By: Jacqueline Chavez

Pay close attention cat lovers of the world, this one is for you.

In our generation, many fads come and go and it seems that the newest one is collecting cute cats and kittens. Not real life felines, but virtual ones.

Neko Atsume is a Japanese-based game developed by Hit-Point for iOS and Android. In the game, you are given the simple task of collecting as many cats as your little heart desires. You feed them and watch them play about in your virtual yard.

The game was initially released back in 2014, but recently it’s become the most talked about app on the market. Many fans have described it as “very addictive” and just “plain cute”.

Not only are you able to obtain all the cats you could ever want but you also get rewarded yourself. After a cat visits, you have a chance to get either grey or gold fish – with gold fish being rare. With the fish you are given, you are then able to purchase cat toys and special cat food. You might be asking yourself how this game could possibly get any better, well, it can.

The more a cat shows up the more fish you will get. There is a point where the cat will feel very comfortable with you and give you what is referred to as a memento. These mementos are items which are often broken or just odd. All the mementos you receive will be kept in a special section so you can go back and view how many of them you have received.

As you progress in the game, you are given more options when it come to the expansion of your yard. There are five different styles to choose from when and if you wish to remodel including a Rustic Mode and a Zen Mode.The cats will enjoy the new atmosphere of whatever style you choose to go with. You might even get a bit more fish just for switching things up. The cats themselves already come with names but if they aren’t to your liking, you have the option to change it to whatever you please. The cats are also automatically given a type of personality which you can definitely see when they are playing among other cats.

A personal favorite for most players is one by the name of Tubbs. Not only is he super adorable but he also gives a lot of fish if treated well. You can obtain rare kitties by changing up what you put in the food bowl and also what toys you have set up. Some of the other rare felines include Mrs.Fortune, Conductor Whiskers, Bob the Cat and many more.

The game itself was made to entertain those who love simple games and cat lovers. The game is relatively easy to play, the only thing most players have difficulty with is obtaining rare cats. Other than that, this game is paw-sitively fascinating. With cute graphics and a catchy tune playing in the background during the game, it’s no surprise that it’s gotten so much recognition by people and media all over the world. Not only that but it’s free. Yup, you can freak out now. All the cats you could ever want for free (with in-app purchases) at your fingertips. So what are you waiting for? There are virtual kitties waiting for a new owner, will it be you?

 

Quick Tips and Advice for beginners:

• You can get Tubbs by buying Frisky Bitz
• If and when Tubbs shows up let him lounge around for awhile, you will receive more fish once he leaves
• Obtain Mrs.Fortune by buying The Cardboard House, she also gives a lot of fish
• Obtain Sassy Fran (kitty with a cute costume) by buying The Cardboard Cafe
• The more toys you have the more new cats will show up
• Make sure their food bowl is full if empty, no food=no cats
• Click the Menu button, then the News button, once there you will be given a password, go back to menu and look for the Other button and click Connect button, input daily password and receive fish
• The more you complete a daily password sheet the more cool gifts you will receive

Remodeling Tips

• If you choose to remodel while there are cats in the yard they will all be frightened away, do not worry, they will come back once you settle in their toys and food

• For a more hip vibe get Modern Mode

• If you want your cats to be relaxed and free from any kitty stress get Zen Mode
• For a more normal, everyday setting get Rustic Mode
• For a more country vibe get Western Mode

Food Tips

• Different food will attract different cats
• You will never run out of Thrifty Bitz
• Frisky Bitz is a kitty favorite
• Sassy Fran may show up with Ritzy Bitz
• If you have Frisky Bitz in the food bowl, you will most likely get a lovely visit from Tubbs

Toy Tips

• Different toys will attract different cats
• Not all toys will be liked by the cats
• Top three inexpensive yet favorable toys are the Rubber Ball (red), Ball of Yarn and Tail-Thing Teaser
• Themed toys will get themed cats (ex: Conductor Whiskers will only show up if you have The Cardboard Choo-Choo)
• Make sure you know which toys your cats favor the most, they will give you more fish if you know what they like

Happy gaming, readers.