Cats don’t use stairs when a clothesline and a rooftop garden are right there. Tarcat is a cozy platform-puzzle game where you guide a curious cat through hand-built stages. You’ll jump across awnings, push crates, time wall jumps, and follow subtle visual clues that hint at safe landings and secret paths. What you do in the game Each level is a mini journey: Look for the main route forward (rooftops, alleys, market signs). Use jumps, grabs, and pushes to reach switches and platforms. Avoid simple hazards and moving patrols by timing your run. Collect yarn tokens hidden off the main path. Reach the checkpoint and finish the stage. It’s gentle, not punishing. Restarts are quick, so you can experiment. Controls Desktop Tap/click to hop Hold to charge a longer jump Swipe/drag input (or key prompts) to twist/grab midair when available Press near edges to cling Mobile Tap to hop Hold to charge longer leaps Swipe while airborne to twist and grab clotheslines Tap/press near ledges to cling How you win (and how collectibles work) You “win” by reaching the level exit. Extra goals include: collecting all yarn tokens finding secret routes (often faster) finishing with a clean time Cosmetic unlocks (tail ribbons, collar charms) come from collecting full sets. They don’t change gameplay—just style. Obstacles, puzzles, and what to watch for Early puzzles teach cause-and-effect: push a fruit stand to lower a pulley platform meow near a wind chime to draw pigeons away from a switch Later levels add: alternating fans that change your jump arc umbrellas as movable trampolines lantern shadows that reveal hidden paw pads patrol dogs with predictable pause rhythms Tarcat rewards players who look closely at the art. Tips to play better (specific Tarcat movement tricks) Pan the camera before blind jumps. One quick look saves many falls. Look for dangling ribbons. They often mark safe landing spots. Use a steady trot. Stop-and-start timing makes sequences harder. Charge jumps only when needed. Short hops are faster and safer on narrow ledges. Cling early, not late. Press near edges before you start sliding. Use clotheslines as a reset. Grabbing one lets you line up the next jump calmly. Fan timing: jump at the same beat each cycle. Count it if you need: “one…two…GO.” Watch dog footsteps. If they sniff every four steps, move on the sniff—your window is consistent. Follow shadow hints. Lantern shadows often point to invisible “safe” tiles. Secret route habit: check slightly brighter corners and odd-looking vents (like different screw counts). Tip: Don’t rush the leap. Set it up. If you keep missing a gap, try tapping the jump a tiny bit earlier—Tarcat’s best jumps usually launch before the edge, not at it. Levels, checkpoints, and replay fun Generous checkpoints make replaying feel good. You can replay to: collect missing yarn find alternate routes polish your movement lines The “purr window” (perfect landing) speed burst can help chain jumps—treat it like a bonus that rewards clean timing. Common problems & quick fixes I slide off ledges: Use cling near edges and reduce rushing into corners. Fans keep throwing me: Wait one extra cycle and jump on the same beat each time. Can’t find the last yarn token: Check behind signs, under rooftop gardens, and near “too normal” awning corners. Lag: Close other tabs/apps and refresh. No sound: Check mute and volume (audio cues help timing). Full screen issues: Exit and re-enter full screen; rotate mobile. Parent tip Tarcat supports problem solving, patience, and careful observation. It’s low-stress with quick restarts. A good reminder is a break after 3–4 levels. Quick info Platform: Browser (HTML5) Genre: Platformer / puzzle adventure Age fit: 6–13 Session length: 5–20 minutes Controls: Tap/hold jump, swipe grab, edge cling FAQ Q1: How do I jump farther? A: Hold to charge your jump, then release at the right moment. Q2: Why do I miss clothesline grabs? A: Swipe while airborne earlier—grab windows are usually before you pass the line. Q3: How do I deal with the fans? A: Treat them like a rhythm puzzle. Jump on the same beat every cycle. Q4: Are yarn tokens required? A: Usually no, but collecting sets unlocks cosmetics and secret replay goals. Q5: I’m stuck—what should I look for? A: Ribbons, brighter awning corners, vent covers that look “different,” and shadow hints.