Game for Cats does what it says, but it isn't truly free
I spend a lot of time trying to keep my cats off my iPad, but thanks to the The Daily What, we got wind of a game specifically designed to have your frisky felines play with your iPad. iPad Game for Cats is a free download through the App Store, but the "free" part is very misleading. Even though the game's website and the App Store page say that it's gratis, you actually can't get anywhere unless you make a 99-cent, in-app purchase.
Edit (12 AM 12/21): The developer got in touch with me regarding this via Twitter and has since updated the app description to clarify that the mouse game is an in-app purchase. Thank you so much!
But, you do get a little time with the game, and there's only one way to test it and that's with a cat ... or in my case, three cats.
You get a choice between a laser pointer or trying to catch a mouse. Both feature large, simple colorful graphics designed to catch a cat's eye -- though I suspect it also works well for toddlers.
The goal is for the cat to "catch" the laser or the mouse by batting the iPad screen, which increases your game score. Because the mouse game ended too fast before requesting an upgrade, I switched to the laser pointer game and put my iPad at the mercy of my felines.
The result was pretty funny. At first, the cats didn't notice the iPad because they were too busy demanding that I pet them. They're also quite used to keeping away from the iPad, so they didn't quite get that I actually wanted them to interact with it.
But, my youngest cat finally noticed the laser beam and started batting at the iPad case itself. She spun the iPad around a few times, then managed to tap the screen itself. Then my oldest cat started playing the game. The middle cat just stayed away, but was watching the laser. I switch it back to the mouse game to see if they'd go for it. My oldest cat did, but wound up nearly making an in-game purchase when that game ended. I quickly switched it back to the laser, which gives you a bit longer before prompting an upgrade.
The verdict? The game does what it advertises, however it's extremely easy for your pet to accidentally make an in-game app purchase unless you've disabled that feature in your settings.
Cats will play the game, and it was pretty funny watching them bat a $500 machine around the living room floor ... until you remember the $500 part. So, when the level ended, I took the iPad back from the cats. Maybe, whenever I upgrade to a mythical future version of the iPad, I'll let the cats take over this one. For now, I'll stick to traditional catnip-laced toys.
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I spend a lot of time trying to keep my cats off my iPad, but thanks to the The Daily What, we got wind of a game specifically designed to...
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Although this app is getting a lot of attention, it actually isn't the first of it's kind. There's a whole bunch of other iPad apps designed just for cats to play with. I found it here:
http://appsmonkey.com/question/271/ipad-app-for-cats
My two cats prefer the mouse mode. 99 cents well spent!
December 21 2010 at 12:53 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI hate these apps that are free-not free. They should just charge the minimum price (I mean, who's going to notice the difference between $0.00 and $0.99?) and then say you can buy additional levels at $0.99 each...
I blame Apple for this. The only apps in the "Free" section should be ones that never cost anything. Ones that may or could or will cost something should go in the paid section.
It sounds like the developer just poorly worded their ad for their app instead of trying to mislead people.
I can't imagine anyone wanting to allow their pets or children to use an expensive high tech toy when a cheap toy would suffice. Then again I'm not rich enough to have my things replaced if a child or pet destroyed it.
Has anyone made a child proof case for iPads?
An old saying comes to mind: "make something idiot-proof and they'll make a better idiot". I'm no parent, but I'd bet the same principle applies to kids, too. :)
December 20 2010 at 8:29 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyOh, wah wah wah, I have to pay 99 cents for something, my life is so horrible. These evil developers are trying to trick and rob me!
I downloaded it, upgraded it and my cat likes playing with the mouse. I'd buy it more times if I could just to make up for all the idiots who assume maiciouness on the part of the developers instead of just somewhat poor messaging. There are worse things in the world to be concerned about.
It's worth 99 cents if you don't mind sitting your iPad on the couch so your cat can play with it.
I worry for the males posting who have numerous cats!!
December 20 2010 at 4:30 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHey, I'm the developer of the game. We're really sorry for any confusion. The laser level is totally free and yes the mouse level is $0.99. We'd like to be more clear about the pricing. Can you help us by giving suggestions on how to do this?
Again, our apologies, we didn't mean to deceive. I've taken steps to update the App-Store description.
What other steps would you take? I will monitor this thread today and make appropriate changes!
I think if it was clear in the description of the game on ITunes that the mouse level was a paid app then there would be no confusion. Make it clear and there is no complaint, the complaint comes from the fact that it is advertised as free and but once you get the game it quickly becomes clear that it isn't. I don't think anyone is worried about $0.99.
'
@mwgillman Done. iTunes description updated. Sorry for the confusion.
December 20 2010 at 10:03 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAll three of my cats love this, and it actually garners peace between the two boys who usually can't stand to be within a few feet of each other. One was actuallly hugging the iPad, and going after the mouse with his nose.
Shame about the bait-ware though. Still for .99 it's not bad.
Paul, we're sorry for coming across as bait-ware. That wasn't at all our intention. We're glad your cats like the game! Could you send us some suggestions on how we could make it more obvious and less surprising that we charge for the mouse level? My personal email is: nate@littlehiccup.com.
Nate Murray, co-creator of iPad Game for Cats
Our cat has become addicted to Game for Cats. He was initially a little hesitant but now can't get enough:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R3djChWqQo&
Fortunately I have a Zagg protector on the screen, otherwise I'd be worried about an iPad covered in cat scratches.
I've used this game on my iPad for months.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cat-game-free/id309620230?mt=8
Same concept and 100% free.
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