Parents' Guide to

Nintendogs + Cats

By Erin Bell, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Super pet sim adds cats, 3D, and other new features.

Game Nintendo 3DS 2011
Nintendogs + Cats Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • Nintendogs + Cats Game: Screenshot #1
  • Nintendogs + Cats Game: Screenshot #2
  • Nintendogs + Cats Game: Screenshot #3

Community Reviews

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age 5+

Based on 1 parent review

That-oneweirdguy 24
That-oneweirdguy 24 Adult
August 5, 2012
age 5+

Wonderful for Potential Kiddie Pet Owners

As a pet simulator, this game is very good. It teaches kids how to be responsible pet owners. It is worth noting though, that the game works in real time and doesn't have a pause feature, unlike Tamagotchi. Thus, your child may spend more time on his or her 3DS than you would like because they have to take care of it on a regular schedule (2 times a day to feed and water it.)

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What’s It About?

NINTENDOGS + CATS comes in three versions: Golden Retriever & New
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Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (11 ):

In Nintendogs + Cats the animals are even more endearing than in the first game. Not only are they fluffier and more realistic in appearance, but thanks to 3D, they literally jump out of the screen as they put their paws up on you and lick your face. A new facial recognition feature allows puppies to recognize their owners, and players can use the AR cards that come with the 3DS to make a projection of the puppy appear in real-world surroundings. Players can keep up to 3 animals at a time in the house; additional ones can be "donated" or housed at the Pet Hotel. For households where real dog or cat adoption isn't possible, Nintendogs + Cats is a wonderful alternative that teaches kids about the responsibility of caring for a pet -- even the not so fun parts like scooping poop!

Online interaction: Kids can take pictures of their puppies and send them to friends. If SpotPass is enabled, the 3DS automatically connects to wireless Internet access points to download special items. Kids can also enabled StreetPass, which allows two 3DS devices in close proximity to automatically exchange user information and gifts -- including a short personalized message that could contain objectionable language.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the differences in behavior between dogs and cats. Why don't we take cats for walks or teach them tricks? What kind of personality do you prefer in a pet?

  • Families can also talk about their favorite dog tricks. What tricks are the most fun to teach your dog in the game? Are there any tricks that aren't in the game that you would have liked to teach your dog?

Game Details

  • Platform: Nintendo 3DS
  • Available online?: Available online
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release date: March 27, 2011
  • Genre: Simulation
  • ESRB rating: E for (No Descriptors)
  • Last updated: August 30, 2016

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