Catra is a fictional character in the toyline, and animated television series, She-Ra: Princess of Power (1985–86), which is part of the Masters of the Universe franchise.

In both animated series, Catra is a Force-Captain of Hordak's Evil Horde, a position previously held by Adora before she defected in the 2018 reboot.

[4] In the first series, Catra displays minor sorcery abilities, possessing a magical mask, which when slid over her face gives the ability to transform into a purple panther-like beast, also showing telepathic control over all cats;[5] in the second series she has cat-like features of her own, including a tail, large furry ears, a mane, and claws.

Catra's first appearance in animated media is as one of the Horde captains of Hordak in the 1985 He-Man and She-Ra feature film The Secret of the Sword.

Although her plan to capture Adora fails, Catra is able to win the allegiance of the eccentric genius Princess Entrapta, providing the Horde with new technology for an attempted conquest of Etheria.

[8] During the second and third seasons, Hordak begins losing faith in Catra due to her arrogance and putting her personal grudges before the Horde's agenda.

In the fourth season, Catra coerces Hordak into letting her command the Horde's war effort, and hires the shapeshifting mercenary Double Trouble to sow dissent in the Rebellion.

Double Trouble then reveals they switched sides while giving Catra an analysis of her character flaws, causing her to emotionally break down and accept her defeat.

At the start of the fifth and final season, Catra—effectively held prisoner on Horde Prime's ship as a “guest”—begins to question and experience regret for her past behavior.

Catra's fear for Adora's safety leads her to sacrifice herself to help Glimmer escape, resulting in Horde Prime implanting her with a mind-hive chip.

Her act of redemption encourages Glimmer, Adora, Bow, and Entrapta to in turn rescue Catra from Horde Prime's clutches.

After her rescue, though retaining her cynical and abrasive personality, Catra joins Adora's group and helps them fight to liberate Etheria.