Van Beuren cartoons are extremely variable, especially in the number of gags and whether the absurdist humour shines through enough (sometimes it does, other times it doesn't), but are strangely interesting. Although they are often poorly animated with barely existent stories and less than compelling lead characters, they are also often outstandingly scored, there can be some fun support characters and some are well-timed and amusing.
With the anthropomorphic character design for the kitten, 'Scotty Finds a Home' is one of the most visually interesting cartoons of the variable "Rainbow Parade" series. Generally it is one of the better cartoons in the series as well. Not great, and it's not hard to see why it won't connect with others, but above average and pleasant. Saw it really as somebody who is trying to see as many Van Beuren cartoons as possible, so that is pretty much the main reason to see it.
'Scotty Finds a Home' has a number of strengths, more strengths than flaws from personal opinion. Personally quite liked the animation, compared to the animation in the Cubby the Bear, most of the Tom and Jerry and other cartoons of Van Beuren, their production values came on a long way when switching to colour. There may be a lack of refinement in some of the drawing and the colour scheme is simple, but the cartoon is lusciously coloured and the backgrounds meticulous in detail. The anthropomorphic design for the lead character was also interesting. Even better is the music score, it is so beautifully and cleverly orchestrated, is great fun to listen to and full of lively energy, doing so well with enhancing the action. Some of the lyric writing is on the simplistic and saccharine side though.
Some of the synchronisation is sharp enough. Was not left bored by the cartoon, thanks to a lively pace, and there are more gags than there usually are in the "Rainbow Parade" series, some amusing like with the dog. The kitten is a sweet and likeable protagonist, not being too cutesy and not being a brat, the dog is amusing and adorable and the bulldog is a good threat. Wasn't completely sold by the grandmother at the start though. While still a little too cutesy, there are far more saccharine and excessively sugary "Rainbow Parade" cartoons.
Having said that, the story, despite the very relatable concept (especially for those always wanting a pet and having to fight parental/adult disapproval), is very flimsy and very predictable. The ending can be seen from a mile away and is not a particularly memorable one.
While there are amusing moments and there are more gags than usual (although also still not enough), others are bland and over-familiar with easily foreseeable outcomes and once again any absurdist surrealist humour is missing. As said, still a bit too cutesy in spots.
Overall, pleasant and above average if not great. 6/10 Bethany Cox