Since its release on Nov. 2, 2015, the app Neko Atsume had been downloaded over 5.5 million times on Apple and Android devices. This free app, created by Hit-Point, is a Japanese cat game that has captured the hearts of dog and cat lovers around the world. In the game, you collect more than 40 different cats. You attract them with different kinds of food and then watch them play with different toys you’ve purchased for them.

“It’s a super fun game,” sophomore Rebekah Apicello said. “The animations are really cute, and it’s pretty low commitment. Since it doesn’t need wifi, you can play whenever you want.”

All the cats have a personality all their own and all like different toys. For example, Senor Don Gato only visits your yard if and only if you put out Mister Mouse which is a mouse toy on a string. After the cats leave your yard, the cute little balls of fur leave you silver and gold fish. Then, you can use these to purchase more things for other cats. Using those items, you can summon your favorite kitty cats. The really cool thing about the game is that you can collect special items to get rare cats.

“I like Ramses the Great because he’s an Egyptian pharaoh cat, and I’ve always been interested in ancient Egyptian mythology,” said senior Parker Plodzien. “I haven’t met him yet, but I’m looking forward to it when I do.”

If I will be completely honest, I have an obsession with the app. The art style is so cute and simple. The concept is so easy but is oddly fun and addicting. My friends and I have personally spent hours playing this cat collector game. The app has its flaws though. Although Hit-Point sent out it’s newest update Jan. 28, players always want more.

“I would rate it 9 out of 10,” Apicello said. “The only thing that would improve the game would be if the creators updated with new cats more often.”