The black cat first appears to Coraline while she’s “water witching” at the beginning of the movie. In European folklore, black cats were believed to be witches’ “familiars”- spirits who aid and protect them while they accomplish their magical work. In Coraline, the black cat basically plays the same role and becomes vital to her succeeding.

While the cat appeared to Coraline in the real world, he also appears in the Other World  – and with no buttons on his eyes. Furthermore, when in the Other World, the cat can speak with her. The cat also seems to know a lot about the Beldam and the world she created.