It’s a Cat-astrophe

Japanese cat game sweeps the school

Maddie Galerston, Reporter, The Bagpipe|February 9, 2016

Neko Atsume, otherwise known as the kitty collector is rated number 102 on the list of best free apps on the apple app store as of February 2. The game was released on October 20, 2014 and was originally a Japanese game. Up until late 2015 the game went practically unknown in Highland Park until the app was downloaded by a large portion of the student body. To those who have the game it provides a reliable source of adorable cats and for those who don’t have it it supplies a reliable source of annoyance. Many argue that the game holds no entertainment value considering all one does in the game is supply food and toys to animated cats in hope that they come to their yard and leave tips. Others argue that the game is a fun source of entertainment brought from the adorable sight of a cat getting it’s head stuck in a plastic bag or getting stuck in a donut tube. Either way some people are very invested in the game.

When you tap on the app a cute “meow loading” bar pops up. When the bar is full the user would see their yard. Depending how much time, and/or money, put into the game the yards will look different. After collecting fish from the visiting cats the player can buy a multitude of different cat toys including scratching posts, hot mats, cold mats, balls of yarn, cake and gift boxes, paper and plastic bags, cardboard trains, pillows, and even a hammock or leaf pile. These cats have a better yard than the school. After buying new food and toys more cats are attracted and players earn more money, after collecting 180 goldfish they can expand their yard. Although, there are some people who aren’t patient enough to “earn” their goldfish and they turn to two different alternatives; 1. Buying goldfish on the app for between one and four dollars and 2. Finding Neko Atsume cheats so that they can get free fish. 

However this kitten craze has affected more than just our school. Online you can find a plethora of Neko Atsume collectables. This includes sweatshirts, plushies, slippers, mugs, bags, shirts, stickers, and even keychains, all of this can be found on websites like eBay and Amazon. 

So whether one likes the game or not, the mania is sweeping the school with its cute little paws.