A Dog's Purpose (2017)

Directed by: Lasse Hallström

This review contains a slight Kitty Carnage Warning!

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: Based on the popular book by W. Bruce Cameron, a dog narrates their experience through several lifetimes with different owners.

Kitty Cameo: The dog’s second life is as a red retriever named Bailey who is living with the Montgomery family. The family owns a long-haired tabby cat named Smokey. Bailey explains that he feels sad for the cat who obviously wants to be a dog. Smokey is on the stairs when he takes a swipe at Bailey. This was clearly shot with a split screen effect and the animals in two different shots.

A Dog's Purpose - long-haired tabby cat Smokey sitting on stairs

A Dog's Purpose - long-haired tabby cat Smokey taking swipe at red retriever puppy Bailey from stairs

When the family leaves Bailey alone in the house he decides to give the cat dog lessons and chases the poor kitty all around the house. The cat hisses and tries to get away from the dog.

A Dog's Purpose - long-haired tabby cat Smokey in linen closet with red retriever Bailey

A Dog's Purpose - long-haired tabby cat Smokey being chased by red retriever Bailey

A Dog's Purpose - long-haired tabby cat Smokey exposed under pillow by red retriever Bailey

A Dog's Purpose - long-haired tabby cat Smokey running away

Kitty Carnage Warning! In a tasteless moment, Bailey wonders why he hasn’t seen the cat recently. The family is burying the deceased Smokey in the back yard. Bailey digs up the cat’s body and brings it inside, scaring Mrs. Montgomery. It is clear a fake cat was used as the dead Smokey.