She then took the stage with backup dancers dressed as chess pieces before Kravitz arrived with his electric guitar to accompany the superstar on I Kissed a Girl.
And while the giant tiger was something of a scene-stealer, Perry's seemingly impossible quick changes caused the biggest stir.
She went from colourful costume to extravagant outfit in the blink of an eye - leaving many questioning how she did it.
"Katy Perry just ruined it for all woman. She changed in public in 10 seconds. You have no excuses now," @AdiVerb tweeted.
"Halftime drinking game: take a shot every time Katy Perry changes" @LifeWithAlcohol tweeted.
Feedback about Perry's performance was swift and positive.
Earlier, Perry had promised to "melt faces" with her half time show.
"It's going to be wild out there," she said.
"I'm creating three or four different worlds ... I have to keep some surprises but I'm very, very excited about this guest.
"I thought long and hard about it. People are not going to expect it.
"It's a throwback of sorts that definitely needed some shine. All I can say is that it will be female fun night but when this person enters the stage faces will melt.
"There will be some faces melted when she steps on the stage."
Read more: Ten Super Bowl ads everyone will be talking about
- nzherald.co.nz with agencies
