Cats by IGT is a feline-themed online slots game inspired by the provider’s popular land-based casino title. Featuring 5 reels, 3 rows and 30 fixed paylines, the game combines colourful wildlife-inspired visuals with straightforward gameplay centred around split symbols and free spins rather than complex modern mechanics. Originally released on 23/08/2013, Cats has remained a recognisable part of IGT’s online portfolio thanks to its accessible design and classic casino feel. The verified UK RTP is 94.93%, although alternative RTP configurations may exist depending on the casino and jurisdiction. As always, UK players should confirm the active RTP within the game’s information menu before playing for real money.
Casinos Where You Can Play Cats in the UK
Key Cats Facts
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 23/08/2013 |
| Provider | IGT |
| Theme | Cats, Wildlife |
| Reels & Rows | 5 × 3 |
| Paylines/Ways | 30 Fixed Paylines |
| Volatility Score | Medium |
| UK RTP Version | 94.93% |
| Global Max RTP | 94.93% |
| RTP Range | 94.93% (alternative configurations may exist) |
| Min/Max Bet (UK) | £0.30 – £300.00 |
| Max Win | 2,500x stake |
| Hit Frequency | Not officially disclosed |
UK Compliance Deep Dive: Is Cats Fair & Legal?
RTP Variation Warning: The verified UK RTP for Cats is 94.93%, placing it below the average return offered by many modern online slots. Like many classic IGT releases, the game may also be distributed in alternative RTP configurations depending on the casino operator and jurisdiction. UK players should always verify the active RTP within the game’s information screen before wagering real money.
UKGC Banned Features Check: Cats complies with current UK Gambling Commission regulations when offered by licensed operators. The game does not include prohibited mechanics such as Bonus Buy features, Turbo Play or autoplay functions that breach UKGC requirements, ensuring gameplay follows current regulatory standards.
Stake Limit Compliance: Stake restrictions also comply with the latest UK gambling reforms. Players aged 25 and over are limited to a maximum stake of £5 per spin, while adults aged 18 to 24 are restricted to £2 per spin at licensed UK casinos.
Responsible Gambling Integration: As with any medium-volatility slot, responsible gambling remains important. Players should consider setting deposit limits, session reminders and spending controls before playing, particularly as free spins can contribute a significant proportion of the game’s overall return. If you’re playing with a minimum deposit, it’s worth managing your bankroll carefully to extend your playing session.
Fairness & RNG Certification: The outcome of every spin is determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG), which is independently tested by approved certification laboratories to ensure fair and unbiased gameplay. Players should always choose UKGC-licensed casinos to ensure the game operates under the appropriate regulatory and testing standards.
First Impressions: Theme, Graphics & Soundtrack
Cats takes players into a wildlife-inspired setting featuring lions, tigers, leopards and other big cats against an African savannah backdrop. The visuals reflect the game’s origins as a land-based casino favourite, prioritising clear symbols and straightforward gameplay over modern cinematic animations. While the graphics are now dated compared to newer online slots, the clean presentation makes the reels easy to follow on both desktop and mobile devices.
The soundtrack is equally traditional, using ambient casino-style music alongside simple sound effects for wins and feature triggers. Rather than relying on dramatic audio or elaborate visual sequences, Cats delivers a classic slot experience that appeals to players who prefer uncomplicated gameplay without excessive animations.
Base Game Mechanics & Payouts
Cats is played on 5 reels with 30 fixed paylines, with winning combinations formed from left to right across adjacent reels. The game’s defining mechanic is its Split Symbols system, where cat symbols can appear as either single or double symbols. Because double symbols count as two matching cats while occupying a single reel position, winning combinations can contain anywhere from three to ten matching cats, creating larger payouts than a standard payline slot.
The Wild symbol substitutes for the highest-paying cat symbols and the highest-paying royal symbols to help complete winning combinations. Wilds are always evaluated using the Split Symbols mechanic, making them particularly valuable when they appear as part of larger combinations. Standard lower-paying symbols consist of A, K, Q and J royals, while the premium-paying symbols feature various wild cat species.
Highest-Paying Symbols
| Symbol | Maximum Payout |
|---|---|
| Lion (Highest-Paying Cat) | 10 Cats = 200x line bet |
| Tiger | 10 Cats = 150x line bet |
| Leopard | 10 Cats = 100x line bet |
| Panther | 10 Cats = 75x line bet |
Maximum payouts are achieved using the Split Symbols mechanic, where double symbols count as two matching cats despite occupying a single reel position.
A Closer Look at the Bonus Features for Cats
The Cats slot keeps its feature set deliberately simple, with just two core mechanics driving the gameplay: the Split Symbols feature and the Free Spins Bonus. Rather than introducing cascading reels, expanding grids or bonus wheels, IGT focuses on enhancing standard paylines through symbols that can count as either one or two matching icons. This creates the potential for winning combinations containing up to 10 matching cats, despite the game using a traditional five-reel layout.
The Split Symbols feature is active during both the base game and free spins. Every premium cat symbol can appear as either a single or double symbol, with double versions counting as two matching symbols while occupying just one reel position. The Wild symbol always benefits from this mechanic whenever it substitutes for a premium cat or the highest-paying royal symbol, significantly increasing the chance of creating larger winning combinations.
The Free Spins Bonus is triggered by landing 5 or 6 paw print Scatter symbols anywhere on reels 2, 3 and 4. Because Scatter symbols can also appear in both single and double formats, combinations such as two double paw prints and one single paw print count as five scatters and activate the feature. Landing five scatters awards 5 free spins, while six scatters award 10 free spins. Unlike many modern online slots, free spins cannot be retriggered once the bonus round has started.
Although the bonus round uses the same reel layout and paylines as the base game, the Split Symbols mechanic continues throughout every free spin, meaning large 10-of-a-kind combinations remain possible during the feature. The simplicity of these mechanics is a major reason Cats has remained popular with players who enjoy traditional slot gameplay over more feature-heavy modern releases.
How Does Cats Compare to Other Slots?
| Feature | Cats | Kitty Glitter |
|---|---|---|
| RTP | 94.93% | 94.92% |
| Max Win | 2,500x stake | 1,000x stake |
| Volatility | Medium | Medium |
| Main Feature | Split Symbols & Free Spins | Wilds & Free Spins |
| Reel Layout | 5 × 3 | 5 × 3 |
| Gameplay Style | Wildlife-themed Classic Slot | Domestic Cat-themed Slot |
Verdict: Cats offers a more traditional slot experience than Kitty Glitter, relying on its distinctive Split Symbols mechanic instead of introducing multiple bonus features or modern gameplay systems. While the RTP sits below the 96% benchmark many players look for, the combination of medium volatility, straightforward gameplay and the possibility of creating 10-symbol winning combinations gives the game a unique identity within IGT’s classic slot catalogue. Players looking for a simple wildlife-themed slot with easy-to-understand mechanics may also wish to look out for 10 free spins no deposit offers when trying similar games at participating casinos.
From the Player’s Mouth: Real Experiences & Expert Advice
Player Sentiment: Players regularly describe Cats as a straightforward slot that stays true to its land-based origins. Community feedback often highlights the Split Symbols feature as the game’s biggest attraction, with many enjoying the possibility of creating unusually large winning combinations despite the relatively simple gameplay. Reviews also note that the medium-to-low volatility delivers fairly regular returns, although the lower 94.93% RTP means bankroll management remains important during longer sessions.
Many experienced players appreciate that Cats avoids overly complicated bonus systems, making it easy to understand from the first spin. However, others point out that the game’s visuals and presentation now feel dated compared to newer IGT releases. Overall, it remains a popular choice among players who prefer classic slot mechanics over feature-heavy modern titles.
Expert Tips for Volatility:
- Tip 1: Take advantage of the Split Symbols mechanic by remembering that double cat symbols count as two matching symbols, creating larger winning combinations than a standard payline slot.
- Tip 2: Keep your stake consistent, as the game’s medium-to-low volatility is designed to provide steadier returns rather than infrequent massive payouts.
- Tip 3: Don’t rely solely on the Free Spins feature for big wins. The Split Symbols mechanic is active during both the base game and bonus rounds, so worthwhile payouts can occur at any point.
Cats Mobile Performance
Cats is fully compatible with modern HTML5 browsers, allowing the game to run smoothly across desktop, smartphone and tablet devices without requiring additional downloads. The interface scales well to smaller screens, while the simple five-reel layout and uncluttered controls make gameplay particularly well suited to mobile casinos.
Performance remains stable during both the base game and free spins, with responsive touch controls and quick loading times on supported iOS and Android devices. Although the graphics reflect the game’s age, the straightforward presentation helps maintain a smooth mobile experience across a wide range of screen sizes.
Pros & Cons of Cats
Pros
- Simple Split Symbols mechanic that’s easy to understand.
- Medium-to-low volatility suits longer playing sessions.
- Fully optimised for desktop and mobile devices.
- Classic land-based slot experience brought online.
- Straightforward bonus features without unnecessary complexity.
Cons
- RTP of 94.93% is below many modern online slots.
- Graphics and animations feel dated compared to newer releases.
- Limited bonus features compared to contemporary video slots.
- Maximum win of 2,500x is modest by today’s standards.
Is Cats Worth Your Time & Money?
Cats earns a 7.6/10 thanks to its accessible gameplay, distinctive Split Symbols mechanic and faithful adaptation of a popular land-based casino title. While its 94.93% RTP and older presentation mean it won’t appeal to every player, the straightforward gameplay and medium-to-low volatility make it an enjoyable option for fans of traditional video slots.
If you’re looking for a classic IGT slot with uncomplicated mechanics, wildlife-themed symbols and a unique Split Symbols feature, Cats remains a solid choice at a trusted UKGC-licensed casino offering the verified 94.93% RTP version.
Cats Frequently Asked Questions
The verified UK RTP for Cats is 94.93%. As with many IGT releases, alternative RTP configurations may be available at some operators, so it’s always worth checking the game’s information menu before playing for real money.
Yes. Many UKGC-licensed online casinos offer a demo version of Cats, allowing you to experience the Split Symbols mechanic and Free Spins feature without depositing or wagering real money.
Cats offers a maximum advertised win of 2,500x your stake. While this is lower than many modern high-volatility slots, the game’s Split Symbols feature creates opportunities for larger line wins during both the base game and free spins.
No. Cats does not include a Bonus Buy feature. Instead, the only bonus round is triggered naturally by collecting the required number of Paw Print Scatter symbols.
Players who enjoy Cats may also like Kitty Glitter, Golden Goddess, and other classic IGT slots featuring traditional gameplay, straightforward bonus mechanics and animal-themed designs.
The Free Spins Bonus is triggered by landing 5 or 6 Paw Print Scatter symbols on reels 2, 3 and 4. Five scatters award 5 free spins, while six scatters award 10 free spins. The feature uses the same paylines and stake as the triggering spin, and cannot be retriggered.