Editing Big the Cat

{{FA}}{{Big the Cat infobox}}<!--To edit Big's infobox, go to "Template:Big the Cat infobox"-->
{{Quote left|How do I end up in so many adventures? Gee... I don't know. I prefer to relax and go fishing. But when my friends are in trouble, I have to look out for them.|Big the Cat, ''[[Shadow Generations]]''}}
{{nihongo|'''Big the Cat'''|ビッグ・ザ・キャット|Biggu za Kyatto}} is a character that appears in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog series|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' series]]. He is a large, purple, anthropomorphic cat who lives deep within [[Mystic Ruins]]. Though imposing of stature, Big is gentle, calm and easy-going, though somewhat dim-witted person with a heart of gold. He also possesses incredible strength and toughness that makes him one of [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]'s strongest allies. He is also an expert fisherman.

Big spends most of his time fishing in tranquility with his best friend, [[Froggy]]. Not one for going on grand adventures, Big prefers his peaceful and quiet lifestyle in the jungle. However, should his friends be in danger or in need of his aid, Big will not hesitate to leave his home to help them out and protect them in any way he can such as when he joined up with [[Team Rose]].

==Appearance==
<gallery type="slideshow" position="left" widths="225">
Big 7.png|Big the Cat, from ''[[Sonic Art Assets DVD]]''.
SantaBigSFSB.png|Big in his "Santa" outfit, from ''[[Sonic Forces: Speed Battle]]''.
SSSAnglerBig.png|Big in his "Angler" outfit, from ''[[Sonic Speed Simulator]]''.
Racesuit Big Art.png|Big in his "Racesuit" outfit, from ''[[Sonic Speed Simulator]]''.
SCHalloween2022.jpg|Big in his Halloween outfit, from ''[[Sonic Channel]]''.
SonicChannelOctober23.jpg|Big in his mafia don outfit, from ''[[Sonic Channel]]''.
</gallery>
Big is a very large and burly anthropomorphic cat with the majority of his body covered in purple fur with dark violet stripes running up his arms and long tail with the end frayed. His feet are covered in dark violet fur up to his ankles as well as the outer tips of his large triangular ears, on his head and around his eyes. He possesses white fur that covers his torso, upper chest and muzzle protruding outwards, and inner ears. He also has black eyes with pale yellow sclera, and a small black nose.

His preferred attire consists of tan gloves, brown sandals with silver buckles, and a brown belt with a gold buckle. He usually keeps his fishing rod with him.

==Personality==
[[File:ShadowGenerationsBigtheCatBio.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Big's profile, from ''[[Shadow Generations]]''.]]
Big is a kind,<ref name="JPSHeroes">{{Cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/sonic_heroes/chara_r.html |title=Sonic Heroes official website |author=[[Sega]] |publisher=[[Sega]] |work=Characters: Team Rose |accessdate=25 May 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041211034427/http://sonic.sega.jp/sonic_heroes/chara_r.html |archivedate=11 December 2004 |language=Japanese }}</ref> carefree and laid-back cat with a friendly personality.<ref name="JPSHeroes" /> He cares a lot for his friends, especially [[Froggy]]. He enjoys fishing leisurely<ref name="JPSHeroes" /> and brings his rod with him wherever he goes. He is often giddy and optimistic, especially when with his friends. However, he is not exactly the brightest bulb in the box, as he has a short attention span and has a hard time understanding even the simplest of metaphors. Similarly, important things sometimes pass right through his mind. This does not mean Big is stupid, however. Quite comfortable with himself, Big acknowledges himself that he is not very intelligent without being burdened by it. In fact, he is quite surprised himself when he realizes that he is right in an argument. In addition, his simple way of thinking lets him see important points that others, in their considerations of more complicated matters, have overlooked. For example, he genuinely believed [[Dodon Pa]] was a good person while everyone else believed him to be evil because he knew that Dodon Pa worked with [[Wisp]]s, who only like nice people.

Despite his shortcomings, Big is loyal and reliable to his friends, and always sees the best in those he likes, even when others try to convince him otherwise. He also dislikes how many people worry about so many little things and them hurrying about all the time, which is most likely why he chose to live in the [[Mystic Ruins]] jungle without technology.

Big encourages others and is not the selfish type. Big has an ability to stay calm in any situation, even when he has lost Froggy. Big is amazed by a lot of things and is almost always upbeat, even when he is in danger. One of the only instances of the cat losing his upbeat nature came during the [[Neo Metal Sonic]] [[Sonic Heroes|incident]], when he momentarily lost hope of finding Froggy and sadly suggested going home, before [[Amy Rose|Amy]] rekindled his spirit.

In the IDW Comics, Big is a simple cat whose basic needs are limited to rest and fishing. He rarely leaves his house to avoid exposing himself to the dangers lurking in the outside world. Big is not very smart, and important things often go over his head. This does not mean that Big is stupid but that he processes the facts more slowly. Sometimes, he also misinterprets things and is not aware of the threats that surround him.<ref name="StHAnnual2020s1">''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2020]]'', "Big's Big Adventure"</ref>

Big is very concerned when his friend [[Froggy]] goes missing and cannot focus on anything other than finding him. However, this is also a positive characteristic of him, since he shows his great determination and care for friends.<ref name="StHAnnual2020s1" />

==Powers and abilities==
[[File:ICBIG8.png|thumb|left|225px|Big lifting a giant boulder with ease, from ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]''.]]
Although kind and without much combat expertise, Big is still quite strong and powerful.<ref name="JPSHeroes" /><ref name="SC">{{Cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/character/big.html |publisher=Sega |title=Sonic Channel |work=Characters: Big |accessdate=3 July 2015 |language=Japanese |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525141437/http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/character/big.html |archivedate=25 May 2019 }}</ref><ref name="SHeroesManual">''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' ([[PlayStation 2]]) United States instruction booklet, pg. 9.</ref> Classified as a [[Power Type]] and said to possess prodigious strength,<ref>[[Sumo Digital]] (23 February 2010). ''[[Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]''. [[PlayStation 3]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Character Select screen. "'''Big the Cat's profile card''': Big is a large, purple, long-eared cat. He's laid-back, easy-going and has a gentle nature despite his prodigious strength. He loves to fish and is never without his trusty rod. He lives in the jungle near the Mystic Ruins with his friend, Froggy, a small, green frog with a pointed tail. Big's adventures often involve him trying to find Froggy, who has a tendency to get himself lost or swallow a chaos emerald."</ref> Big has enormous superhuman power, enough to lift and walk around with cars and boulders much larger than himself with ease. He can similarly smash large boulders and damage [[Egg Hammer|tough Badniks]] using only brute strength, and even [[Fire Knock|knock away objects]] with enough force to make them ignite fire. By utilizing his large grid as well, Big can deliver [[Body Press|shockwave-creating bodyslams]].

While having not demonstrated notable speed and agility, Big is still rather fast and nimble for his size by normal standards. During the [[Neo Metal Sonic]] [[Sonic Heroes|incident]], he demonstrated enough speed to let him keep up with even [[Amy Rose]]. In addition, Big is shown to have passable reflexes and acrobatic skills, enough to let him do unique tricks and movements while in mid-air, pull off various [[Spin Attack]] maneuvers at high speed, and [[grinding|grind]] on [[Grind Rail]]s with ease.

Big is also able to perform the Spin Attack, a technique where he curls into a concussive ball or cutting disk and directs himself at his targets. With it, Big can shred or burrow through just about any substance given enough speed. Adept in its usage, Big can utilize several variants of the Spin Attack for both ground- and aerial maneuvers, including the [[Spin Dash]], [[Spin Jump]], and [[Homing Attack]].

[[File:ECBIG5.png|thumb|225px|left|Big fishing in [[Emerald Coast]], from ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]''.]]
Big is a highly skilled fisherman as well, being able to catch just about anything with his trusty rod. Notably, he has been able to catch underwater creatures ranging from regular fish of various shapes and sizes to hostile [[Badnik]]s and even [[Froggy]] while he was under the influence of [[Chaos]]. Once, he was even able to catch [[Cream the Rabbit|Cream]] in midair with his lure while Cream was caught in a strong wind.<ref name="SHeroesTeamRose">[[Sonic Team]] (6 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Heroes]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/level: Opening sequence ([[Team Rose]]'s storyline).</ref>

Big is a very capable swimmer. During the Chaos [[Sonic Adventure|incident]], he displayed enough swimming skills to reach far depths, move through underwater grottos, and even walk on the bottom of pools like he was walking on dry land. He also has an excellent sense of smell; during the Chaos incident and the Neo Metal Sonic incident, Big was able to catch Froggy's sense on the [[Egg Carrier]] and the outskirts of [[Bullet Station]], respectively, while the latter was (seemingly) held captured deep within said locations.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (9 September 1999). ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''. [[Dreamcast]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: Cutscene 4 (Big's story). "'''Big''': Froggy? This place doesn't look familiar to me at all... Hmm, smells like Froggy's around somewhere. Think I'll see what's behind this door!"</ref><ref>[[Sonic Team]] (6 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Heroes]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Bullet Station]]. "'''Big''': Hmm... I smell Froggy."</ref>

Despite his nonurban habitat, Big has surprisingly good skills when it comes to piloting different vehicles; notably, he managed to pilot [[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]' [[Tornado 2]] through a storm and land it safely despite not knowing the first thing about it.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (9 September 1999). ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''. [[Dreamcast]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: Cutscene 10 (Big's story).</ref> Additionally, as seen during [[Dodon Pa]]'s [[Team Sonic Racing|Grand Prix]], Big also has excellent skills when it comes to driving and racing in racecars like the [[Frog Cruiser]].

Big possesses superhuman strength, being able to lift heavy crates with ease or blow opponents away with a single strike from his [[Fishing Rod]]. Big also has enhanced durability and is not easily toppled by strong attacks from others. For example, as a [[Zombot]], Big was struck by [[Amy Rose|Amy]]'s [[Piko Piko Hammer|hammer]] but this had little effect on him. Though Zombots have high durability, they have been known to be at least knocked backward by such hits from Amy's hammer, much unlike Big.<ref name="StHAnnual2020s12">''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2020]]'', "Big's Big Adventure"</ref><ref name="StH29">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 29|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #29]], "All or Nothing, Part 4"</ref>

===Equipment===
[[File:Big 1.png|thumb|left|199x199px|Big with his [[Fishing Rod]], from ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''.]]
Big's main tool is his trusty [[Fishing Rod|fishing pole]] and its lure, which he always keeps on him.<ref name="SHeroesManual" /><ref>''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' ([[Dreamcast]]) United States instruction booklet, pg. 28.</ref> While simple in design, it is a quite capable tool in Big's hand. For example, it is durable enough to be used as a staff/club in combat, allowing Big to destroy or otherwise damage his opposition with a single wrack of his pole. Big can also use his pole's lure as a weapon by [[Lure Attack|throwing it at foes from afar and destroying them]] or catch and pull in objects (other than fish) from a distance.<ref name="SHeroesTeamRose" /> Other offensive moves Big can pull off with his fishing pole is his [[Big Fishing]] technique, where Big replaced the lure on his pole with either a flaming lifebuoy, a flaming buoy, or a flaming [[iron ball]] and swings it around to knock surrounding opponents into submission. For traversing the environment, Big can as well use his pole's built-in umbrella to [[Umbrella Descent|glide through mid-air]] by folding it out during mid-fall.[[File:Annual2020BBA.jpg|thumb|211x211px|Big fending off several [[Zombots]], from ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2020]]''.]]
Big uses a [[Fishing Rod (IDW)|Fishing Rod]] to participate in his fishing activities. Due to the durability of the Fishing Rod, Big can use it as a melee weapon for crushing blows. He can also use it to tie up his enemies. Big also has a lifebuoy that allows him to float on water.<ref name="StHAnnual2020s13">''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2020]]'', "Big's Big Adventure"</ref>

===Color Powers===
{{Main|Color Power}}
By harnessing different variants of [[Hyper-go-on]] from [[Wisp]]s, Big can use specific '''Color Powers''' to transform into a certain form, such as a drill, a laser or even a planet, each one possessing its own unique abilities. So far, Big has been able to transform into the [[Cyan Laser]], [[Yellow Drill]], and [[Indigo Asteroid]]. However, these transformations require a steady supply of Hyper-go-on to be maintained.

==Weaknesses==
Big's main weakness is that he is not the brightest bulb in the bunch. In addition, he is slow in many ways; despite being fast enough to keep up with [[Amy Rose|Amy]], he is slower than most other playable Sonic characters.<ref name="Scholastic">{{Cite book |author=[[Devra Newberger Speregen]] |title=[[Sonic: The Ultimate Character Guide]] |publisher=[[Scholastic]] |date=2016 |page=37 |isbn=978-1338033243 }}</ref>

==Relationships==
===Froggy===
{{Quote left|No, [[Froggy]] doesn't talk. I just understand what he's thinking and feeling. He's so lively! He's always running off and getting us into trouble. Huh? How can I be sure I'm finding the same frog every time? I just know in my heart!|Big the Cat, ''[[Shadow Generations]]''}}
[[File:Sonic Channel Cat Day 2021.jpg|left|thumb|212x212px|Big and [[Froggy]] sleeping in [[Mystic Ruins]], from [[Sonic Channel]]]]
[[Froggy]] is Big's companion frog and best friend. The cat seems to care deeply for his amphibian companion; whenever the latter goes missing, Big is willing to go to great lengths to find him. They both like to hang out in the [[Mystic Ruins]]. He also worries about Froggy and is ready to protect him from any threats.<ref>''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2020]]'', "Big's Big Adventure"</ref> When Froggy goes missing or runs away, Big begins to search for him with steadfast determination all over the world if he has to, taking a look wherever he can and double-checking to make sure he was right.<ref>[[Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2020|''Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2020'']], "Big's Big Adventure".</ref>

===Amy Rose===
[[File:TR.jpg|thumb|Big, Amy and Cream component [[Team Rose]], from [[Sonic Heroes]].|185x185px]]
Despite never officially meeting [[Amy Rose]] during the [[Chaos]] [[Sonic Adventure|incident]], the two apparently befriended each other before the events of the [[Neo Metal Sonic]] [[Sonic Heroes|incident]] and have remained close friends ever since. As the leader of [[Team Rose]], Amy has shown to willingly assist Big in finding Froggy and Amy comforted Big whenever he became sad and lonely over the loss of his best friend.

===Cream the Rabbit===
Big is shown to be very protective of [[Cream the Rabbit]]. Big and Cream first appear together in Sonic Heroes with Big saving Cream from being blown away by a strong gale. Big also shows hostility towards [[Team Chaotix]] when [[Espio the Chameleon|Espio]] demands that Cream forfeit [[Cheese]].

===Sonic the Hedgehog===
{{Quote left|Yeah, I know [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]. What a swell guy! One time, [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]] kidnapped [[Froggy]] and fed him to a [[Chaos|water-monster]]. Sonic helped me rescue him. True story!|Big the Cat, ''[[Shadow Generations]]''}}
[[File:TSRO7.jpg|left|thumb|198x198px|[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] saying hi to Big, from ''[[Team Sonic Racing Overdrive]]''.]]
Big and [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] are good friends. They both met during the [[Chaos]] [[Sonic Adventure|incident]], where Sonic helped Big save [[Froggy]] from [[Chaos 6]] and [[Doctor Eggman]]. During the [[Neo Metal Sonic]] [[Sonic Heroes|incident]], Big had a brief struggle alongside the rest of [[Team Rose]] with [[Team Sonic]], thinking they knew the whereabouts of Froggy and [[Chocola]], but by the end of the game, Big was supporting Team Sonic to defeat [[Neo Metal Sonic]].

While their interactions aren't complex, [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] has a good impression on Big, to the point that during the [[Sonic Frontiers|Starfall islands incident]], Sonic's mind subconsciously created a copy of Big inside [[Cyber Space]] that helped him relax in [[Fishing Spot|Fishing Spots]]. However, this is only a possibility suggested by [[Sage]].

===Friends/allies===
*[[Amy Rose]] {{C|close friend}}
*[[Barry the Quokka]]
*[[Blaze the Cat]]
*[[Boo]]
*[[Chao]]
**[[Cheese]]
**[[Chocola]]
*[[Conductor]]
*[[Conductor's wife]]
*[[Cream the Rabbit]] {{C|close friend}}
*[[Dodon Pa]]
*[[E-123 Omega]]
*[[Froggy]] {{C|pet and best friend}}
*[[Gemerl]]
*[[Gerald Robotnik]]
*[[King Boom Boo]]
*[[Knuckles the Echidna]]
*[[Maria Robotnik]]
*[[Miles "Tails" Prower]]
*[[Omochao]]
*[[Princess Elise the Third]]
*[[Restoration]]
**[[Jewel the Beetle]]
*[[Rouge the Bat]]
*[[Shadow the Hedgehog]]
*[[Silver the Hedgehog]]
*[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]
*[[Sticks the Badger]]
*[[Tangle the Lemur]]
*[[Team Chaotix]]
**[[Charmy Bee]]
**[[Espio the Chameleon]]
**[[Vector the Crocodile]]
*[[Tikal]]
*[[Vanilla the Rabbit]]
*[[Whisper the Wolf]]
*[[Wisp]]s

===Neutral===
*[[Babylon Rogues]]
**[[Jet the Hawk]]
**[[Storm the Albatross]]
**[[Wave the Swallow]]
*[[Chaos]]
*[[E-102 Gamma]]

===Enemies===
*[[Black Arms]]
*[[Deadly Six]]
**[[Zavok]]
*[[Eggman Empire]]
**[[Badnik]]s
***[[Metal Sonic]]
**[[Cubot]] 
**[[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]]
**[[Eggman Doll]]
**[[Orbot]]
*[[Metal Virus]]
*[[Time Eater]]
*[[Zombot]]s

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Sonic game characters}}
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[[Category:Cats]]
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