The Cat Came Back is a 1988 Canadian animated film by Canadian director Cordell Barker, produced by fellow award-winning animator Richard Condie in Winnipeg for the National Film Board of Canada. It is based on the children's song "The Cat Came Back" by Harry S. Miller.

The film garnered over 15 awards, including a Genie Award for Best Animated Short, as well as an Academy Award nomination. It was also chosen for inclusion in animation historian Jerry Beck's 50 Greatest Cartoons, placing at #32. It was also included in the Animation Show of Shows.