generated significant excitement among fans of the light novel and manga, specific details regarding the anime’s full cast, production staff, and a precise premiere date, such as a July 2026 window, have not yet been officially confirmed. The teaser trailer did feature an exclusive voice recording of the Cat Dragon, though the voice actor behind the character remains unrevealed.
The Journey to Animation: From Web Novel to TV Series
“The Cat and the Dragon” originated as a series of short stories penned by Amara, first appearing on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō between September 2013 and June 2014. Its heartwarming narrative quickly gained popularity, leading to its publication in print by Takarajimasha, with illustrations by Mai Ōkuma, starting in April 2016. The light novel series currently spans eight volumes as of April 2025.
A manga adaptation, illustrated by Izumi Sasaki, began serialization on Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! Web in September 2017. This adaptation has been compiled into eleven volumes as of April 2025, further expanding the series’ reach and fanbase. The combined circulation of the novels, manga, and digital editions has surpassed one million copies.
A Tale of Unlikely Bonds: The Premise of “The Cat and the Dragon”
The fantasy story centers on an unusual family dynamic: a human-hating, fire-breathing dragon, affectionately known as “Uncle Wing,” who is raised by a mother cat in a secluded forest. The narrative explores the dragon’s life among a community of curious cats, its gradual warming to humans through various encounters, and the unique magic wielded by the feline inhabitants.
The original creators, Amara and Mai Ōkuma, along with manga artist Izumi Sasaki, shared their enthusiasm for the anime adaptation with commemorative illustrations and messages. They expressed joy at seeing the series brought to life in a new medium, different from both the novel and manga, and hoped that fans would enjoy this new world.
Anticipating Further Details
As of the current reports, the production studio, a comprehensive list of voice actors, and the full staff involved in bringing “The Cat and the Dragon” to the screen are yet to be announced. Anime enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting further updates on this much-anticipated adaptation, including a confirmed broadcast schedule for its eventual premiere.
