Roll Stone Lists 30 Best Cat Songs Featuring Beyoncé and Prince

Rolling Stone released a new list on Tuesday titled “The 30 Best Songs About Cats,” ranking tracks that celebrate the feline companion from pop to rock. The collection features songs by Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Elton John, Prince, and other big names, along with lesser‑known indie gems that have earned cult followings among cat lovers. The list, posted on the magazine’s website and shared across social media, pulls from recordings that range from the 1970s to the present day, highlighting how cat‑themed lyrics have woven themselves into popular music across decades.

The timing of the list coincides with a surge in online cat culture that began in the 2000s and exploded during the COVID‑19 lockdowns, when millions of people turned to pet videos for comfort. As the animal’s popularity grew, so did the demand for music that references cats, leading to a broader conversation about how pop culture reflects everyday life. Rolling Stone’s editorial team said the list was created to showcase how artists use cats as metaphors for freedom, independence, and companionship, and to underline the enduring appeal of felines in the public imagination. The article also notes that the list was compiled by a panel of music critics who weighed lyrical content, musical style, and cultural impact.

The list’s top spot is “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5, a 1969 hit that references a cat in its chorus. Other high‑ranking tracks include Prince’s “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World (Cat Song)” and Beyoncé’s “Cat‑Nap,” which critics praised for its playful production. The article quotes Rolling Stone’s senior editor, who said the selection “captures a range of moods, from whimsical to heartfelt, and shows that a cat can be a muse for any genre.” The piece also notes that the list has already sparked discussion on streaming platforms, with several tracks seeing a spike in streams after the article’s publication.

Looking ahead, Rolling Stone plans to release a companion feature that interviews musicians about their feline influences, and to host a live stream where fans can discuss their favorite cat songs. The publication also hinted at a future “Cat‑Music” playlist that will be added to its app, aiming to capitalize on the growing niche of pet‑centric content. As the list gains traction, it underscores a broader trend of niche interests finding mainstream recognition, and it may inspire more artists to write about the pets that shape their lives.