I don't know if you've heard about this game yet, but Neko Atsume is one of the hottest games on the market. It's a pretty pointless game, but it's entrancing and highly addictive. In the game, you set out toys and food for cats and these blessed creatures grace your screen for a short time, eating some food and playing with the toys you've lovingly set out for them. There's the chance for expansions and remodels, the joy of rare cats and mementos, and the risk that Tubbs will come and eat all of the food like the fatass he truly is. Each of the cats who visit you have their own personality and if you play the game long enough, you'll definitely have favorites.
So now you're probably thinking, OK, that seems pretty simple despite its lack of a storyline, but what kind of lessons can you learn from these cats? I'm so glad you asked.
1. Sunny
Hang out with the people whom you love. Sunny is almost always in your yard, ready to play and hang out with you. You can tell that he loves you because he has visited so often. It's important to express your appreciation to your loved ones and it's especially nice to spend some quality time with them.
2. Lexy
Appreciate the good things in life. Lexy apparently has "expensive tastes" but that doesn't detract from her character. In fact, I think that it's important to have expensive taste, even if you can't always live that lifestyle. It's important to know what you want and then work to get those things.
3. Pickles
Take care of yourself. Poor Pickles has a power level of 0. I connect to Pickles on an emotional level. Whether you take the energy level of these cats to mean how long they can play or their power to kick other cats out if they want to play with a specific toy, I think that Pickles teaches us an important lesson. You need to look out for yourself first whether that means taking a nap, eating that ice cream, or finding a quiet space for reflection.
4. Pepper
It's OK to be different. Pepper is an all black cat with one yellow eye and one blue eye. He's a little bit different, but that's what makes him special. We're all unique and the differences between everyone is what makes us all special. Let's face it -- if there were no diversity, the world would be a pretty boring place.
5. Guy Furry
The only thing that I've learned from this cat is that Guy Fieri is and always will be a meme-able person.
6. Tubbs
Don't get upset at others. It's really easy to get mad at Tubbs. You've just put out some sashimi and you check on your yard again 10 minutes later and HE HAS EATEN ALL OF YOUR FOOD. I've yelled in outrage at Tubbs many times (and I'll probably yell again next time it happens), but you can't really get mad at him. That's just his role in the game.
7. Sassy Fran
It feels good to serve others. Sassy Fran always has a smile at her face when she shows up to work at the Cardboard Cafe. Even though it's not always the most glamorous job (especially when Gozer just sits there staring at the corner), Sassy Fran knows how good it is to serve others and I think that's a lesson we all need to learn.
8. Lady Meow-Meow
Pamper yourself. Much like Lady Meow-Meow likes to lounge in her luxurious hammock and eat sashimi, it's important to take the time to pamper yourself every once in a while. #TreatYoSelf
9. Peaches
Be patient with others. Peaches may not be a "rare cat," but she's certainly the rarest cat in Neko Atsume. Whereas Sunny has visited me nearly 600 times, Peaches has only blessed me with her presence 22 times. While it can be frustrating waiting for her to appear, everyone needs to be patient and wait for her to show up. It's what makes her so special. You need to cherish the time she spends with you. Just be patient and let her come and go as she feels.
