>>40161146I think it's one of those things they gradually changed over the years, probably just cause THE Meowth is what everyone thinks of when they think of Meowth
It's unfortunate since it defeats the whole purpose of Rocket Meowth's sad story, but on the other hand it's also REALLY hard to think of any other kind of Meowth. I honestly can't even picture in my brain right now a Meowth walking on all fours just because Team Rocket Meowth's imagery is so strong in my head