How to get a cat in Crusader Kings 3?

You can find cats in the most unexpected games, and Crusader Kings 3 (affiliate link) is one of them.

In this game the player's character can get a pet cat, and yes, you can "pet" the cat.

But do you ever actually see the cat? Sadly, no. All this talk about a cat and not a single visual of him.

 

Getting a cat in Crusader Kings 3

Getting a cat in this game is a random event.

 

Here's the cat's full story in screencaps (PS5), but I must warn you: You won't like reading it if you happen to like cute little rodents. Cats are predators after all.

The Kitten

I'm out playing with King Beorhtfrith when he suddenly disappears into the taiga go? I turn in a circle, looking, and suddenly he reappears, holding a small kitten out towards me.

"Kaleva! It's for you!"

- A kitty!!! (You gain Pet Cat)

- Ew, put it away.

The Cat

As the cat rests in my lap, contently purring, I ponder what should I name him. Something historical? Something alluding to his gray fur? Something to describe the soothing feeling I experience when I scratch him behind the ear?

Oh, I know! I will name him...

- Mite

- Mittens

- Gray

 (or you can choose your own)

Pet Cat

This character enjoys the company of a feline companion

Intrigue +1

Learning +1

 

 

Pet Tapsa

It's time to take a deep breath and find my trusted four-legged companion Tapsa. Some people say cats are evil and selfish creatures, but no matter how tough life gets I know he will always be there for me!

Effects

- You will lose some stress

! Pet Tapsa will be unavailable for 5 years

 - Pet your cat

 

Petting Tapsa

I find Tapsa outside, strutting around the yard. As soon as he spots me he meows and saunters over, rubbing up against my leg. 

I spend many minutes crouched by his side, petting him and scratching him under the chin, and when I stand back up again I feel lighter than I have in a long time.

- Thank you, my friend (You lose 14 Stress)

Tapsa: The Troublemaker

My vassal Duke Máel-Sechnaill approaches me, rage in his eyes and cat in his hand, held by the scruff of its neck. As he thrusts the cat in my face I see that it's my dear Tapsa!

"I found this little monster among my things - what wasn't scratched to bits was covered in piss!"

- I'll compensate you!

- He is just a cat...

Travel: Homeward Bound

After a long day of travel the horizon starts to bleed into warm colors. I take a moment to pause, close my eyes, breathe.

"Careful!" my caravan leader Hrani screams, pointing at the wetlands beyond the path we follow. What looks like a small rodent is running into the wild and, after it, a gray figure I easily recognise.

- No, Tapsa! Hrani, follow him!

- Tapsa is smarter that all of us, he'll find the way...

- I'll personally find you, my dear Tapsa!

- Quick! Everyone after him!

 

Travel: There You Are!

It doesn't take much to track the growling and broken twigs to their origin. Tapsa sits over a leaf litter, licking his gray paws from the blood of his victim.

The squirrel is almost unrecognizable, right next to him.

- Hah! I knew you'd be successful! Well done! (You gain Adventurous Pet for 2 years)

- I will never take my eyes off you again.

After this the character died, and with that also the cat disappeared. Ceased to exist. Was the poor cat buried with his owner? Probably.

So, had to revert to an older save to see the rest of the cat's story.

Tapsa: The Gift Giver

Two amber eyes follow me as I cross the hallway, and a small meow breaks the silence as Tapsa pounces for my ankle. He may be young, but he is nonetheless ferocious!

As he prances away I see that he left me a gleaming gift where he had been hiding.

- Thank you, kind sir!

 

Tapsa: Rodent Killer

As Tapsa approaches me with yet another dead rat I can do nothing but praise him. The castle has never been this free of rodents before!

- Keep up the good work! (You gain Rat Free for 5 years)

Tapsa: Charmed Vassal

As I walk outside I'm greeted by the sight of my vassal Duke Kaarle crouching beside my cat Tapsa, tenderly petting his head.

"This is quite the lovely cat you have, my lord."

- You are very perceptive!

 

Petting Tapsa

I find Tapsa sleeping in my chambers, and as I sit down beside him I'm greeted by a quiet, confused, chirp.

However, as I start running my fingers through his gray fur he quickly starts purring in contentment, and the sound seems to relax my whole being.

- Thank you, my friend! (You lose 14 Stress)

 

Tapsa: Secret Revealed

Meow!

I look down to see that my cat Tapsa has dropped a scroll at my feet - sealed in my courtier Hrani's distinct style. Giving in to curiosity I skim the text...

"... for I do not believe in Ukko..."

- To think that he was hiding such a thing...!

- The world must know of this.

 

Tapsa: The Gift Giver

Two amber eyes follow me as I cross the hallway, and a small meow breaks the silence as Tapsa pounces for my ankle. He has seen better days, but age has never stopped!

As he prances away I see that he left me a gleaming gift where he had been hiding.

- Thank you, kind sir!

 

 

So after that it gets repetitive. Hopefully that's all of it!

CRUSADER KINGS III Beginner’s Guide: Tips for getting started as A Medieval Ruler (affiliate link)