Tom Cat is the anthropomorphic, domestic short-haired, grey-and-white male cat from the Tom and Jerry franchise, created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. He first appeared in the 1940 cartoon Puss Gets the Boot, initially named Jasper before being renamed Tom. Tom is the arch-nemesis and sometimes friend of Jerry Mouse, a role that involves a constant cycle of trying to catch Jerry, with plans often backfiring and leading to comedic situations