Scratch The Cat: Everything We Know

A new rhythm-fueled 3D platformer is scratching its way to our screens, and it’s already making noise. Scratch The Cat is the next big thing on the indie scene, blending fast-paced platforming with beat-pumping action. With a focus on stylish movement, collectibles, customization, and rhythm-based boss fights, it’s shaping up to be a must-play for fans of games like Ratchet & Clank, A Hat in Time, or Hi-Fi Rush.

The game isn’t dropping until late 2026, but it’s already got people buzzing thanks to a flashy reveal, vibrant trailer, and promises of a musical world full of expressive gameplay. With a backstory about stolen records, a villain named Snatch the Rat, and a whole world that literally moves to the music, this one’s aiming to bring the groove back to platforming. Here’s everything we know about Scratch The Cat.

What is Scratch The Cat?

Scratch The Cat is an upcoming 3D platformer that throws you into the paws of DJ Scratch — a music-powered cat on a mission to save his world by getting his stolen record collection back. And it’s not just any platformer. It’s a music-infused, beat-driven adventure that wants to mix tight movement, rhythm mechanics, and colorful worlds.

It’s being made as a love letter to the golden era of platformers. To get a good idea, think of Jak & Daxter or Banjo-Kazooie, but with a heavy soundtrack and a DJ cat. The twist here is that every corner of the world you explore, every jump, boss, and puzzle, and it’s all infused with music. So, this isn’t just about platforming; this is about feeling the beat while doing it.

Scratch The Cat Story

The story starts when Scratch’s precious record collection gets shattered by the villain, Snatch the Rat. Snatch wants to mute the world — no more music, no more rhythm. The pieces of Scratch’s records are scattered across different lands, and it’s up to you to get them back. You’ll travel through places like volcanic peaks, jungles, and even underwater caves. On the way, you’ll meet strange and fun characters, solve puzzles, and help towns and people. The goal is pretty straighforward: bring back the music and stop Snatch’s silent takeover before the world loses its rhythm for good.

Scratch The Cat Gameplay

As mentioned above, Scratch The Cat is a 3D action–adventure platformer where players step into the paws of DJ Scratch, a music-driven cat on a mission to recover his broken record collection. The gameplay is built around vibrant level design, rhythm-based challenges, and smooth movement mechanics. Players can expect to run, jump, slide, climb, swim, and dive through a variety of colorful environments. These movement options are meant to be combined creatively to explore hidden paths, reach collectibles, and solve platforming puzzles.

One of the main goals in the game is to collect Record Fragments that have been scattered by the villain, Snatch the Rat. These fragments are key to unlocking new levels and progressing through the world. In addition to these, players will also gather Juke Bucks, help out quirky NPCs, and find other hidden collectibles throughout the musical world. The game will include puzzles and tricky platforming sections that tie into the rhythm of each level.

Boss fights are another big part of the gameplay. Snatch has a crew of bosses that players will go up against in unique encounters that combine platforming and rhythm-based mechanics. These battles are designed to feel like musical showdowns, with players needing to dodge attacks and counter with their moves. Beating these bosses will likely lead to special rewards and progress through the story.

The world of Scratch The Cat is designed with music at its core. One description of the game’s world explains that everything – from traffic lights to turtles – moves to the rhythm. There’s also a character customization system that lets players change Scratch’s outfits during the adventure. And if you’re wondering about the tunes, the developers have you covered: the game features an original soundtrack that celebrates all sorts of genres and instruments.

Development

Scratch The Cat is being made by an indie studio called FlatPonies, based in Copenhagen, Denmark. They’ve been around since 2017 and worked on some creative games like SelfieTennis and AkiRobots. But Scratch The Cat is their most ambitious project yet. The idea for the game came from a student project made by their creative director, Felix Sherar. What started as a school idea turned into a full production with a passionate team.

The game has been in development since August 2023. They wanted to create a game that feels like a mixtape — full of color, energy, and surprises. That idea clearly shines through in every part of the game’s design. FlatPonies are putting a lot of love into this project. Also, their past games show they like to mix genres and take creative risks, and Scratch The Cat is no exception.

Trailer

The official announcement trailer gives us our first real look at Scratch The Cat in action. It features gameplay clips of DJ Scratch running, jumping, and battling enemies across colorful, music-powered environments. The visuals are bright and full of personality, giving a solid preview of the game’s platforming style and level design. But what really stands out is the music. The soundtrack immediately sets the tone, with beats that match the action on screen. If you haven’t checked out the trailer yet, definitely give it a watch.

Scratch The Cat – Release Date, Platforms and Editions

Scratch The Cat is expected to launch in late 2026, around Q3 or Q4. While we don’t have an exact date yet, the developers have confirmed it will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam). So that means it’s going to be a current-gen-only title, likely taking full advantage of newer hardware. As of now, only the standard edition of the game has been confirmed. There’s no word yet on a collector’s edition or any special bundles. And if you are interesting in learning more, you can follow the official social media account of the developers here.