As the stage lights illuminate an alternate 1939, a world where humans and anthropomorphic animals thrive together, a spirited orange tabby cat named Daniel "Danny" T. Cat from Kokomo, Indiana, embarks on an adventure to fulfill his dreams of fame in Hollywood. With unmatched enthusiasm, Danny steps onto the legendary streets of Los Angeles and befriends a quirky young penguin named Pudge, who quickly becomes his loyal ally. Farley Wink, a veteran agent, notices Danny's infectious energy and casts him in Lil' Ark Angel, a film being produced at Mammoth Pictures, where he will share the screen with Sawyer, a jaded Turkish Angora who serves as Wink's secretary.
Danny is excited to join a colorful ensemble of co-stars—Tilly the hippo, Cranston the goat, Frances the fish, and T.W. the tortoise—but his enthusiasm fades when he realizes the minimal significance of his role. Eager to seize more limelight, Danny's attempts only provoke the ire of Darla Dimple, a spoiled child actress in the film, supported by her imposing gorilla-like butler Max, who warns Danny against overshadowing the star.
Determined to make his mark, Danny seeks guidance from Woolie, the studio mascot elephant, who enlightens him on the grim realities of showbiz. Woolie reveals that humans usually nab the best roles, leaving animals with trivial parts and little bargaining power. The very next day, Danny leads his fellow animal actors in an inspiring performance in an alleyway, catching Darla's attention. She invites him to her lavish mansion, proposing to let him use the Lil' Ark Angel set for a press conference hosted by the studio's head, L.B. Mammoth—on the condition that he keeps her involvement secret.
Unbeknownst to Danny, Darla is concocting a scheme to undermine the animals and secure her spotlight. As the press conference day nears, the animals rehearse their act, while Darla and Max devise a disaster that floods Hollywood, instantly putting Mammoth on the defensive and blaming the animals for the mayhem. When Darla arrives at Danny's home, gloating about her triumph in thwarting the creatures’ ambitions, she issues a chilling warning: return to Kokomo before it's too late, as the dark side of Hollywood awaits.
Under the moonlight, Sawyer takes the initiative to acknowledge Danny's relentless support for their dreams. In a brave move, Sawyer rushes to catch Danny at the bus stop but arrives just as the bus pulls away. A keen observation from the bus driver and the sight of Pudge wandering the streets inspire Danny to take control of the situation. He seizes the bus, inviting Sawyer, Woolie, Tilly, Cranston, Frances, and T.W. to join him for a special screening of Lil' Ark Angel at the premiere.
As the film credits roll, Danny bravely confronts Max, cleverly deflating Darla's cherished parade balloon, drawing attention back to him. Despite being mocked by Darla, Sawyer seizes the opportunity to mobilize the group backstage, supporting Danny in their shared quest for recognition. With Danny's heartfelt encouragement, the ensemble of eight animates a passionate musical performance that captivates the audience. Ironically, Darla's miserable sabotage backfires, enhancing the spectacle and resulting in a resounding standing ovation.
In the height of celebration, Darla's true character is revealed as she inadvertently takes the blame for the flood, and her frantic attempts to exonerate herself meet their end. Thanks to Pudge's quick thinking, Darla's downfall is orchestrated through a hidden trapdoor. Amid the rapture, Danny and Sawyer express their burgeoning feelings for each other, as the animals' resilience culminates in their dreams coming true—each striving for bigger roles than ever before.
