IF YOU’VE BEEN on Twitter over the past week or so, you might have noticed people being driven slowly mad by a game called Neko Atsume.

So far, the app has been downloaded by over 10 million people, and it’s starting to take over the internet. But why? Let us explain.

What is Neko Atsume?

Source: Imgur

Think of it as a combination of a Tamagotchi and Pokemon – each user must attract as many cats as possible to their virtual ‘yard’.

According to the Huffington Post, the game was first released in Japan in 2014 but picked up steam after being translated into English last year.

How do you play?

You start off with a completely empty yard, then fill it with cat treats that can be bought with the game’s currency (silver and gold fish).

Source: Imgur

Then, you check back in as a host of lovely cartoon cats, each with different needs and personalities, pass through your garden.

Some of the more ‘rare’ cats require special, more expensive items, and others won’t peek in unless you’ve bought the fanciest type of cat food.

Look at our yard right now. It’s a CAT PARADISE.

Source: DailyEdge.ie

There are no winners and no losers, just lots of people enjoying their cats.

What’s so addictive about it then?

Source: Imgur

…It’s hard to say. But something about this game has compelled people to check it first thing in the morning, and make sure they have their bowls of cat food filled before they go to sleep at night.

And nothing is more infuriating than realising that while you were out there having a life (ugh) you missed a cat party in your yard.

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Then, of course, every Neko Atsume player is united in their hatred of Tubbs.

Who’s Tubbs?

Source: Gamezebo

He’s a massive cat who barges into your yard and eats a full bowl of your expensive cat food, all by himself. A visit from Tubbs costs you big bucks. Tubbs is a nuisance.

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OK, I’m in. I want to collect cats.

Good for you! Welcome to the club. Neko Atsume is free to download from the App Store and Google Play.

Just don’t come crying to us when Tubbs eats all your Frisky Bitz.

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