The twenty-fourth entry of the 2001 series pushes Tohru toward the family's bleakest secret, as Kazuma's return and the removal of Kyo's bracelet threaten to expose the true horror hidden behind the cat's curse.
Summary
After a year sharing a roof with the Sohmas, Tohru has grown deeply attached to them, but she now stands at the edge of the family's darkest truth: the reality of what the curse of the cat conceals.
Key Events
A rainy afternoon shows Tohru that heavy downpours leave Kyo short-tempered. Walking home with Yuki and Kyo, she is met by Kagura, and Shigure quickly sends the girl off shopping with Kyo so her affections do not tear the house apart. At the store Kyo asks Kagura why she cares for him so much, while Tohru and Yuki check the garden for what is ready to harvest. That evening the four return home, and soon after, the martial arts master Kazuma Sohma appears. He speaks privately with Kyo about living alongside Yuki and Shigure, drawing bitter replies, and having seen Kyo smile freely around Tohru, he quietly tells Shigure he intends to take the beaded bracelet from Kyo's wrist.
Through a drenched night Kazuma weighs whether Kyo has come to terms with the family curse before pulling the beads away. When Tohru moves toward Kyo, he screams at her not to look at him.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Tohru learn about Kyo on rainy days in this episode?
In "The Curse of the Cat," a rainy afternoon shows Tohru that heavy downpours leave Kyo Sohma short-tempered, an early hint at the darker secret tied to his curse.
Why does Kazuma decide to remove Kyo's bracelet?
Martial arts master Kazuma Sohma decides to remove the beaded bracelet from Kyo's wrist after seeing Kyo smile freely around Tohru for the first time. He weighs through a drenched night whether Kyo has truly come to terms with the family curse before pulling the beads away.
What happens when Kazuma takes off Kyo's bracelet?
When Kazuma pulls the beads from Kyo's wrist, Kyo screams at Tohru not to look at him as she moves toward him, hinting at the true, monstrous form the bracelet has been suppressing.
Why does Shigure send Kyo shopping with Kagura?
Shigure sends Kagura off shopping with Kyo so that her strong affection for him does not cause turmoil in the household. At the store, Kyo asks Kagura directly why she cares for him so much.
What manga chapters does "The Curse of the Cat" adapt, and how was it retold later?
"The Curse of the Cat" adapts Chapters 31 and 32 of the Fruits Basket manga. The 2019 anime later revisited the same story in the episode "Let's Go Home."
Sources & Information
Looking for more on The Curse of the Cat? The Fruits Basket Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Fruits Basket anime series, manga, and official materials. Fruits Basket was created by Natsuki Takaya, published by Hakusensha, and animated by TMS Entertainment. All rights to Fruits Basket and its characters belong to their respective owners. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byNatsuki Takaya
- Published byHakusensha
- Animated byTMS Entertainment
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to TMS Entertainment and Hakusensha.
- Game pages: official box art, credited to the game's respective publishers.
- Manga chapter pages: volume covers, credited to Hakusensha and Natsuki Takaya.
Official resources:
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