Directory: Characters → Animal
Scratch,[1] also called Tama (タマ Tama), is Dr. Brief's cat. It is frequently seen on Dr. Brief's shoulder (much more often in the anime than in the manga) and does not play a major role throughout the entire Dragon Ball series.
Quick Answers
Why does Scratch live longer than a typical cat in Dragon Ball?
Scratch, the cat in Dragon Ball Z, lives much longer than a typical cat, appearing throughout the series for over 30 years. His extended lifespan is not explained in detail but is linked to his presence at Capsule Corporation with Dr. Brief.
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What role does Scratch play in Dr. Brief's life?
Scratch, or Tama, is Dr. Brief's cat in Dragon Ball Z. Often seen on Dr. Brief's shoulder, Scratch shares a close bond with him. While not playing a major role, Scratch is Dr. Brief's favorite pet and has been with him for over 30 years, surpassing a normal cat's lifespan.
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How is Scratch different in the anime compared to the manga?
Scratch's portrayal in the anime differs from the manga in terms of interaction with Blue. In the manga, Scratch rubs against Blue's arm and purrs, but in the anime, Scratch also licks him. Blue's reaction is more dramatic in the manga, where he moves back in horror, while in the anime, he just recoils.
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What is the significance of Scratch's name in Dragon Ball?
Scratch, or Tama, is Dr. Brief's cat in Dragon Ball. The name 'Scratch' itself is not significant but the cat is a recurring character, often seen with Dr. Brief. Scratch interacts with characters like Android 16 during the Cell Games Saga and appears in the "Future" Trunks Saga. Despite its minor role, Scratch is notable for its presence throughout the series, living much longer than a typical cat.
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How often is Scratch seen with Dr. Brief in Dragon Ball Z?
Scratch, or Tama, is Dr. Brief's cat, often seen on his shoulder in Dragon Ball Z. Scratch appears more frequently in the anime than the manga but does not have a significant role.
Provided by: Fandom
Appearance[]
Same as his family, Scratch does not seem to be affected by time, as he lives during the over 30 years where Dragon Ball takes place, being much more than a normal cat's life expectancy.
Biography[]
Scratch in Dr. Brief's hands
According to Dr. Brief, Scratch has had four years of experience with capsule technology. Although it is uncertain just how experienced Scratch is with the technology, Brief seems to hold its knowledge in high regard, as he assures Chi-Chi "No one can troubleshoot a frozen oscillator like we can".
Dragon Ball Z[]
Cell Saga[]
Main article: Cell Games Saga
Apparently, Scratch seems to take a liking to Android 16, crawling to his shoulder when he pets him during the ten-day time period before the Cell Games.[2]
Dragon Ball Super[]
"Future" Trunks Saga[]
Main article: "Future" Trunks Saga
Scratch with his future counterpart
In the manga, Scratch plays with a ball alongside its future counterpart at Capsule Corporation.
Appearances in other media[]
Scratch licking Bulma after being saved in Goku's Fire Brigade
Scratch appears in the short film Goku's Fire Brigade, where his appearance is different and is Bulma's personal pet that lives with her in her apartment. Scratch was hungry causing Bulma to not focus on her cooking. When an earthquake happened, Bulma fell and got knocked out from hitting her head on a dresser while Scratch cried and licked her while the apartment caught on fire. When Goku came up he had Bulma hold onto his Power Pole while it retracted and Goku saved Scratch. In the end Scratch got reunited with Bulma and licked her out of happiness.
Manga Appearances[]
Video Game Appearances[]
- Dragon Ball Z: Super Butōden 2
- Dragon Ball Z 2: Super Battle
- Dragon Ball Z Side Story: True Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans - Earth Saga
- Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku II
- Dragon Ball Z: Bakuretsu Impact
- Dragon Ball Z: Harukanaru Densetsu
- Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans
- Dragon Ball: Origins 2
- Dragon Ball Z: Tenkaichi Tag Team
- Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
- Dragon Ball: The Breakers
In Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, Majin Time Patroller Bentora mentions to the Future Warrior that he encountered Tama while investigating the Capsule Corporation time rift anomaly and the cat ate his snacks, which makes Bentora want to find the Tama and turn him into a snack despite being aware that he is the pet of Dr. Brief.
In The Breakers, there is a backpack called Spaceship with Scratch which is a bag modeled after Goku's Capsule Corporation Spaceship which features Scratch riding in it.
Voice Actors[]
- English
- Ocean Group dubs: Saffron Henderson (Namek Saga), Cathy Weseluck (Cell Games Saga)
- Funimation dub: Barry Watson
Trivia[]
- It seems Scratch is almost always looking towards the reader/viewer no matter how he is positioned.
- In the English dub of the Dragon Ball series, Scratch is referred to as a female while in the Japanese version, Scratch is a male cat.
- In the English localization of Xenoverse 2, they retain their Japanese name and are identified as male.
- Scratch was voiced by Funimation producer Barry Watson in their dub of the series.
- While being called Tama in the Japanese version and Scratch in the English dub, the cat is nameless in the manga.[3]
- Scratch might be a Scottish Straight.
Gallery[]
Scratch on Dr. Brief's shoulder
Scratch's face and Japanese name on a truck in Lord Slug
References[]
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