Do you love Marie, the cute white kitten from The Aristocats? She’s sweet, sassy, and full of charm. No wonder so many fans adore her.
But what kind of cat is she? And can you have a cat like Marie in real life?
In this post, we’ll talk about who Marie is, what kind of cat she is, and why people love her so much.
You’ll learn about the Turkish Angora breed, what these cats look like, how they act, and how to care for one.
We’ll also share fun facts about Marie and a special day just for her. Keep reading if you’re curious about this fancy kitten.
Who is Marie from The Aristocats?
Marie is the middle kitten in Disney’s animated film, The Aristocats.
She is the only daughter of the Duchess, with two brothers, Toulouse and Berlioz. Marie wears a pink bow and has white fur.
In the movie, she and her family must find their way home after being kidnapped by the butler, Edgar.
Marie became iconic because of her cute look and sassy attitude. Her image appears on lots of Disney products, especially in Asia.
Marie acts like a proper lady and tries to be elegant like her mother. She can be stubborn, loves attention, and often reminds everyone that she’s a lady. Despite this, she shows bravery during their adventure home.
What Kind of Cat is Marie?
Marie’s Breed: The Turkish Angora
Marie from The Aristocats is a Turkish Angora cat. This fancy breed fits her upper-class background in the film.
Turkish Angoras come from Turkey and have been kept as pets for hundreds of years. These cats are known for their beauty and grace, just like Marie shows in the movie.
Physical Characteristics
Marie has soft, pure white fur that’s medium-length and fluffy. Her big blue eyes stand out against her white coat.
She has a small face, a pink nose, and a fluffy tail. The Disney artists made Marie look dainty and cute, with a pink bow that makes her easy to spot among other cats.
Personality and Temperament
Marie acts like a proper young lady but has a strong will. She tries to copy her mother’s grace but still plays like a kitten.
Marie can be stubborn and wants things her way. She loves attention and isn’t shy about speaking up. Throughout the film, she shows both calm manners and bursts of energy.
Real Turkish Angoras share Marie’s smart, social, and sometimes stubborn nature. They’re also known for grace and forming close bonds with family like Marie.
The History of the Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora comes from Turkey, where it lived for hundreds of years. The breed gets its name from Ankara (once called Angora), the capital city.
These cats almost disappeared when they bred with Persian cats in the 1900s. The Turkish government started a special program at the Ankara Zoo to save pure white Turkish Angoras.
The breed was officially recognized in the United States in the 1970s. Today’s Turkish Angoras have more color options than their mostly white ancestors.
Modern ones also tend to be slightly bigger, with longer fur, than the cats from earlier times.
Fun Facts About Marie
- Marie was named after Marie Antoinette, the French queen. This name fits her ladylike attitude and the French setting in the movie.
- Actress Liz English voiced Marie in the film. She was only seven when she recorded Marie’s cute and sassy lines.
- Released on December 24, 1970, The Aristocats was the first Disney film made after Walt Disney’s death. It earned $191 million worldwide.
- Marie appears on clothing, stuffed toys, school supplies, jewelry, and home items. She’s especially popular in Japan, Disney parks, and online shops.
What is Marie Day?
Marie Day happens on February 22 each year. Disney Japan created this special day as a fun spin-off of Cat Day (also on February 22) in Japan.
The date was chosen because the Japanese words for “two two” (2-2) sound like “nyan nyan,” which is similar to a cat’s meow in Japanese.
This day celebrates the cute white kitten from The Aristocats and allows fans to show their love for this popular Disney character.
Marie Day has grown from a small marketing event into a yearly tradition for Disney and cat fans worldwide.
How to Celebrate Marie Day
- Pick up a cat from a shelter and give it a loving home-like Madame did for Marie.
- Spend time helping cats at local animal shelters by cleaning, feeding, or playing with them.
- Add Marie pins, plush toys, or other items from Disney stores to your collection.
- Host a get-together with white and pink decorations, cat-shaped snacks, and “The Aristocats” playing.
- Post pictures of your Marie items or white cats with #MarieDay tags online.
Is a Turkish Angora the Right Pet for You?
Turkish Angoras make great pets for active homes. They’re smart, loving, and they bond closely with their families.
These cats need daily play and mental challenges. When raised together, they get along with kids and other pets.
Turkish Angoras live 12-18 years and require regular grooming for their soft fur.
A Turkish Angora might be perfect if you want a friendly, bright cat that’s playful and affectionate.
Turkish Angora Care Guide
Turkish Angoras need a balanced diet with high-quality cat food rich in protein. Feed adult cats twice daily, monitoring their weight to avoid overeating.
Brush their silky coats 2-3 times weekly to prevent tangles and reduce shedding. Though they groom themselves well, monthly baths can help brighten their white coats.
These active cats need daily play sessions with toys that let them run, jump, and climb. Provide scratching posts and cat trees to satisfy their climbing needs.
Turkish Angoras bond closely with their families and enjoy being part of daily activities.
They’re typically healthy but should have yearly vet check-ups to watch for heart issues or deafness in white cats with blue eyes.
With proper care, these beautiful cats can live 12-18 years as loving family pets.
Wrapping Up
Marie from The Aristocats isn’t just a cute cartoon kitten. She’s based on a real cat breed that’s just as lovely. Turkish Angoras are friendly, playful, and love being around people, just like Marie.
If you’re thinking about getting a cat, this type might be a great fit for your home. They’re fun, full of energy, and enjoy lots of attention.
We hope this blog helped you learn more about Marie and the kind of cat she is.
If you liked this post, don’t stop here! Check out our other blogs for more easy tips, fun facts, and helpful info about cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Breed of Cat Is Berlioz From Aristocats?
Berlioz is likely a Turkish Angora cat, just like his sister Marie and the rest of their family.
What Kind of Cat Is Duchess?
The Duchess is a Turkish Angora known for her grace and beauty, matching her role as the mother cat.
What Breed Is Thomas From Aristocats?
Thomas O’Malley is either a stray with no specific breed or possibly has Maine Coon or alley cat features.
