Mitski Picks History’s Coolest Cats

Rolling Stone

by Simon Vozick-Levinson

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Mitski, the singer-songwriter, shares insights into how cats have inspired her creative work and influenced global culture. Known for her quirky storytelling, Mitski recently opened up about her admiration for felines across history and media, from Japanese folklore to Western entertainment. With her new album *Nothing’s About to Happen to Me* set for release on Feb. 27, Mitski reveals that the album features cats as symbols of freedom and eccentricity, drawing inspiration from iconic depictions of cats in literature, film, and mythology. One of Mitski’s top picks is Jiji from Hayao Miyazaki’s *Kiki’s Delivery Service*. The cat represents the struggle of losing childhood magic and finding new ways to cope with life’s challenges. Mitski highlights how this relatable narrative makes Miyazaki’s stories timeless for adult women, emphasizing themes of resilience and growth. Another standout is Freya’s cats from Norse mythology, who pull the goddess of love’s chariot—a symbol of power and influence that has shaped cultural perceptions of felines throughout history. Mitski also points to the Prophet Muhammad’s cat as a pivotal figure in promoting kindness toward animals. This historical anecdote, she notes, inspired millions to treat cats with compassion, showing how one cat’s presence can leave a lasting impact on society. Additionally, Mitsuki praises Salem, Sabrina the Teenage Witch’s talking cat, for challenging stereotypes about cats and inspiring a generation of millennials to view them as more than just “furry furniture.” These examples, along with the cat from Natsume Sōseki’s *I Am a Cat*, highlight how literature and media have shaped our understanding of felines as integral parts of human life. Mitski’s reflections on culturally significant cats not only shed light on her creative process but also underscore the enduring influence of felines in shaping cultural narratives. By celebrating these

Verticals

cultureentertainment

Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/26/2026