IN THE BUILDING: CATS, developed by Laush Dmitriy Sergeevich and published by Laush Studio, is a casual hidden-object game centered entirely around the universal appeal of cats. The premise is simple and immediately understandable: the player is placed inside a series of five different apartment buildings, each containing numerous rooms filled with clutter, furniture, and cozy domestic details. Hidden within these environments are 250 cats scattered across every conceivable surface, from kitchen counters to bookshelves, under beds, or even inside bathtubs. The objective is as straightforward as it is charming—find every cat. The game offers hints for when a feline proves too elusive, but most of the experience revolves around careful observation, clicking, and the slow satisfaction of uncovering each hidden animal. It is an uncomplicated concept, but one that aims to create a sense of relaxation and quiet accomplishment rather than challenge or tension.
Visually, the game embraces a modest but clean aesthetic. The environments are rendered in a simple, cartoon-like style with muted colors and uncluttered geometry that make searching less frustrating than in more ornate hidden-object games. Each apartment has a slightly different layout and tone, giving just enough variation to keep the process from feeling repetitive. The perspective is static, so the player explores by scanning around rooms rather than moving freely in three-dimensional space. This setup enhances accessibility, making it easy for anyone to play without worrying about controls or complex camera movement. The design approach fits the game’s purpose—it’s not about realism or technical flair, but about maintaining a calm, almost meditative rhythm as players click their way through domestic scenes in search of cats tucked into improbable corners.
Gameplay in IN THE BUILDING: CATS is built entirely around observation and patience. Each room functions as a self-contained puzzle in which the player must learn to look beyond the obvious. Some cats are partially visible, their tails or ears peeking out from behind objects, while others are cleverly camouflaged in the environment. The inclusion of a hint system helps prevent frustration, allowing players to reveal the general area of a stubbornly hidden feline without removing the sense of discovery. The difficulty level is gentle throughout, encouraging a relaxed pace rather than competition or time pressure. With its accessible point-and-click interface, it can be enjoyed equally by younger audiences, cat enthusiasts, or players simply seeking a break from more demanding titles. The combination of quiet exploration and gentle reward creates a loop that is easy to slip into and surprisingly soothing.
The experience, however, is limited by its simplicity. While the core gameplay of finding cats is inherently endearing, there is little in the way of progression or variety beyond the gradual completion of each building. The environments, though charming, can start to feel similar after a while, and the absence of background music or additional interactive elements means that the game relies almost entirely on the enjoyment of the search itself. For players who approach it with the right expectations—treating it as a relaxing pastime rather than a deep or evolving game—this design is perfectly acceptable. But for those hoping for more creative puzzles, narrative framing, or dynamic interaction, IN THE BUILDING: CATS may feel too static to hold attention for long. The game is clearly designed for short, casual sessions, the kind of experience that one might play for a few minutes at a time to unwind rather than to become absorbed in a lengthy playthrough.
Community response to the game has been mixed but generally positive among casual players. Many enjoy its calming atmosphere and affordable price point, describing it as a pleasant way to relax and indulge in the universal delight of finding cats in unexpected places. Its low system requirements make it accessible to virtually any player, even on older computers. However, the game has also faced criticism for its resemblance to the more popular A Building Full of Cats by Devcats Studio, with some players suggesting that IN THE BUILDING: CATS feels like a less refined imitation rather than a fully original work. While the comparisons are understandable given the nearly identical concept, it is still clear that Laush Studio’s version is intended as a straightforward, budget-friendly alternative rather than a direct competitor. It focuses on delivering uncomplicated joy rather than artistic innovation.
Ultimately, IN THE BUILDING: CATS is a game that understands its audience and delivers exactly what it promises: a simple, cozy hidden-object experience built around the universal appeal of feline discovery. It is not ambitious, and it does not try to expand beyond its premise, but within its limited scope it offers genuine moments of quiet satisfaction. The act of slowly uncovering each cat, watching the counter rise toward completion, and clearing each room carries the same pleasure as finishing a small puzzle or tidying a cluttered space. It is best suited for players looking for something relaxing, affordable, and easy to play in short bursts. Though it lacks depth or originality, it succeeds in creating a tranquil space for observation and patience—qualities that make it a small but pleasant addition to the hidden-object genre.
Rating: 7/10
