Neko Atsume revolves around the player purchasing food, toys ,cushions and small structures to attract a variety of cats. The player can then photograph the cats and the play space.
Cats will leave the player either silver or gold " Niboshi "(anchovy, small dried sardines ) after leaving the garden. The fish can be used to purchase new types of food and goods as well as extensions to the garden.
There is no concept of the game being over, but since one can not call the cats directly and bait gets eaten, there is a need to replenish the food occasionally.
Play is free, but it is also possible to buy "gold anchovy" in the store.
From Vox: "Falling somewhere between The Sims and Tamagotchis (the briefly popular "electronic pets" from the 1990s), it makes you the best pal of a bunch of neighborhood cats, who visit your home to eat the cat food and play with the cat toys you leave out for them. It's addictive, adorable, and completely free. And it will only take up a few spare seconds of your time, whenever you need to check in — though you just might find more and more excuses to check in as you coax more cats into your virtual home." (Vox Media)
