Cool Cat was a new star for the Looney Tunes animation series. He debuted in the cartoon short “Cool Cat” (1967). By this point the series had waned in popularity and several formerly prominent character had been retired from use. For example Bugs Bunny had last appeared in 1964. Only Daffy Duck and Speedy Gonzales continued to appear but their (combined) series was ending.
Cool Cat was an anthropomorphic tiger, typically dressed in a beret and scarf. His dialogue consisted of beatnik slang and his characterization was that of a stereotypical laid-back teenager of the time. He was mostly interested in driving his dune buggy and playing his guitar. But he had frequent encounters with his archenemy Colonel Rimfire, a “British-accented big game hunter. ”
Cool Cat appeared in 6 cartoon shorts between 1967 and 1969. The last was “Injun Trouble”. Which was also the final entry to classic era of Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies cartoons. The animation studio closed that year. Cool Cat is one of the better remembered of the late 1960s stars. But his cartoons are considered time-capsules of their era. The character has not been updated for later audiences.
Cool Cat has made cameos in later-day Looney Tunes projects. Most prominently in “The Sylvester and Tweety Mysteries” television series (1995-2002) which featured one Cool Cat cameo or reference per episode.