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Cats are Liquid: Why This Indie Puzzle-Platformer Still Matters

Last Updated: October 29, 2025

A cat transforming into a liquid puddle in the Cats are Liquid game.

The internet has long held one truth to be self-evident: cats are liquid. For years, this was a charming observation backed by countless photos of felines pouring themselves into impossibly small spaces. But in 2015, indie developer Last Quarter Studios took this viral concept and solidified it into a brilliant game series, starting with *Cats are Liquid - A Light in the Shadows*.

This wasn't just a gimmick; it was the core of a celebrated puzzle-platformer that turned a meme into a masterclass of game mechanics, blending classic platforming with mind-bending, physics-based challenges.

A Purr-fectly Fluid Concept

The premise of the *Cats are Liquid* series is as simple as it is brilliant. Players take control of a uniquely gifted feline with the ability to instantaneously shift between its standard solid form and a completely liquid state. This dual-form mechanic is the heart of the experience, transforming every level into an intricate environmental puzzle. The game leans into its delightful absurdity, inviting players to explore a world where the traditional rules of platforming are dissolved and re-formed around the cat's fascinating abilities. The narrative, especially in the 2019 sequel *Cats are Liquid - A Better Place*, expands this world, telling a surprisingly touching story about a group of cats looking for a place to belong.

Mastering Two States of Matter

The gameplay loop is built on the clever interplay between the cat's two forms. In its solid state, the cat behaves as you’d expect: running, jumping with precision, and interacting with objects like switches and buttons. This form is essential for navigating traditional platforms and manipulating the environment.

With the press of a button, however, the cat melts into a puddle, unlocking a completely new set of skills. As a liquid, players can seep through narrow grates, flow down pipes, and squeeze into tight crevices that are impassable for a solid creature. The genius of the level design lies in forcing players to understand when to use each form. A sequence might demand you to jump onto a high platform as a solid cat, immediately turn to liquid to slip through a crack in the wall, and then quickly solidify on the other side to avoid a hazard. This constant, fluid switching creates a dynamic and engaging rhythm that feels both innovative and deeply satisfying. The puzzles test not just your reflexes, but your ability to think creatively about the physical properties of your character.

An Enduring Indie Legacy

When *Cats are Liquid* first arrived, it entered a crowded field of indie puzzle-platformers, but its unique hook immediately helped it stand out. The series captivated players by combining the pixel-perfect precision of classic platformers with the cerebral, out-of-the-box thinking required by puzzle games like *Portal*. The premise itself proved to be a powerful hook, delivering a lighthearted and charming adventure that never took itself too seriously.

This combination of clever design and quirky charm is a hallmark of a successful indie title. By focusing on a single, perfectly executed idea, Last Quarter Studios created a polished and compact experience that respects the player's intelligence while providing a healthy dose of fun. It stands as a testament to the creativity thriving in the indie space, proving that a simple, humorous thought can be spun into a full-fledged and memorable interactive world.

How and Where to Play the Series

For gamers eager to test their wits and embrace their inner liquid feline, the complete *Cats are Liquid* experience is readily available. The series consists of two main titles:

  • Cats are Liquid - A Light in the Shadows (2015): The original game that started it all is available for PC via Steam and on mobile for iOS and Android devices.
  • Cats are Liquid - A Better Place (2019): The larger, more ambitious sequel expands on the original's mechanics with more complex levels and a richer story. It is also available on PC via Steam and on mobile.

While not a sprawling, epic adventure, the *Cats are Liquid* series offers tightly designed puzzle-platforming that will challenge your brain and undoubtedly make you smile. It's the perfect series to discover if you're looking for something different, a timeless indie gem proving that innovation doesn't require a massive budget—just a great idea and a cat that doesn't obey the laws of solid matter.