Q: I am a Minnie Mouse fan and am curious how and when Figaro the cat became associated with her? I believe he made his debut as Geppetto’s cat in Pinocchio. Was he always Minnie’s cat, and is Figaro her official pet?
Breanne, Sacramento, California
A: The first cartoon in which Figaro appeared with Minnie Mouse was First Aiders (1944), four years after his debut in Pinocchio. He would continue to appear with Minnie and Pluto in a few more cartoons, ending with Pluto’s Sweater (1949). So, at least during that five-year period, he could be deemed Minnie’s pet.
Dave Smith