The title refers to the common exclamation "Suffering Catfish!" that dates backs to the 19th century to a similar expression "Suffering Moses!" Another variation on the expression was used by another cartoon feline, Sylvestor the Cat in the Warner Brothers cartoon shorts, "Suffering succotash!"
MGM animation of the thirties and forties could often seriously rival the Disney studio for sheer lushness and elegance, and generaly had them beat for comedy. "Sufferin' Cats" is a charming and funny early Tom and Jerry romp in which Tom is allowed to display a resoucefulness almost on a par with his rodent rival.