Best Free Cat Games for iPad (2026 Guide)
Cat Hunt Simulator: Burrow & Pounce offers a generous free tier that lets your cat experience the core hunting gameplay without any payment. Free users get access to select substrates and prey types, and the free version keeps ads minimal and away from the active play area. Upgrade to Premium for the full experience including all substrates, all prey types, shuffle mode, and a completely ad-free environment.
Cat Hunt Simulator's free tier includes everything your cat needs for satisfying hunt sessions. Free users get access to select substrates and prey types, the complete hunt cycle mechanic, and all three energy modes. There are no artificial time limits or session caps — your cat can play as many rounds as they want. Ads appear only between sessions and never during active gameplay, so your cat's hunting experience is never interrupted by unexpected screen changes.
The Premium upgrade unlocks the full Cat Hunt experience: all four substrate types (Paper, Grass, Snow, and Cardboard), every prey type with unique behaviors, the shuffle mode that automatically rotates environments for hands-free variety, and a completely ad-free experience. Premium is available as a weekly, monthly, or yearly subscription, and all plans include the same full feature set. The free version gives you plenty of time to see how your cat responds before making any commitment.
No credit card is required to start playing Cat Hunt Simulator. Simply download from the App Store and your cat can start hunting immediately. The free version is not a limited trial — it is a permanent free tier with genuine gameplay value. Many cat owners find the free version provides more than enough variety for their cats, while others upgrade to Premium for the expanded substrate selection and ad-free convenience. Either way, your cat gets a hunting experience that far surpasses simple dot or fish games.
Why Cat Hunt Simulator Stands Out
- Generous free tier with core hunting gameplay
- Premium upgrade unlocks all substrates, prey types, and ad-free mode
- 60fps canvas-based rendering optimized for responsive touch detection
- Auto-replay with shuffle mode for hands-free play sessions
- Share stats screen to show off your cat's hunting prowess
- Realistic prey behavior — skittering, freezing, and bolting when paws approach
- Catnip Boost power-up sprinkles irresistible particle effects across the play surface
- Three energy modes — Kitten, Adult, and Senior — matching your cat's play style
- Hit point system tracks successful strikes in real-time
- Complete hunt cycle: stalk hidden prey, tear through surfaces, capture with a pounce
Full hunting gameplay included in the free version.
Learn more at cathuntsim.com →Cat Hunt vs Other Cat Games
| Feature | Cat Hunt Simulator | Other Cat Games |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Behavior | Dynamic AI — skitters, freezes, bolts based on cat proximity | Simple linear movement or random paths |
| Surface Interaction | Destructible substrates (Paper, Grass, Snow, Cardboard) | Flat, static backgrounds |
| Hunt Completion | Full cycle — stalk, chase, capture with hold-to-pounce | Tap to score points, no capture mechanic |
| Difficulty Modes | Three energy modes (Kitten, Adult, Senior) | One-size-fits-all difficulty |
| Day/Night Cycle | Yes — affects prey behavior and visibility | No environmental changes |
| Visual Quality | 60fps canvas rendering with sprite-based normal maps | Basic sprite animations at lower frame rates |
| Session Stats | Detailed stats with shareable game-over screen | Simple score counter |
| Auto-Replay | Yes — shuffle mode for hands-free play | Manual restart required |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Cat Hunt different from other cat games?
Most cat games show a simple dot, fish, or mouse moving across a flat screen. Cat Hunt features prey that actually hides beneath destructible surfaces — your cat tears through paper, grass, snow, or cardboard to find and capture prey. The prey exhibits realistic escape behavior, freezing when it senses danger and bolting when your cat gets close.
How long should my cat play Cat Hunt Simulator?
We recommend 10 to 15 minute play sessions, similar to how cats hunt in the wild — short bursts of intense activity. The three energy modes (Kitten, Adult, Senior) automatically adjust session pacing for your cat's age and activity level.
Is Cat Hunt Simulator safe for my cat and my screen?
Absolutely. Cat Hunt Simulator uses cat-safe visual patterns and appropriate brightness levels. The game is designed so normal cat paw interactions will not damage your screen. We recommend using a screen protector for added peace of mind during enthusiastic play sessions.
What do you get free vs premium in Cat Hunt?
Free users get access to the core hunting gameplay with select substrates and prey types. Premium subscribers unlock all four substrates (Paper, Grass, Snow, Cardboard), all prey types, shuffle mode for automatic variety, the complete day/night cycle, and an ad-free experience. Free users can still enjoy complete, satisfying hunt sessions.
Is Cat Hunt Simulator free to play?
Yes! Cat Hunt Simulator offers a free tier with access to select substrates and prey types. Premium subscriptions (weekly, monthly, or yearly) unlock all substrates, prey types, shuffle mode, and remove ads for an uninterrupted experience.
Join thousands of cats already playing. Available on the App Store.
Visit cathuntsim.com for more →