Anime Review: My Roommate is a Cat Episode 1

My Roommate is a Cat Episode 1

Studio: Zero-G

Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy

Streaming: Crunchyroll

I’ll admit I’m a simple person – I saw there was an anime airing about a cat and I automatically knew I’d watch it. The first episode of Doukyonin wa Hiza, Tokidoki, Atama no Ue (or My Roommate is a Cat) is not all sweetness and light, however, even if there’s a fair share of adorable moments.

The first episode initially follows Subaru, a young author who is struggling to come up with an idea for his next story. It becomes very clear from the first scene that he also struggles with social anxiety – and like many writers, he is introverted by nature. As a character, Subaru is not the most likable; he gets irritated easily and avoids contact with others. Even still, for people who struggle with anxiety, he is certainly relatable.

Thankfully, the anime is not solely about him – enter one very angry-looking cat (who, as of this episode has yet to be given a name). It is when visiting his parent’s grave that Subaru encounters her, and sensing it is a sign he somehow ends up taking the cat back with him. Subaru doesn’t see the cat as cute and instead is baffled by her presence in his home. However, the cat’s behavior helps to serve as a catalyst for his writing, and so reluctantly he keeps her around. It is later in the episode, however, when the narrative suddenly shifts viewpoint to that of the cat herself that the anime truly shines

The cat is revealed to be just as confused with Subaru’s behavior as he is with hers – the two do not understand each other in the slightest and seeing this from both sides is really funny. The cat is also the more likable of the two – compared to Subaru she is very independent and capable, and can’t understand why her new “owner” acts the opposite. Of the pair, the cat is the more rational and indeed it is she that seems to take care of Subaru rather than the other way around.

The first episode is charming, bringing to mind similar shows such as Barakamon and Poco’s Udon World, which are both heart-warming and deal with troubled protagonists who are healed by the companionship of another. Subaru’s (and even the cat’s) problems are not solved by the end of the episode – he still is the same person after all. But there is a promise of healing and development in the future, as the two seem to have reached a mutual agreement to look after one another.

Art-style wise, the animation is nice – even if the male-heavy cast and character designs are more reminiscent of shonen ai series such as Junjou Romantica which may serve to limit its audience. Yet, it would be a shame if this were to be the case as while not much has happened in the first episode, it is a fairly accurate depiction of someone with social anxiety. It is too early to tell what direction the series will take, and if Subaru will develop over the course of the story, or if this will be more of a slice-of-life selection of tales – but if you want anime that will make you smile, as well as ponder more emotional issues then I definitely recommend checking it out.