Nyaight of the Living Cat [Season 1 Episodes 1-2]

Alright, let’s dive into the wild world of Nyaight of the Living Cat—the anime that’s got everyone asking, “Wait, is this a horror, a comedy, or just an excuse to flood my screen with cat puns?” Spoiler: It’s all three, and honestly, that’s why it works.

First off, let’s get the basics straight. This series, based on Hawkman’s manga, hit Crunchyroll in July 2025 with a premise so absurd it’s genius: a virus turns anyone who touches a cat into a cat. Yep, you read that right. Forget zombies—here, the apocalypse is fluffy, meowing, and probably judging your life choices. The first two episodes waste no time throwing us into the chaos, with human survivors Masaki and Kaoru trying to navigate a world where petting a stray could mean trading your opposable thumbs for a tail.

Now, let’s talk about the tone. Fans on MyAnimeList are losing their minds over how it balances horror and humor. One comment called it “the cutest horror I’ve seen,” and honestly, that’s spot-on. Imagine a scene where a character panics about a cat scratch, only for the camera to cut to a group of kittens chasing a laser pointer—classic horror tropes, but with a feline twist. The opening theme by THE YELLOW MONKEY is this weirdly catchy mix of ominous and upbeat, like if your favorite J-rock band decided to score a cat apocalypse. And don’t even get me started on the cat puns: “Nyandemic,” “No Cat No Life” billboards, and a character named Kunagi who declares, “I will kill any in this world who bring harm to cats.” Iconic.

But wait, is it all laughs? Some fans are split. One user mentioned the dark, almost unwatchable lighting in parts of the first episode—like, “turn your brightness up to max” dark. Others are worried the joke will get old fast. “Unless it develops a serious plot, I’ll stop finding it funny in 3 or 4 episodes,” said one commenter. Fair point. The first two episodes are heavy on gags: characters debating whether cat food is a gateway to transformation, a “cat safety check” that’s basically a zombie survival drill, and even a nod to Night of the Living Dead (RIP George A. Romero, who’s probably rolling in his grave… but also purring).

But here’s the thing: Nyaight of the Living Cat isn’t just a one-trick pony. The mystery is already brewing. Kunagi, the amnesiac with a cat bell around his neck, is clearly hiding something. Is he a scientist who created the virus? A cat turned human? The “Origin” of the pandemic? Fans are speculating, and that’s where the show might hook you long-term. Plus, the animation is surprisingly top-tier—sharp, vibrant, and with some of the best cat designs I’ve seen in anime. The voice actors are going all out too, leaning into the absurdity with gusto.

Let’s not forget the cat lovers vs. haters divide. If you’re a cat person, this is your new obsession. “As a huge cat lover, this is definitely a must-watch,” gushed one fan. If you’re not… well, you might still enjoy the chaos. “I’m a dog person, but this is so wacky I can’t look away,” admitted another. The show even throws in cat facts—did you know cats have 32 muscles in each ear? Now you do, thanks to this anime.

So, should you watch it? If you love horror parodies, cat memes, or just need something to make you snort-laugh at 2 AM, absolutely. The first two episodes are a wild ride, blending horror tropes with feline chaos in a way that’s both ridiculous and weirdly endearing. Will it keep up the momentum? Only time will tell. But for now, Nyaight of the Living Cat is the perfect antidote to this season’s more serious offerings. Just remember: next time you see a stray cat, think twice before petting it. You might end up joining the meow-pocalypse.

Final verdict? 8/10. It’s silly, it’s stylish, and it’s got enough mystery to keep you coming back. Plus, where else are you gonna get a horror anime with a metal soundtrack and a character who unironically says, “To err is human. To purr is feline”? Exactly. Nyaa, indeed. 🐱💀