She and Her Cat: Everything Flows (Kanojo to Kanojo no Neko: Everything Flows) is a tender, melancholic slice-of-life anime that explores the quiet beauty of everyday life and the profound bond between a young woman and her cat. The story is told from the perspective of Daru, a cat who lives with Miyu, a young woman struggling with loneliness, anxiety, and the challenges of adulthood. The series follows their quiet, intimate daily life together, finding beauty in the simple moments of companionship and the comfort of being understood.
The series is defined by its core themes: the power of unconditional love and companionship, the healing power of connection, and the beauty of ordinary moments. Both Miyu and Daru are profound underdogs—Miyu is a young woman struggling to find her place in the world, and Daru is a small, dependent creature who relies entirely on her. She and Her Cat masterfully subverts expectations by presenting what appears to be a simple animal story and instead delivering a deeply emotional, introspective meditation on loneliness, depression, and the quiet strength required to face each day. It is a series that understands the power of a gentle presence.
For fans of She and Her Cat: Everything Flows, finding similar anime can be a challenge. The series occupies a unique space—part slice-of-life, part meditation on mental health, part celebration of the bond between humans and animals. Yet, many underrated series share its core DNA: a focus on quiet, introspective storytelling, an exploration of loneliness and the search for connection, and a willingness to find beauty in the mundane. These shows deserve far more attention for their emotional depth, their character development, and their refusal to provide easy answers.
Here are 15 underrated anime that capture the spirit of She and Her Cat: Everything Flows.
1. My Roommate is a Cat (2019)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.7
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Zero-G
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Minatsuki and Asu Futatsuya.
Plot Summary: Subaru Mikazuki, a reclusive novelist, adopts a stray cat named Haru. The series follows their daily lives from both perspectives, exploring the healing power of companionship.
Similarities to She and Her Cat: Both are about a lonely protagonist who finds healing and companionship through caring for a cat. The focus is on the quiet, everyday moments and the development of a deep, unspoken bond. The tone is warm, gentle, and deeply moving.
2. Bunny Drop (Usagi Drop) (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 8.4
- Episodes: 11
- Studio: Production I.G.
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yumi Unita.
Plot Summary: Daikichi Kawachi, a 30-year-old bachelor, decides to take in Rin, his grandfather’s illegitimate six-year-old daughter. The series follows their quiet life together as Daikichi learns to be a parent.
Similarities to She and Her Cat: Both are about an adult who takes on the responsibility of caring for a dependent creature and finds meaning and purpose in the process. The focus is on the quiet, everyday moments and the development of a deep bond. The tone is warm, gentle, and deeply emotional.
3. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 8.3
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yuki Midorikawa.
Plot Summary: Takashi Natsume, a boy who can see spirits, inherits a book from his grandmother that contains the names of spirits. He decides to return the names, forming connections with the spirits.
Similarities to She and Her Cat: Both are about a lonely protagonist who finds connection and healing through his relationships with supernatural beings. The focus is on empathy, compassion, and the quiet beauty of everyday encounters. The tone is warm, melancholic, and deeply emotional.
4. A Place Further Than the Universe (2018)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 8.5
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Directed by Atsuko Ishizuka.
Plot Summary: Mari Tamaki, a high school girl who feels stuck in her life, joins an expedition to Antarctica with three other girls. They each have their own reasons for going.
Similarities to She and Her Cat: Both are about a young woman who is struggling with feelings of inadequacy and loneliness, and who finds the courage to move forward through connection with others. The focus is on the emotional journey and the healing power of friendship. The series is a beautiful, inspiring adventure.
5. March Comes in Like a Lion (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 8.6
- Episodes: 22 (Season 1)
- Studio: Shaft
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Chica Umino.
Plot Summary: Rei Kiriyama, a young professional shogi player, struggles with depression and isolation. He forms a connection with the Kawamoto sisters, who provide him with warmth and support.
Similarities to She and Her Cat: Both are about a lonely protagonist who finds healing through connection with a warm, loving family. The focus is on the emotional journey and the quiet moments of connection. The tone is melancholic but ultimately hopeful.
6. The Garden of Words (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: MAL: 7.9
- Episodes: 1 (Film)
- Studio: CoMix Wave Films
- Notable Staff: Directed by Makoto Shinkai.
Plot Summary: Takao Akizuki, a 15-year-old aspiring shoemaker, skips school on rainy days to sketch in a garden. He meets Yukari Yukino, a mysterious older woman, and they form a quiet bond.
Similarities to She and Her Cat: Both are about an unlikely connection between two lonely individuals that helps them heal and grow. The focus is on the quiet, intimate moments of connection. The tone is melancholic and deeply atmospheric.
7. A Silent Voice (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Rating: MAL: 8.9
- Episodes: 1 (Film)
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yoshitoki Oima.
Plot Summary: Shoya Ishida, a young man haunted by his past as a bully, seeks redemption by reconnecting with Shoko Nishimiya, the deaf girl he tormented. Their journey is one of forgiveness and self-acceptance.
Similarities to She and Her Cat: Both are about characters who are struggling with guilt, loneliness, and the search for redemption. The focus is on the emotional journey and the healing power of empathy. The tone is quiet, introspective, and deeply moving.
8. Hotarubi no Mori e (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 8.2
- Episodes: 1 (Film)
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yuki Midorikawa.
Plot Summary: Hotaru, a young girl, befriends Gin, a spirit who lives in the forest. She can never touch him, or he will disappear. The film follows their relationship over the years.
Similarities to She and Her Cat: Both are about the bittersweet relationship between two beings who are separated by circumstances, and the pain of separation. The focus is on the quiet, emotional moments of connection. The tone is melancholic and deeply moving.
9. Mushishi (2005)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 8.7
- Episodes: 26 (Season 1)
- Studio: Artland
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yuki Urushibara.
Plot Summary: Ginko, a “Mushi-shi,” travels the countryside investigating “Mushi”—primordial, ethereal lifeforms that exist alongside humanity. His journey is one of quiet observation and understanding.
Similarities to She and Her Cat: Both are atmospheric, contemplative series that explore the relationship between humans and the unseen world. The focus is on understanding rather than fighting, and the tone is quiet, meditative, and deeply philosophical.
10. Kino’s Journey (2003)
- Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime Video, HiDive
- Rating: MAL: 8.3
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: A.C.G.T.
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Keiichi Sigsawa.
Plot Summary: Kino, a young traveler, journeys with a talking motorcycle through a variety of strange and unique countries. Kino’s rule is to stay in each country for only three days.
Similarities to She and Her Cat: Both are philosophical journeys that explore the complexities of human nature and society. The tone is quiet, observational, and often melancholic. The focus is on understanding rather than judging.
11. Non Non Biyori (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.9
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: Silver Link
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Atto.
Plot Summary: The series follows the daily lives of a group of students in a small, rural school. The focus is on the quiet beauty of rural life and the bonds between the characters.
Similarities to She and Her Cat: Both are quiet, contemplative slice-of-life series that celebrate the beauty of ordinary moments. The focus is on the characters and their relationships with each other and their environment. The tone is warm, gentle, and deeply relaxing.
12. Barakamon (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 8.2
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Kinema Citrus
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Satsuki Yoshino.
Plot Summary: Seishuu Handa, a calligrapher, is sent to a remote island after an incident. He must adapt to the slow pace of rural life and the eccentric locals.
Similarities to She and Her Cat: Both are about a protagonist who is thrust into a new environment and must learn to connect with the people around him. The focus is on the warmth of community and the joy of simple living. The series is a hilarious, heartwarming comedy.
13. The Eccentric Family (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.8
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Notable Staff: Based on the novel by Tomihiko Morimi.
Plot Summary: Yasaburou Shimogamo, a young tanuki, navigates the complex social dynamics of Kyoto while dealing with the aftermath of his father’s death.
Similarities to She and Her Cat: Both are about the bonds of family and the search for belonging in a world that is often strange and confusing. The focus is on the quiet, everyday moments that define a life. The series is a blend of comedy, drama, and fantasy.
14. Flying Witch (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.6
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Chihiro Ishizuka.
Plot Summary: Makoto Kowata, a young witch, moves to the countryside to live with her relatives and continue her training. The series follows her quiet, magical everyday life.
Similarities to She and Her Cat: Both are gentle, slice-of-life series that focus on the beauty of everyday moments and the warmth of rural life. The tone is quiet, relaxing, and deeply heartwarming. The series is a celebration of the simple joys of life.
15. Sweetness & Lightning (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.5
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Gido Amagakure.
Plot Summary: Kouhei Inuzuka, a recently widowed teacher, struggles to raise his young daughter Tsumugi alone. He forms an unlikely friendship with one of his students, Kotori Iida, and together they learn to cook.
Similarities to She and Her Cat: Both are about a protagonist who is struggling with loss and loneliness, and who finds healing through connection with others. The focus is on the quiet, everyday moments and the bonds formed through shared experiences. The tone is warm, gentle, and deeply emotional.
Why These Anime Work for She and Her Cat Fans
Fans of She and Her Cat: Everything Flows are drawn to stories that are quiet, introspective, and deeply emotional. They appreciate a narrative that takes its time to develop its characters and their relationships, and they are invested in the small, everyday moments that define a connection. They are not looking for action or melodrama, but for stories that celebrate the beauty of ordinary life and the power of companionship.
The anime listed above all share this fundamental DNA:
- The Power of Quiet Connection: Whether it is the bond between Miyu and Daru, the friendship between Subaru and Haru, or the connection between Rei and the Kawamoto sisters, these series understand that the most powerful relationships are often the quietest ones. The focus is on the healing power of connection.
- The Underdog Protagonist: The protagonists are often lonely, struggling, or searching for meaning in their lives. They are not heroes, but ordinary individuals who are trying their best. Their journey is one of growth and self-discovery.
- Subversion of the Drama Genre: These series reject the typical melodrama of slice-of-life stories, instead focusing on the quiet, realistic moments of everyday life. They understand that the most compelling stories are often the simplest ones.
These 15 anime, like She and Her Cat: Everything Flows, are not afraid to be gentle. They are underrated gems that offer a warm, emotionally resonant, and deeply moving experience for viewers who are looking for stories that celebrate the beauty of ordinary life and the power of love.
