Meowth sits at the start of its evolution line — not yet at full power, but that changes fast. Most trainers push through to Persian as fast as possible. Ghost moves can't touch it, and only a single type hits it super-effectively. Known as the Scratch Cat Pokemon.
Speed and Attack carry most of Meowth's stat budget. Defense's the obvious dump stat. Easy to catch and yields 1 Speed EV. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
All it does is sleep during the daytime. At night, it patrols its territory with its eyes aglow.
It loves things that sparkle. When it sees a shiny object, the gold coin on its head shines, too.
Meowth Weakness
GoodMeowth is weak to Fighting-type moves. On the flip side, it's immune to Ghost-type moves entirely. Just 1 weak spot to worry about, which keeps teambuilding straightforward.
One evolution ahead. Meowth grows into Persian through a straightforward two-stage chain. A massive partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 150 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Meowth easily with 278 breeding partners from the Ground egg group.
Meowth keeps momentum with U-turn, switching out after dealing damage or scouting. Life Orb gives it extra damage on every hit for a health trade, a spread EV build EVs let it hit hard on the way out, and the remaining moves prevents dead turns.
Best Build
Best Meowth Moveset
- Fake Out
- U Turn
- Feint
- Knock Off
Recommended Teammates
Play Rough and Double-Edge bring the raw damage. But Meowth also picks up coverage across 13 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Take Down and Play Rough bring the raw damage. But Meowth also picks up coverage across 12 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
Play Rough and Dream Eater bring the raw damage. But Meowth also picks up coverage across 10 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
Play Rough and Foul Play bring the raw damage. But Meowth also picks up coverage across 10 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
high spawn rates in early-game routes across 14 locations. Meowth's one of the easier catches on the list. Knock it out fast and save your time for harder targets.
Best Locations
You can catch Meowth through 14 walking encounters from Lv. 14-32, but availability differs between Violet and Scarlet. Some spots are exclusive to one version.
Meowth can't be caught in Legends: Z-A. Bring it over from Blue, Silver, or Platinum instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
Meowth doesn't appear in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. Transfer it from Blue, Silver, or Platinum to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Meowth's scattered across 4 spots in early-game routes with high spawn rates. Check the list below for the closest location to wherever you are in the game. This one's quick.
Best Locations
Meowth appears in 4 walking locations at Lv. 13-16 across Shield and Sword. Not all encounters show up in every version, so check which ones match your game.
Meowth is meant to evolve into Persian. At 290 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Meowth's biggest threats include Machamp (Fighting), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
Meowth can evolve into Persian, Galarian Perrserker, and Alolan Persian depending on the method. Meowth is the base form in a 4-stage evolutionary line.
Technician is what you want on Meowth. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Pickup, Unnerve) work on paper but Technician is what makes Meowth worth using.
Base 90 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Meowth is a physical attacker with base 45 Attack. Defensively? Fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Meowth appears in 21 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Since debuting in Red & Blue, Meowth has appeared in 21 titles over 9 generations. Along the way, it received an Alolan form in Generation 7 and Gigantamax and Galarian forms in Generation 8, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISMAlolan
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwShGigantamaxGalarian
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A