Cats (1998) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
"Jellicle" cats join for a Jellicle ball where they rejoice with their leader, Old Deuteronomy. One cat will be chosen to go to the "Heavyside Layer" and be reborn.
Rated NR • 1998 • 2h 0m
This is a direct filming of the popular stage musical "Cats," and its content is appropriate for most family members. The film is unrated but is equivalent to a G rating. The main elements for parents to be aware of are thematic and related to a theatrical villain. The villain, Macavity, appears with loud sound effects and kidnaps a character, which may frighten very young children. Themes of ostracization and a metaphorical… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Cats appropriate for kids?
This is a direct filming of the popular stage musical "Cats," and its content is appropriate for most family members. The film is unrated but is equivalent to a G rating. The main elements for parents to be aware of are thematic and related to a theatrical villain. The villain… Read more — free account
Content severity in Cats
What happens in Cats, moment by moment
- 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
- 0:25 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:48 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
Sex and nudity in Cats
Content is limited to artistic dancing. The performers wear skin-tight, cat-like bodysuits throughout. Some of the dance choreography, particularly during numbers like "The Jellicle Ball" and from the character Bombalurina, is stylized and suggestive of feline sensuality, but it is not overtly sexualized and remains within the context of a theatrical performance. There is no nudity or sexual dialogue.
Violence and gore in Cats
Violence is infrequent, theatrical, and completely bloodless. The primary villain, Macavity, appears suddenly with loud noises, which is intended to be startling. He orchestrates the kidnapping of the cats' leader, Old Deuteronomy, which occurs in a flash of light. Later, Macavity engages in a stylized, acrobatic fight with another cat, Munkustrap, that involves no injuries or gore.
Language in Cats
Language is almost entirely absent. According to IMDb user reports, the word "hell" is used a single time in the lyrics of a song ("hell's commandos") but is not spoken otherwise. No other profanity is used.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Cats
There is no on-screen use of substances. A couple of songs contain brief, passing lyrical references to alcohol. In the song for "Gus: The Theatre Cat," it is mentioned that he once had a "toothful of gin." In "Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat," the lyrics mention taking a "drop of Scotch." These are fleeting references and are not glorified.
Mature themes in Cats
The central themes involve ostracism, redemption, aging, and a metaphorical death and rebirth. The character Grizabella is an outcast who is shunned by the other cats for her past, and her story focuses on her plea for acceptance. The entire premise revolves around one cat being chosen to ascend to the "Heaviside Layer" to be reborn, which is an allegory for dying and starting a new life that may require explanation for younger viewers.
Scary moments in Cats
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Cats yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cats appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Cats is best for ages 6+. It's rated NR. This is a direct filming of the popular stage musical "Cats," and its content is appropriate for most family members. The film is unrated but is equivalent to a G rating. The main elements for parents to be aware of are…
What age rating does Cats have?
Cats is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 6+.
What is Cats about?
This is a direct filming of the popular stage musical "Cats," and its content is appropriate for most family members. The film is unrated but is equivalent to a G rating. The main elements for parents to be aware of are thematic and related to a theatrical villain. The villain, Macavity, appears with loud sound…
Is there sex or nudity in Cats?
Content is limited to artistic dancing. The performers wear skin-tight, cat-like bodysuits throughout. Some of the dance choreography, particularly during numbers like "The Jellicle Ball" and from the character Bombalurina, is stylized and suggestive of…
How violent is Cats?
Violence is infrequent, theatrical, and completely bloodless. The primary villain, Macavity, appears suddenly with loud noises, which is intended to be startling. He orchestrates the kidnapping of the cats' leader, Old Deuteronomy, which occurs in a flash of…
Is the language in Cats appropriate for kids?
Language is almost entirely absent. According to IMDb user reports, the word "hell" is used a single time in the lyrics of a song ("hell's commandos") but is not spoken otherwise. No other profanity is used.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Cats?
There is no on-screen use of substances. A couple of songs contain brief, passing lyrical references to alcohol. In the song for "Gus: The Theatre Cat," it is mentioned that he once had a "toothful of gin." In "Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat," the lyrics…
What mature themes appear in Cats?
The central themes involve ostracism, redemption, aging, and a metaphorical death and rebirth. The character Grizabella is an outcast who is shunned by the other cats for her past, and her story focuses on her plea for acceptance. The entire premise revolves…
How long is Cats?
Cats runs 120 minutes, directed by David Mallet, Trevor Nunn, released in 1998.
Where can I read the full Cats parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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