Pokémon Go Fans Need To Try This Free Cat-Collecting Mobile Game

As Pokémon clones regularly cause uproars online, one similar game goes for a more wholesome route with its critter collection. A new free mobile app called "CatchCat" puts a feline twist on the familiar addictive gameplay of Pokémon Go. Developed by Sebastian Seidel, the game is the perfect mobile augmented reality experience for cat lovers to enjoy. Currently exclusive to smart devices through Google Play, rather than iOS, "CatCatch" distinguishes itself from other creature-collecting experiences while sharing some noticeable similarities.

In "CatCatch," players navigate on foot throughout their surrounding areas with the app in operation as part of an augmented reality experience. When real cats are encountered, players can scan them through the app, with the program identifying their individual traits. From there, the cat is considered caught by the game, awarding the player experience points based on the positioning of the feline photo and cat type. In that sense, "CatCatch" is also a riff on "Pokémon Snap," with its photography and experience point system.

But beyond that, Seidel's popular app has several major features that make it a must-download for any cat lover.

For starters, "CatCatch" gives feline lovers another excuse to go out and try to encounter as many cats as possible. That it rewards players for meeting and documenting new cats alone should make this app a must-download for those using Android devices (and those who love cats). Upon scanning a cat through the app, the game creates a collectible digital card for users to add to their decks. Each cat card is given their own stats, nickname, and an experience point meter for the adorably furry fighting that's about to ensue.

That's right, just like the Pokémon Trainer battles that give the Nintendo franchise its exciting edge, "CatCatch" also features its own family-friendly combat system. Encountering other users, players can pit their respective cards against each other to see whose cat collection reigns supreme. The card fights are tastefully done, so you don't have to worry about excessive depictions of kitties duking it out. This provides all the more reason to get out there and start meeting (and petting, if they permit it) new cats, all to build up your collection of formidable felines.

Currently only available for Android devices, hopefully "CatCatch" will make the leap to iOS to spread the fun. In the meantime, cat lovers with a Google device should get to collecting those cats.