When to Play Cat Goes Fishing Free?

Cat Goes Fishing does not have an official free version. The game costs $6.99 on Steam, where it’s available as a paid indie title developed by Cat5Games. While several websites claim to offer free versions, these are either pirated copies, browser-based clones, or mobile knockoffs that differ significantly from the original game.

The misconception about a “free” version stems from third-party mobile apps and unauthorized downloads that use similar names. The authentic Cat Goes Fishing experience is exclusively available through purchase on Steam, with no free trial or demo currently offered by the developers.

Understanding the Free Version Confusion

The Cat Goes Fishing ecosystem includes multiple confusing elements. Steam hosts the original $6.99 version with 94% positive reviews from over 13,000 players. Mobile app stores feature numerous simulator games with similar names, but these are separate products created by different developers. Many of these mobile alternatives are free-to-play with in-app purchases, which creates the impression that Cat Goes Fishing itself is free.

Third-party download websites often advertise “free” versions of the game. These sites typically offer pirated copies that may contain security risks. Users frequently report antivirus warnings when attempting these downloads. One Reddit user mentioned that both Chrome and Windows security blocked their download attempt, highlighting the risks involved.

The official Cat5Games website once hosted an old demo version, but this was removed years ago. A 2015 Steam discussion confirms that the demo was outdated and lacked features like hats, boats, and rod upgrades. The developers have not released an updated demo since then.

Best Times to Purchase Cat Goes Fishing at Lower Prices

Steam regularly hosts sales where Cat Goes Fishing receives discounts. The game’s lowest recorded price was $2.50 on February 7, 2015, though such deep discounts are rare. More commonly, the game drops to around $3.49 during major Steam events.

Major Steam sales occur four times annually. The Winter Sale runs from mid-December through early January. The Spring Sale typically happens in March. The Summer Sale takes place in June or July, coinciding with Steam’s anniversary. The Autumn Sale occurs in November, often overlapping with Black Friday promotions.

Beyond seasonal sales, Steam hosts genre-specific festivals. The Steam Fishing Fest, scheduled for June 16-23, 2025, represents an ideal opportunity to purchase Cat Goes Fishing at a reduced price. Genre festivals often feature discounts on relevant titles, and fishing games consistently appear in this event.

Tracking price history tools like IsThereAnyDeal and GG.deals provide alerts when Cat Goes Fishing goes on sale. These services monitor price fluctuations across authorized retailers and can notify you when the game reaches your target price point.

Testing the Game Before Buying

Steam’s refund policy offers a practical way to try Cat Goes Fishing risk-free. Players can request a full refund if they’ve played less than two hours and purchased within the past 14 days. This effectively serves as a trial period, allowing you to determine if the game suits your preferences.

The two-hour window provides enough time to experience core mechanics. You’ll catch various fish species, upgrade your basic rod, and explore the initial fishing area. This timeframe reveals whether the relaxing gameplay and progression systems appeal to you.

To maximize your trial period, focus on understanding the fishing mechanics rather than rushing through content. Test different rod configurations. Experiment with various fish species. Evaluate whether the game’s pace matches your entertainment preferences. If Cat Goes Fishing doesn’t meet your expectations, initiate the refund through Steam’s support system before the two-hour mark.

Free Alternatives and Similar Browser Games

Several browser-based fishing games offer similar mechanics without cost. These alternatives won’t replicate the exact Cat Goes Fishing experience, but they capture comparable gameplay elements.

CrazyGames hosts “The Fishercat Online,” a browser game featuring a cat protagonist catching fish. The game includes power-ups and progression systems. While graphically simpler than Cat Goes Fishing, it provides free entertainment that captures the same whimsical theme.

Plays.org offers “Cat Fishing,” a tap-based game where players select passing fish. It includes four fish species and point-based rewards. This simplified version works well for quick sessions and requires no download or installation.

Google Play and the App Store contain numerous free fishing simulators. Games like “Cat Gos Fishing Simulator” and “Fish Catching – Cat Fish Game” are free downloads with optional in-app purchases. These mobile alternatives feature basic fishing mechanics and cat protagonists, though they lack the polish and depth of the Steam original.

Generic fishing games without the cat theme also provide similar gameplay. “Ice Fishing” on CrazyGames offers realistic winter fishing simulation. “Real Fishing Simulator” provides detailed angling mechanics across multiple locations. These games demonstrate that if you’re specifically interested in fishing gameplay rather than the cat theme, broader options exist.

Why the Original Version Is Worth Purchasing

Cat Goes Fishing offers substantial content for its $6.99 price point. The game features over 40 unique fish species, each with distinct behaviors and catching requirements. Rare fish like the Kingfish, Grumper, and various deep-sea creatures require specific strategies to catch.

Rod customization provides extensive gameplay depth. Players unlock upgrades for casting distance, reeling speed, and line strength. Advanced modifications include radars, minimaps, and deep sonar systems. These upgrades fundamentally change how you approach fishing challenges.

The boat system expands explorable areas. Starting with basic shoreline fishing, players eventually unlock vessels ranging from simple rafts to advanced boats. Each boat type accesses different water depths and fishing zones, revealing new species and challenges.

Hats introduce dramatic gameplay modifications. These rare equipment pieces alter fishing mechanics in unexpected ways. Some hats change fish behavior patterns, while others modify environmental conditions. Collecting all hats represents a significant completion goal for dedicated players.

Quest systems provide directed objectives and rewards. Tasks range from catching specific fish species to earning set amounts of money. Completing quests unlocks new equipment and areas while providing structured progression for players who prefer guided gameplay.

The game receives periodic updates despite its 2015 release. The most recent update added the Silo area and related fish species in October 2019. While updates are infrequent, they demonstrate ongoing developer support and content expansion.

Legitimate Free-to-Play Windows

Steam occasionally offers weekend free-play events for selected games. While Cat Goes Fishing hasn’t participated in such promotions recently, the possibility exists during future Steam Fishing Fests or special promotional periods. These events allow full game access for limited time periods, typically 2-4 days.

Family Sharing on Steam enables one purchase to serve multiple users within the same household. If a family member owns Cat Goes Fishing, you can access their library through Steam’s Family Sharing feature. This requires authorization from the game owner and works when they’re not playing their games.

Some indie game bundles occasionally include Cat Goes Fishing. Bundle sites like Humble Bundle and Fanatical sometimes feature the game alongside other indie titles. These bundles offer significant savings, with Cat Goes Fishing potentially included for less than its individual sale price. However, bundle appearances are unpredictable and infrequent.

Is Cat Goes Fishing Available on Mobile Platforms?

Cat Goes Fishing has no official mobile release. The Steam version remains exclusive to Windows PC, with no authorized iOS or Android ports from Cat5Games.

Mobile app stores contain numerous games using similar names and themes. Apps titled “Cat Fishing Simulator,” “Cat Gos Fishing Simulator,” and “Fish Catching – Cat Fish Game” are separate products from different developers. These apps range from legitimate indie fishing games to low-quality clones attempting to capitalize on the original game’s popularity.

Users frequently express disappointment after purchasing mobile apps expecting the authentic Cat Goes Fishing experience. App Store reviews include complaints about paying $5 for apps that “looked like a rip-off” of the game they were seeking. These reviews highlight the confusion surrounding mobile alternatives and the absence of an official port.

The developer has not announced plans for mobile versions. Cat Goes Fishing remains focused on the PC platform, where mouse and keyboard controls suit its gameplay mechanics. The game’s design philosophy centers on relaxed, precise fishing that works best with traditional PC input methods.

Making Your Purchase Decision

Evaluate your interest level before buying. If you enjoy relaxing, progression-based games with collection elements, Cat Goes Fishing delivers strong value. The game provides 10-15 hours of content for completionists, with casual play extending significantly longer.

Consider your budget and gaming preferences. At $6.99, Cat Goes Fishing costs less than a movie ticket while providing substantially more entertainment hours. However, if you primarily game on mobile devices or prefer action-oriented titles, the game may not suit your needs.

Watch gameplay videos before purchasing. YouTube and Twitch contain extensive Cat Goes Fishing content showing actual gameplay, progression systems, and late-game features. These videos reveal whether the game’s pace and mechanics match your preferences.

Check current Steam reviews for recent player feedback. While the overall rating remains very positive at 94%, reading recent reviews provides insights into current game state, any technical issues, and whether the community remains active.

Set a price alert if the full price exceeds your budget. Using price tracking services ensures you’ll know when Cat Goes Fishing reaches your target price during future sales.

Cat Goes Fishing rewards patient, methodical play. The game emphasizes gradual progression and discovery over intense action. If this gameplay style appeals to you, waiting for a sale and purchasing the authentic version provides the best experience compared to free alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Cat Goes Fishing for free legally?

No legal free version exists. The game costs $6.99 on Steam. Free alternatives include browser games with similar themes or using Steam’s refund policy as a trial period.

Does Cat Goes Fishing ever go on sale?

Yes, the game regularly participates in Steam seasonal sales and genre festivals. Discounts typically range from 25-50% off the regular price during these events.

Is there a mobile version of Cat Goes Fishing?

No official mobile version exists. Mobile apps with similar names are separate games from different developers, not authorized ports of the original.

How long does it take to complete Cat Goes Fishing?

Most players spend 10-15 hours completing the main objectives and fish catalog. The game supports extended casual play well beyond this timeframe.

Cat Goes Fishing remains a paid game without official free alternatives. The best approach for budget-conscious players involves waiting for Steam sales, using the refund policy as a trial, or exploring legitimate free browser alternatives. The original version delivers substantial value for players who enjoy its relaxed, collection-focused gameplay style.