The jailcat is a recurring monster in the Dragon Quest series, introduced in Dragon Quest VIII. It is a fat, striped cat with a knack for casting ice magic on foes.
Characteristics
Jailcats are large cats with white fur and blue stripes all over their bodies. Their names are derived from their stripe pattern, which gives the jailcat an appearance similar to the blue and white striped uniforms commonly worn by prisoners. They have a tuft of orange fur on top of their heads and a very long tongue that trails out of their permanently open mouths. Just like the other cats in their family, jailcats have a tendency to space out in battle, spending time washing themselves like ordinary housecats. They are not to be taken lightly though, since they are capable of casting Crack on their enemies. When casting magic, they stand on the front paws and their eyes bulge out.
Appearances
Main series
While jailcats debuted in the earlier Dragon Quest VIII, they also appear in the DS and mobile remakes of Dragon Quest V, replacing the Great sabrecub. It's possible to recruit one shortly after obtaining the wagon in Fortuna; the jailcat is somewhat unique being one of the earliest sources of ice magic (which normally isn't available until much later), and can last until the third generation.
Monsters series
The jailcat is a Rank E monster of the Nature family. They are encountered on Palaish Isle inside Madame Rummy's residence. It learns the skillset "Woosh & Crack" naturally and possesses the trait "Crackmeister". It cannot be damaged by the Crack element.
The jailcat is a Rank E monster in Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2. Many can be found in the Iceolation area.
Trivia
The Great Sabrecub (which the Jailcat replaced) was probably removed because it may have been confusing to some players why the Hero is trying to help a Great sabrecub while other sabrecubs are attacking.
Related monsters
Gallery
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker
Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2
Dragon Quest Monsters: Battle Road Victory
Dragon Quest Trading Card Game