The super cute and relaxing Cat Isle is the work of small indie teams domkegames and pixelduckoo. This is cat preference management sim that took inspiration from some of Japan’s cat-based islands.

It launched on 20th July 2026 and is out on Steam. The goal is to build out a little island with shops, restaurants and the like, all whilst cats frolic about the place? Yay? Meow.

Keep Everyone Happy and Meowing in Cat Isle

It’s no surprise many indie game devs have a go at making a cat-based game, it’s a great way to get some quick attention. Cat Isle delivers more than a gimmick, though, as this is a beautiful and charming little game.

To get going is simple. You start the game, get an island, and there are many black cats. From there, you must get on with basic resource management tasks.

Where it delivers on its potential is with every cat. Each one has specific likes and dislikes, so you have to work out which one likes what. And many cats come and go through the transport systems to the island. Behold!

As you can see, if you watch that clip, there are regular nods to the famous train scene from Spirited Away. Always a welcome addition.

Anyway, the point is the cats visit the shops and build out their preferences. In real life, our cat (Susan) really loves pork, beef, chicken, and turkey. But she’s so-so on duck.

In this game, the cats are just as finnicky with their lifestyle habits.

As you get things right, you unlock over 100 decorations (you shake a Gashapon machine to get them), and make the island all fancy and that. This makes the animals happy and they keep on hanging around. All whilst you listen to composer Leonardo Porro’s ambient music.

And that’s it! Manage cats, decorate, develop out shops, and chillax. Exactly why the cosy game genre is on its unstoppable, merciless journey in the indie game world mowing down all before it.

The genre is relaxing vibes for difficult times and we dig it.