Ghibli's "The Cat Returns" is a Japanese animated film produced by Studio Ghibli and directed by Hiroyuki Morita. Released in 2002, it follows the story of a young girl named Haru who saves a cat and is unexpectedly drawn into the Cat Kingdom, where she is treated like royalty. The film is a whimsical adventure that explores themes of courage and self-discovery. It features memorable characters, including Baron, a dapper cat figurine who helps Haru navigate her challenges. "The Cat Returns" is a standalone film but is loosely connected to Whisper of the Heart, another Ghibli classic.