Meowth (Pokémon)

2009-08-13T22:45:28Z

$Meowth$:

{{PokémonPrevNext | type=normal | prevnum=051 | nextnum=053 | prev=Dugtrio | next=Persian }}
{{PokémonInfobox|
name=Meowth |
jname=ニャース |
tmname=Nyarth |
image=052Meowth.png|size=130|
caption=Artwork from FR/LG |
pron=<sc>''me''-outh</sc> <ref>Barbo, Maria. ''The Official Pokémon Handbook''. Scholastic Publishing, 1999. ISBN 0-439-10397-5</ref> |
ndex=052 |
jdex=136 |
hdex=241 |
fdex=099 |
typen=1 |
type1=Normal |
type2= |
species=Scratch Cat |
height-ftin=1'04" |
height-m=0.4 |
weight-lbs=9.3 |
weight-kg=4.2 |
abilityn=2 |
ability1=Pickup |
ability2=Technician |
egggroupn=1 |
egggroup1=Ground |
egggroup2= |
eggcycles=20 |
evsp=1 |
expyield=69 |
lv100exp=1,000,000 |
gendercode=127 |
color=Yellow |
catchrate=255 |
body=08 |
pokefordex=meowth |
generation=1 |
footnotes=}}
'''Meowth''' ([[List of Japanese Pokémon names|Japanese]]: '''ニャース ''' ''Nyarth'') is a {{type2|Normal}} Pokémon.

It [[Evolution|evolve]]s into {{p|Persian}} starting at [[level]] 28.

==Biology==
===Physiology===
Meowth has a distinctly feline appearance, resembling a small house cat. It has cream-colored fur, which turns brown at its paws and tail tip. Its oval-shaped head features prominent whiskers, no nose, black-and-brown ears, and a gold oval coin (also known as "charm") embedded in its forehead.

====Gender differences====
None.

====Special abilities====
Meowth are valued for their ability to collect coins using {{m|Pay Day}}, as it is the [[signature move|only Pokémon that learns it]].

===Behavior===
Meowth are very fond of anything round and shiny. As such, they have been known to wander about city streets and {{a|Pickup|pick up}} anything that is round and shiny—coins in particular. Although they are apparently not nocturnal, they spend most of the daytime napping. Meowth are considered rivals of {{p|Murkrow}}, because Murkrow are also known for stealing round and shiny objects and these two Pokémon have been known to steal from each other's hordes.

Wild Meowth tend to live in groups in urban areas.

===Habitat===
[[Image:Urban.gif|right|frame|{{DL|List of Pokémon by habitat|Urban Pokémon}}]]
Most Meowth usually live in towns and cities. They can also occasionally be found in vibrant forests or near beaches.

===Diet===
{{main|Pokémon food}}

==In the anime==
[[Image:Meowth tr.jpg|thumb|right|Team Rocket's {{MTR}}]]
===Major appearances===
====[[Meowth (Team Rocket)|Team Rocket's Meowth]]====
Meowth is one of two main Pokémon in the series (the other obviously being [[Ash's Pikachu]]). Meowth is a member of [[Team Rocket]], and he is unlike ordinary Meowth in that he can speak human language and walk on two legs instead of four. His first appearance was in ''[[EP002|Pokémon Emergency!]]''.

His background story, including another female Meowth named [[Meowzie]], was told in ''[[EP070|Go West Young Meowth]]''.

Meowth was cloned in ''[[Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'', but his clone couldn't talk or walk on two legs, likely due to the fact that Meowth needed to ''learn'' how to do this. The Meowth clone is encountered again in ''[[Mewtwo Returns]]''.

====[[Tyson's Meowth]]====
Tyson's Meowth debuted in ''[[AG125|Like a Meowth to a Flame]]''. This Meowth was dressed up like {{wp|Puss in Boots (fairy tale)|Puss in Boots}}.

====Other====
Over 100 years ago, [[The Black Arachnid]] had a Meowth.

===Minor appearances===
{{Ash}} used a Meowth during the Pokémon League entrance exam in ''[[EP056|The Ultimate Test]]''. The Meowth was defeated by the instructor's {{p|Vaporeon}}.

===Pokédex entries===
{{Animedexheader|Hoenn}}
{{Animedexbody|AG109|Meowth|Ash's Pokédex|Meowth, the Scratch Cat Pokémon. Meowth loves to roam at night to {{a|Pickup|gather coins and other objects that sparkle}}, but it spend most of the daylight hours sleeping.}}
{{Animedexfooter/Pokémon|''Advanced Generation''|Hoenn}}
{{Animedexheader|Sinnoh}}
{{Animedexbody|DP002|Meowth|Dawn's Pokédex|Meowth, the Scratch Cat Pokémon. It sleeps a lot during the day time and during the night-time it becomes active, moving around its territory.}}
{{Animedexfooter/Pokémon|''Diamond & Pearl''|Sinnoh}}

==In the manga==
===Pokémon Special===
Meowth's first appearance is a cameo in ''[[PS002|Bulbasaur, Come Home!]]'' as one of the Pokémon that escapes from [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]].

==In the TCG==
{{main|Meowth (TCG)}}

==In the TFG==
One Meowth figure has been released.

* {{TFG|Next Quest}}: {{TFG ID|Next Quest|Meowth|11}}

==Other appearances==

===[[Super Smash Bros.]]===
Meowth appears from a Poké Ball. It attacks opponents with {{m|Pay Day}}.

[[Image:MeowthGame.jpg|thumb|right|Meowth using Pay Day in Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]
===[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]===
Meowth returns as a Poké Ball Pokémon, attacking opponents with {{m|Pay Day}}.

==Game data==
===Pokédex entries===
{{Dex
|gen=1
|type=normal
|redbluedex=Adores circular objects. Wanders the street on a nightly basis to look for dropped loose change.
|stadiumdex=Sleeps in the daytime. At night, its eyes glow as it happily collects coins, its favorite things.
|yellowdex=Appears to be more active at night. It loves round and shiny things. It can't stop from picking them up.
|firereddex=All it does is sleep during the daytime. At night, it patrols its territory with its eyes aglow.
|leafgreendex=Adores round objects. It wanders the streets on a nightly basis to look for dropped loose change.
|golddex=It is fascinated by round objects. It can't stop playing with them until it tires and falls asleep.
|silverdex=It loves anything that shines. It especially adores coins that it picks up and secretly hoards.
|crystaldex=It loves things that sparkle. When it sees a shiny object, the gold coin on its head shines too.
|stadium2dex=It is fascinated with round objects. It can't stop playing with them until it tires and falls asleep.
|rubydex=Meowth withdraws its sharp claws into its paws to slinkily sneak about without making any incriminating footsteps. For some reason, this Pokémon loves shiny coins that glitter with light.
|sapphiredex=Meowth withdraws its sharp claws into its paws to slinkily sneak about without making any incriminating footsteps. For some reason, this Pokémon loves shiny coins that glitter with light.
|emeralddex=Meowth withdraw their sharp claws into their paws to silently sneak about. For some reason, this Pokémon loves shiny coins that glitter with light.
|diamonddex=It is nocturnal in nature. If it spots something shiny, its eyes glitter brightly.
|pearldex=It is nocturnal in nature. If it spots something shiny, its eyes glitter brightly.
|platinumdex=It is nocturnal in nature. If it spots something shiny, its eyes glitter brightly.
}}

===Game locations===

{{Availability|
type=Normal |
gen=1 |
rbrarity=Common |
rbarea=[[Route]]s {{rtn|5}}, {{rtn|6}}, {{rtn|7}}, and {{rtn|8}} |
gen1ex=blue|
gsrarity=Many |
gsarea=[[Route]]s {{rtn|5}}, {{rtn|6}}, {{rtn|7}}, {{rtn|8}}, {{rtn|38}}, and {{rtn|39}} |
gen2ex=silver|
crarity=Many |
carea=[[Route]]s {{rtn|5}}, {{rtn|6}}, {{rtn|7}}, {{rtn|8}}, {{rtn|11}}, {{rtn|38}}, and {{rtn|39}} (night) |
gen3ex=frlg |
erarity=One |
earea=[[Trade]] {{p|Skitty}} |
frlgrarity=Common |
frlgarea=[[Route]]s {{rtn|5}}, {{rtn|6}}, {{rtn|7}}, and {{rtn|8}}, [[Bond Bridge]], [[Canyon Entrance]], [[Cape Brink]], [[Five Isle Meadow]], [[Kindle Road]], [[Ruin Valley]], [[Sevault Canyon]], [[Treasure Beach]], and [[Water Path]] |
xdrarity=One |
xdarea=[[Phenac City]] |
xdshadow=yes |
dprarity=Rare |
dparea=[[Trophy Garden]] |
ptrarity=? |
ptarea=[[Trophy Garden]] |
palarea=Field |
}}

====In side games====
{{SidegameAvail
|type=normal
|snap=[[Pokémon Island Beach|Beach]]
|channel=Upgrade binder
|trozei=[[Secret Storage 9]] [[Secret Storage 18]] Endless Level 22 [[Mr. Who's Den]]
|md=[[Starter Pokémon]] [[Western Cave]] (3F-6F)
|ranger=[[Fall City]] [[Dusk Factory]]
|md2=[[Starter Pokémon]] [[Marine Resort]] (B1-B19) [[Happy Outlook]] (B1-B19)
}}

===Held items===

{| border="1" style="border: 1px solid #999; border-collapse: collapse; background: white; margin: auto;" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2" align="center"
|- style="background: #{{normal color}};"
! Game
! Items
|-
| {{3v2|Gold|Silver|Crystal}}
| [[Berry]] ([[Time Capsule|trade]] from [[Generation I]])
|-
| {{2v2|FireRed|LeafGreen}}
| [[Nugget]] (5%)
|-
| {{3v2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}
| [[Quick Claw]] (5%)
|}

===Base stats===
{{BaseStats with RBY|
HP= 40 |
Attack= 45 |
Defense=35 |
SpAtk= 40 |
SpDef= 40 |
Special=40 |
Speed= 90 |
type=Normal }}

===Type effectiveness===

{{DP type effectiveness|
type1=normal|
Normal= 100 |
Fighting=200 |
Flying= 100 |
Poison= 100 |
Ground= 100 |
Rock= 100 |
Bug= 100 |
Ghost= 0 |
Steel= 100 |

Fire= 100 |
Water= 100 |
Grass= 100 |
Electric=100 |
Psychic= 100 |
Ice= 100 |
Dragon= 100 |
Dark= 100 }}

===Learnset===
====By [[Level|leveling up]]====
{{movelist|normal|normal|4|1|Meowth}}
{{mlentry4|Start|Scratch|Normal|Physical|40|100|35|Tough|3||'''}}
{{mlentry4|Start|Growl|Normal|Status|—|100|40|Cute|2}}
{{mlentry4|6|Bite|Dark|Physical|60|100|25|Tough|3}}
{{mlentry4|9|Fake Out|Normal|Physical|40|100|10|Cute|2||'''}}
{{mlentry4|14|Fury Swipes|Normal|Physical|18|80|15|Tough|2||'''}}
{{mlentry4|17|Screech|Normal|Status|—|85|40|Smart|2}}
{{mlentry4|22|Faint Attack|Dark|Physical|60|—|20|Smart|2}}
{{mlentry4|25|Taunt|Dark|Status|—|100|20|Smart|0}}
{{mlentry4|30|Pay Day|Normal|Physical|40|100|20|Smart|1||'''}}
{{mlentry4|33|Slash|Normal|Physical|70|100|20|Cool|3||'''}}
{{mlentry4|38|Nasty Plot|Dark|Status|—|—|20|Cute|0}}
{{mlentry4|41|Assurance|Dark|Physical|50|100|10|Beauty|2}}
{{mlentry4|46|Captivate|Normal|Status|—|100|20|Beauty|2}}
{{mlentry4|49|Night Slash|Dark|Physical|70|100|15|Beauty|3}}
{{mlentry4|54|Feint|Normal|Physical|50|100|10|Beauty|0||'''|Pt}}
{{movelist/note|4|normal}}

====By [[TM]]/[[HM]]====
{{movelisttm|Normal|Normal|4|1|Meowth}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM03]]|Water Pulse|Water|Special|60|100|20|Beauty|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM06]]|Toxic|Poison|Status|—|85|10|Smart|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM10]]|Hidden Power|Normal|Special|—|100|15|Smart|1}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM11]]|Sunny Day|Fire|Status|—|—|5|Beauty|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM12]]|Taunt|Dark|Status|—|100|20|Smart|0}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM17]]|Protect|Normal|Status|—|—|10|Cute|0}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM18]]|Rain Dance|Water|Status|—|—|5|Tough|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM21]]|Frustration|Normal|Physical|—|100|20|Cute|2||'''}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM23]]|Iron Tail|Steel|Physical|100|75|15|Cool|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM24]]|Thunderbolt|Electric|Special|95|100|15|Cool|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM25]]|Thunder|Electric|Special|120|70|10|Cool|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM27]]|Return|Normal|Physical|—|100|20|Cute|2||'''}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM28]]|Dig|Ground|Physical|80|100|10|Smart|1}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM30]]|Shadow Ball|Ghost|Special|80|100|15|Smart|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM32]]|Double Team|Normal|Status|—|—|15|Cool|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM34]]|Shock Wave|Electric|Special|60|—|20|Cool|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM40]]|Aerial Ace|Flying|Physical|60|—|20|Cool|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM41]]|Torment|Dark|Status|—|100|15|Tough|0}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM42]]|Facade|Normal|Physical|70|100|20|Cute|2||'''}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM43]]|Secret Power|Normal|Physical|70|100|20|Smart|2||'''}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM44]]|Rest|Psychic|Status|—|—|10|Cute|0}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM45]]|Attract|Normal|Status|—|100|15|Cute|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM46]]|Thief|Dark|Physical|40|100|10|Tough|0}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM49]]|Snatch|Dark|Status|—|—|10|Smart|0}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM58]]|Endure|Normal|Status|—|—|10|Tough|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM65]]|Shadow Claw|Ghost|Physical|70|100|15|Cute|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM66]]|Payback|Dark|Physical|50|100|10|Cool|1}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM70]]|Flash|Normal|Status|—|100|20|Beauty|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM77]]|Psych Up|Normal|Status|—|—|10|Smart|0}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM78]]|Captivate|Normal|Status|—|100|20|Beauty|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM79]]|Dark Pulse|Dark|Special|80|100|15|Cool|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM82]]|Sleep Talk|Normal|Status|—|—|10|Cute|3}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM83]]|Natural Gift|Normal|Physical|—|100|15|Cool|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM85]]|Dream Eater|Psychic|Special|100|100|15|Smart|1}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM87]]|Swagger|Normal|Status|—|90|15|Cute|2}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM89]]|U-turn|Bug|Physical|70|100|20|Cute|0}}
{{mlentry4|[[TM90]]|Substitute|Normal|Status|—|—|10|Smart|1}}
{{mlentry4|[[HM01]]|Cut|Normal|Physical|50|95|30|Cool|3||'''}}
{{movelist/note|4|normal}}

====By {{pkmn|breeding}}====
{{eggmoves|normal|normal|4|1|Meowth}}
{{mlentry4|{{p|Psyduck}}, {{p|Golduck}} {{p|Sentret}}, {{p|Furret}} {{p|Wooper}}, {{p|Quagsire}} {{p|Swinub}}, {{p|Piloswine}} {{p|Slakoth}}, {{p|Slaking}} {{p|Wailmer}}, {{p|Wailord}} {{p|Numel}}, {{p|Camerupt}} {{p|Torkoal}} {{p|Bidoof}}, {{p|Bibarel}}|Amnesia|Psychic|Status|—|—|20|Cute|0}}
{{mlentry4|{{p|Skitty}} {{p|Glameow}}, {{p|Purugly}}|Assist|Normal|Status|—|—|20|Cute|2}}
{{mlentry4|{{p|Pikachu}} {{p|Vulpix}} {{p|Dugtrio}} {{p|Golduck}} {{p|Growlithe}} {{p|Snubbull}}, {{p|Granbull}} {{p|Teddiursa}} {{p|Swinub}}, {{p|Piloswine}} {{p|Houndour}}, {{p|Houndoom}} {{p|Phanpy}} {{p|Skitty}} {{p|Numel}}, {{p|Camerupt}} {{p|Spheal}}, {{p|Sealeo}}, {{p|Walrein}} {{p|Pachirisu}} {{p|Buneary}}, {{p|Lopunny}} {{p|Glameow}}, {{p|Purugly}}|Charm|Normal|Status|—|100|20|Cute|2}}
{{mlentry4|{{p|Dunsparce}} {{p|Phanpy}}, {{p|Donphan}} {{p|Zigzagoon}} {{p|Slakoth}}, {{p|Slaking}} {{p|Torkoal}} {{p|Spinda}}|Flail|Normal|Physical|—|100|15|Cute|2||'''}}
{{mlentry4|{{p|Stantler}} {{p|Spinda}} {{p|Glameow}}, {{p|Purugly}}|Hypnosis|Psychic|Status|—|60|20|Smart|2}}
{{mlentry4|{{p|Eevee}}, {{p|Vaporeon}}, {{p|Jolteon}}, {{p|Flareon}} {{p|Aipom}} {{p|Espeon}}, {{p|Umbreon}} {{p|Phanpy}} {{p|Pachirisu}} {{p|Ambipom}} {{p|Leafeon}}, {{p|Glaceon}}|Last Resort|Normal|Physical|130|100|5|Cute|0||'''}}
{{mlentry4|{{p|Growlithe}}, {{p|Arcanine}} {{p|Girafarig}} {{p|Swinub}}, {{p|Piloswine}} {{p|Houndour}}, {{p|Houndoom}} {{p|Phanpy}} {{p|Poochyena}}, {{p|Mightyena}} {{p|Zigzagoon}}, {{p|Linoone}} {{p|Electrike}}, {{p|Manectric}} {{p|Spoink}}, {{p|Grumpig}} {{p|Mamoswine}}|Odor Sleuth|Normal|Status|—|—|40|Smart|1}}
{{mlentry4|{{p|Psyduck}}, {{p|Golduck}} {{p|Espeon}} {{p|Spoink}}, {{p|Grumpig}} {{p|Spinda}}|Psych Up|Normal|Status|—|—|10|Smart|0}}
{{mlentry4|{{p|Mankey}}, {{p|Primeape}} {{p|Slaking}} {{p|Infernape}}|Punishment|Dark|Physical|—|100|5|Smart|1}}
{{mlentry4|{{p|Dunsparce}}|Spite|Ghost|Status|—|100|10|Tough|2}}
{{eggmoves/note|4|normal}}

====By [[Move tutor|tutoring]]====
{{tutor|normal|normal|4|1|Meowth}}
{{mtentry4|Body Slam|Normal|Physical|85|100|15|Tough|3||'''|yes|yes|yes|no|no}}
{{mtentry4|Defense Curl|Normal|Status|—|—|40|Cute|2|||no|yes|no|no|no}}
{{mtentry4|Double-Edge|Normal|Physical|120|100|15|Tough|0||'''|yes|yes|yes|no|no}}
{{mtentry4|Dream Eater|Psychic|Special|100|100|15|Smart|1|||yes|yes|yes|no|no}}
{{mtentry4|Endure|Normal|Status|—|—|10|Tough|2|||no|yes|no|no|no}}
{{mtentry4|Gunk Shot|Poison|Physical|120|70|5|Cool|3|||no|no|no|no|yes}}
{{mtentry4|Icy Wind|Ice|Special|55|95|15|Beauty|2|||no|yes|yes|no|yes}}
{{mtentry4|Knock Off|Dark|Physical|20|100|20|Smart|3|||no|no|no|no|yes}}
{{mtentry4|Last Resort|Normal|Physical|130|100|5|Cute|0||'''|no|no|no|no|yes}}
{{mtentry4|Mimic|Normal|Status|—|—|10|Cute|0|||yes|yes|yes|no|no}}
{{mtentry4|Mud-Slap|Ground|Special|20|100|10|Cute|3|||no|yes|no|no|yes}}
{{mtentry4|Nightmare|Ghost|Status|—|100|15|Smart|2|||no|no|yes|no|no}}
{{mtentry4|Psych Up|Normal|Status|—|—|10|Smart|0|||no|yes|no|no|no}}
{{mtentry4|Seed Bomb|Grass|Physical|80|100|15|Smart|3|||no|no|no|no|yes}}
{{mtentry4|Sleep Talk|Normal|Status|—|—|10|Cute|3|||no|yes|no|no|no}}
{{mtentry4|Snore|Normal|Special|40|100|15|Cute|3||'''|no|yes|no|no|yes}}
{{mtentry4|Spite|Ghost|Status|—|100|10|Tough|2|||no|no|no|no|yes}}
{{mtentry4|Substitute|Normal|Status|—|—|10|Smart|1|||yes|yes|yes|no|no}}
{{mtentry4|Swagger|Normal|Status|—|90|15|Cute|2|||no|yes|yes|no|no}}
{{mtentry4|Swift|Normal|Special|60|—|20|Cool|2||'''|no|yes|no|no|yes}}
{{mtentry4|Swords Dance|Normal|Status|—|—|30|Beauty|0|||yes|yes|no|no|no}}
{{tutor/note|4|normal}}

====Special moves====
{{Shadow moves|052|22|Shadow Hold|Shadow Rush|--|--|Sing|Normal|Slash|Normal|Pay Day|Normal|Bite|Dark|xd|normal|normal}}

===Side game data===
{{Side game|
type=normal |
ndex=052 |
Pincatch=yes |
Trozei=yes |
rarity=Common |
Dungeon=yes |
body=1 |
rate=12% |
area=Energetic Forest |
P1=Round things... I adore them, meow! |
P2=My HP is half gone, meow! |
P3=No more, meowch... Going to fall over, meowch... |
PL=Leveled up! Happy, mrowl! |
Partner=no |
Ranger=yes |
typeG=Normal |
Assist=no |
fieldpower=1 |
field=Cut |
loop=5 |
MinEXP=18 |
MaxEXP=23 |
browser=Meowth can {{m|cut}} trees down with its claws. It cleverly walks on its hind legs. |
Dungeon2=yes |
body2=1 |
rate2=8.2% |
iq=G |
}}

===Evolution===
{{evobox/1|052|Meowth|1|Normal||[[Level|Level 28]]|053|Persian|1|Normal|}}

===Sprites===
{{Sprite|
type=normal|
gen=1|
gender=none|
ndex=052|
name=Meowth|
}}

==Trivia==
* In the [[Pokémon anime]] episode ''[[EP070|Go West, Young Meowth]]'', it was stated that {{MTR}} of [[Team Rocket]] had to learn and practice standing on his hind legs like a human, implying that Meowth as a species are not naturally able to stand on their hind legs. However, almost all sprites in the {{pkmn|games}} and the [[Pokédex]] in the anime depict it standing on its hind legs, suggesting Meowth has the natural ability to walk on two legs. [[Tyson's Meowth]] is '''also''' able to walk on two legs, seemingly naturally.
** It is possible, however, that all Meowth must learn to walk on their hind legs.
* Meowth is the first Pokémon in the [[Pokémon anime]] to [[Talking Pokémon|talk]].
* Meowth's sprite was incorrectly colored yellow in {{game|Gold and Silver|s}}. This was changed in {{game|Crystal}}.
* In {{game|Platinum}}, Meowth is the one of the few Pokémon not in the Sinnoh Dex, and not introduced in Generation IV, to have a new sprite. {{p|Muk}}, {{p|Oddish}}, {{p|Hitmonlee}}, {{p|Ninetales}}, {{p|Primeape}}, and {{p|Registeel}} are the others, although Registeel's sprite isn't completely new, as it is the same as its European {{v2|Diamond and Pearl|s}} sprite.
===Origin===
Meowth seems to be based upon the Japanese legend of the 招き猫 ''{{wp|Maneki Neko}}'', also known as the lucky cat or beckoning cat. According to one legend, a cat raised its paw to welcome a lord and saved his life when a lightning bolt hit the spot where he had been standing. Maneki Neko are often used as charms in restaurants and shops to bring customers or fortune and good luck. Statues of the cat are usually depicted holding a ''koban'', an ancient coin used in Japan, like the one on Meowth's head.

[[Junichi Masuda]] states that Meowth is based on [[Satoshi Tajiri]]'s own pet cat.
====Name origin====
Meowth's name appears to be a combination of ''meow'', the sound a cat makes, as well as ''mouth'', possibly referring to the [[Meowth (Team Rocket)|anime version's]] gift of gab. ''Nyarth'' is similar, with ''nyā'' being the Japanese equivalent of ''meow''.

==In other languages==
*[[List of German Pokémon names|German]]: Mauzi
*[[List of French Pokémon names|French]]: Miaouss - From ''miaou'' (meow).
*[[List of Korean Pokémon names|Korean]]: 나옹 ''Naong''
*[[List of Chinese Pokémon names|Chinese (Taiwan)]]: 喵猫 ''Miao Mao'' - 喵 is the sound a cat makes, pronounced like "meow". 猫 means "cat".
*[[List of Chinese Pokémon names|Chinese (Hong Kong)]]: 喵喵怪 ''Miao Miao Guai'' - 喵 is the sound a cat makes (meow). Literally "meow meow monster".

==Related articles==
* [[Meowth (Team Rocket)]]
* [[Meowzie]]
* [[Tyson's Meowth]]

==External links==
*[http://emerald.xemnas.net/payday/ Pay Day], the fanlisting for Meowth

==Notes==
{{Starter Pokémon}}
{{Smash Bros.}}

{{PokémonPrevNext | type=normal | prevnum=051 | nextnum=053 | prev=Dugtrio | next=Persian }}
{{Project Pokédex notice}}
[[Category:Mystery Dungeon Starters|052]]

[[de:Mauzi]]
[[fr:Miaouss]]
[[ja:ニャース]]
[[pl:Meowth]]
[[pt:Meowth (pokémon)]]

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Meowth (Pokémon)