Petting cats has become a full-blown gaming staple, and honestly, we’re not mad about it. Whether they’re prowling neon alleys, curled up in cozy cottages, or just being a little guy in a fantasy tavern, these feline friends are stealing the show.

So we did the noble thing and pet every in-game cat we could find, then ranked the experiences based on vibes, realism, and overall aww factor. From the pixelated cats on your farm to high-def city strays, here’s where you’ll find the purrfect petting moment.

For a game that practically screams cozy, Stardew Valley somehow manages to drop the ball when it comes to cats. You do get to choose one as your farm pet, and yes, it’s cute... at first. But that’s about where the interaction ends. You can fill its water bowl. Occasionally give it a pat. That’s it. No snuggles. No following you around. No late-night bonding over fish you caught just for them.

The cat mostly just naps in random spots and silently judges your crops. It’s less of a companion and more of a decorative lawn ornament with fur. For a game about building relationships, this feline feels like a missed opportunity.

There’s a single, special cat in Cyberpunk 2077, Nibbles, and while he’s adorable and you can pet him (once he moves into your apartment), it’s a bit of a letdown considering Night City’s size. You’d think a futuristic mega-city would be crawling with cyber-cats, but Nibbles is it. He’s got personality and a little bed, but petting him feels more like an interaction checkbox than a genuine moment of affection.

It’s still sweet to see V kneel down and gently stroke his fur, but it’s not exactly immersive. The real win is just having a cat in a dystopia where most human interactions end with bullets. Nibbles brings a rare moment of peace and normalcy, even if he’s more background decor than full-time companion. Bonus points for how chill he is, unbothered by the mayhem of gunfire and neon everywhere.

If Ghostwire: Tokyo teaches us anything, it’s that cats thrive in a supernatural apocalypse, even if they’re more aesthetic than affectionate. The city is full of floating yokai cats running shops and loitering in alleyways, exuding plenty of charm. Some offer tips. Others just vibe. And yes, technically, you can pet them. There’s even an achievement for it.

But don’t get too excited, this isn’t a warm, fuzzy moment of bonding. The interaction is brief, distant, and a little too ghostly to feel satisfying. They may be cute, they may be helpful, but as far as fulfilling that 'let me pet the cat' urge? These spirit kitties leave a lot to be desired.

Look, Eivor may be a hardened Viking warrior, but even they can’t resist the charm of a stray cat. In Valhalla, not only can you pet cats, petting them involves a surprisingly tender animation where Eivor picks the cat up like a chonky baby and gives it a gentle cuddle. It’s sweet, unexpected, and just the right amount of ridiculous for a game where you’re otherwise decapitating enemies with an axe.

The cats themselves don’t have much personality or interactivity beyond that, and the novelty wears off after a few encounters. But the image of a war-hardened Norse warrior snuggling a village cat is strong enough to leave a lasting impression.

The cats in The Sims 4 are surprisingly detailed, from breed types to quirky personalities. Some are clingy. Others are aloof. And yes, you can pet, brush, snuggle, and even scold them when they scratch up your furniture. The animations are adorable and feel unique depending on your Sim’s traits and relationship with the cat. The downside is there’s a bit of distance due to the top-down god view. You’re not really the one petting the cat, your Sim is.

Still, for players who love simulation, this expansion delivers the full domestic cat experience: hairballs, drama, zoomies, and all. It’s the most 'real cat ownership' entry on the list, and the game deserves credit for how much effort it puts into feline realism. But when it comes to the feeling of petting a cat? It's good, just not purr-sonal enough to rank higher.

If you ever played Nintendogs and wished there were more cats involved, Little Friends is your answer. This is a game entirely about petting your virtual pets: feeding them, playing with them, dressing them up in tiny outfits, and yes, endless petting. The cats are the stars here, and the petting mechanics are detailed enough that you can tell if they like belly rubs or prefer forehead scratches. They purr. They stretch. They do that thing where they knead the air while sitting in your lap. It’s pure serotonin.

The game doesn’t offer much outside of pet care, so it ranks high on cat vibes but low on gameplay variety. Still, if your ideal gaming session is cozy music, gentle purrs, and cats that actually respond to love? This is your heaven. Consider it the ultimate cat cuddle simulator.

In Baldur’s Gate 3, not only can you pet cats, you can talk to them. Thanks to the Speak With Animals spell, every feline you meet has a name, a backstory, and usually a hot take on whatever’s happening around them. Petting them is a simple gesture, but when paired with actual conversations, it becomes something far richer.

These cats have opinions, desires, and some are even quest-relevant. It's funny, charming, and surprisingly emotional. Add in the fact that your party members comment on your petting habits, and it becomes a full-featured mechanic that celebrates cat companionship. For combining meaningful interactions with magical nonsense and genuine fluffiness, Baldur’s Gate 3 easily wins the crown.