Tabby McTat (2023): A Beautifully Animated Tale About Love, Friendship, and Letting Go

If you’re looking for a short film that packs an emotional punch, Tabby McTat (2023) is one you can’t miss. It tells the story of a singing street cat who becomes separated from his busker owner and must navigate a new life while holding onto hope for their reunion.

The Story of Tabby McTat

Set in the cozy, bustling streets of London, the story follows the titular character, McTat (voiced by Sope Dirisu), the loyal tabby cat of a busker, Fred (Rob Brydon). Together, they create music for the passersby. Fred strums his guitar and sings songs about how happy they are together. Meanwhile, McTat accompanies him with his powerful, melodic meows. Their bond is as evident as it is endearing.

The narrative takes a turn when McTat meets Sock (Susan Sokoma), his future feline partner. During this brief distraction, a thief steals Fred’s money-filled hat. Fred chases after the thief but falls and injures himself. He is taken to the hospital, leaving McTat alone on the streets.

McTat waits for days, but Fred doesn’t come back. Seeing his despair, Sock offers comfort and a home with her caring human owners. At first, McTat hesitates to give up his search for Fred, but he eventually agrees.

Over time, even as he builds a new life with Sock and their litter of kittens, McTat often dreams of his lost friend and their shared musical days.

Meanwhile, when Fred is released from the hospital, he begins searching for his beloved cat—but without success.

Months pass. While McTat enjoys his new family life with Sock and their kittens, he can’t stop worrying about Fred. He frequently returns to the square where they used to perform, hoping Fred might have come back.

One day, McTat decides it’s time to look more thoroughly, saying to himself that “some things in life are sacred.”

For an entire week, McTat tirelessly searches for his old friend. Finally, he hears a familiar tune—Fred is singing their song! But the lyrics are different now; they tell of how much Fred misses his cat and longs to see him again.

When McTat and Fred spot each other, they are overjoyed to be reunited. McTat returns home with Fred, but his heart is torn. He loves his family with Sock and knows he must make a hard decision. Showing Fred his new ID tag, McTat helps him understand that, as much as they love each other, it’s time to break up.

In the end, though, everything turns out well for everyone, and their bond remains unbroken.

Based on a True Story

The Tabby McTat film is based on a book by Julia Donaldson, one of Britain’s most loved children’s authors and the creator of classics like The Gruffalo. The story was inspired by her time as a busker in Paris, where she performed with a friend and her future husband, Malcolm. As a cat lover, Julia named the main character after her own tabby cats, Tabitha and McTat.

The book’s illustrations are by Axel Scheffler. This time, instead of his signature fairytale settings, he paints a more realistic urban world that fits McTat’s journey.

Bringing Tabby McTat to the Big Screen

Directors Mac Hannan and Sarah Scrimgeour bring the story to life on the big screen. Their vision stays true to the original story—except for one change at the end, when McTat returns home to Fred.

Another slight difference lies in the location. The book’s setting is inspired by London but lacks any recognizable landmarks. In the movie, there’s no mistaking the city—it features iconic sights like red double-decker buses, Big Ben, the Thames, and the London Underground sign. The film beautifully captures London’s charm, portraying it as a cozy, magical city with inviting parks, warm interiors, glowing lights, and rainy evenings that shimmer under the lamplights.

The animation is rich with detail and texture, bringing the cats and their surroundings to life with a warmth that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. The use of light and color is exceptional, evoking the style of Ratatouille (2007). A subtle Christmas atmosphere—complete with twinkling lights and gentle snowfall—adds a layer of coziness without overshadowing the story’s emotional heart.

The cats themselves are irresistible. Their expressive faces will endear viewers of all ages.

Emotionally, the film is a rollercoaster—from the joy of McTat and Fred’s partnership to the heartbreak of their separation and the bittersweetness of their reunion. It’s impossible not to be moved by the tender moments, and the ending will have you wiping away tears while feeling a sense of hope and fulfillment. 

Tabby McTat explores themes of love, loss, and change with a maturity beyond what you’d expect from a 25-minute animated film for children. But it is also a magical tale that will leave you with a warm glow long after the credits roll.

Where to Watch the Tabby McTat film

Tabby McTat is currently playing in Belgian cinemas under the French title MacPat le chat chanteur. The screening is preceded by three cute short films about cats: Cat in the Bag (2013), The Cat (2023), and Erwin (2016). These shorts are perfect appetizers for the main feature.

The film is also available on Amazon Prime Video. 

Meet the Cat Who Became a Movie Star: Avalon is a Memoir You’ll Fall in Love With!

Do you like heartwarming stories about the special bond between humans and cats, much like the tale of Tabby McTat? 

If so, you’ll want to check out Avalon. 

This touching memoir is about an extraordinary Belgian feline who didn’t just share a deep bond with his human but starred in the books and movies she wrote. If you love stories that celebrate the loving and creative connection between people and their pets, Avalon is a must-read—available in English and French.

About the author

Vanessa Morgan is the editor of When Animals Attack: The 70 Best Horror Movies with Killer Animals, Strange Blood: 71 Essays on Offbeat and Underrated Vampires Movies, Evil Seeds: The Ultimate Movie Guide to Villainous Children, and Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies. She also published one cat book (Avalon) and four supernatural thrillers (Drowned Sorrow, The Strangers Outside, A Good Man, and Clowders). Three of her stories became movies. She introduces movie screenings at several European cinemas and film festivals and is also a programmer for the Offscreen Film Festival in Brussels. When she is not writing, you will probably find her eating out or taking photos of felines for her website, Traveling Cats.

Pin the Belgian Tabby McTat (2023) Movie Poster!

Love Cats in Movies? Grab Your Copy of Meow! Today!