Meowth

Meowth, known in Japanese as Nyāsu (ニャース), is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise, and the first stage of its evolved form, Persian. First introduced in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue, it has received multiple new forms, including regional variants called Alolan Meowth and Galarian Meowth in Pokémon Sun and Moon and Pokémon Sword and Shield respectively. These two forms are Dark and Steel as opposed to Meowth's Normal form. Sword and Shield also introduced a giant-sized Meowth transformation that causes it to become very long.

It has appeared in multiple games including Pokémon Go and the Pokémon Trading Card Game, as well as various merchandise. Meowth has multiple voice actors, including by Inuko Inuyama, Matthew Sussman, Maddie Blaustein, and James Carter Cathcart. The original Meowth is based on the Maneki-neko, being bipedal with white fur and a gold koban coin on its forehead. Meanwhile, Alolan Meowth has blueish grey fur, while Galarian Meowth has greyish-brown fur and a bushy beard.

In the Pokémon TV series, Meowth is one of the main characters and a recurring antagonist, along with partners Jessie and James, all three belonging to the criminal organization Team Rocket. Introduced in the second episode, the three have appeared in most episodes, typically attempting to steal the Pokémon Pikachu from protagonist Ash Ketchum. This Meowth is capable of human speech, a rarity among Pokémon, having taken the time to learn it. Meowth has received generally positive reception, its role in the anime being a significant contribution to its popularity in the games.