Figaro first appeared as Geppetto's kitten in Walt Disney's second animated feature, "Pinocchio" (released in 1940).  Figaro was largely the creation of Eric Larson, one of Disney's "Nine Old Men".  John Grant describes Figaro as "almost certainly the most instantly appealing character in the movie".  Confirmed cat lovers may therefore ask why Geppetto wanted a real boy as well - or what would have happened if Figaro had been less good natured and refused to get out of bed to open the window.

Figaro next appeared in "All Together", a war savings advertisement where he joined better known characters.  This gave a hint he would appear again.

Figaro and Cleo            1943

Figaro is with Cleo the fish from "Pinocchio" - but with a much more aggressive attitude towards her.  Of course, if Figaro had been fed properly, he would not have needed to think about Cleo.

First Aiders                 1944

Classic mayhem after Minnie practises first aid treatments with Figaro and Pluto.  And for those who wonder if Mickey and Minnie are married or live together, do we see some familiar red shorts as a bandaged Pluto chases Figaro through the clothes cupboard?

Bath Day                    1946

Figaro shows his courage by the way he deal with alley cats after Minnie subjects him to a bath, bow and perfume.

Figaro and Frankie    1947

This is Frankie the Bird's only cartoon appearance but we still think he is "resting" somewhere in Toontown and that Figaro kept the good intentions he had by the end of the film.

Cat Nap Pluto            1948

Pluto and Figaro.  One wants to sleep:  the other to play.  How many of us can sympathise with one or other of these characters?

Pluto's Sweater        1949

Here Pluto is the victim of Minnie's insensitive treatment of her pets.  Figaro could have been more sympathetic.

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas    1999

Figaro is welcome back after quite a break.  He is there with Minnie, loyally helping hide the unpaid bills from Mickey and settling down by the fire with his friend Pluto.

We have seen Figaro from time to time on the "House of Mouse" tv show.  Sometimes he is sitting with Geppetto in the audience.  Yes, we think we remember one larger segment when he got chased by Pluto.  We haven't been able to research "House of Mouse" thoroughly.

Click for more about "Andrew and Mikki's Figaros".

This page was last updated in April 2009.