"Cat People" is a movie about a troubled woman torn between two men, each representing a different destiny. Irene Gallier (Natassia Kinski) is a virginal young woman reunited with her mysterious brother Paul (Malcolm McDowell). Irene and Paul's parents were animal trainers and died when she was young. Irene spent her youth in foster homes and is now meeting a brother she really does not know. While walking in the city, she is drawn to a zoo and especially a panther on exhibit there. Irene is unaware that the panther has killed a young prostitute and is being a studied by a team of zoologists. One of the team, a young man, Oliver, quickly becomes attracted to Irene and she to him. She knows however something is wrong. Paul explains it to her-they are werecats. When aroused, they can turn into large cats. Because of this, Paul tells her they can really only make love to each other. Irene is repulsed but Paul relentlessly chases her. She turns to Oliver out of desperation but she is afraid her cat side will come out. Can Irene elude a tragic fate?