Via TheSims.com!

Hello pet loving Simmers! Last week we told you all about Create-a-Pet and how you can make that perfect little face and the perfect little ears come to life in that perfect little dog or cat. Well, I’m here to blow your minds: That’s not all! That’s right, once you create the pet you can take them into Live Mode to change your Sims’ lives forever. Or should I say, furrever.

First and foremost, we wanted the cats and dogs to feel like cats and dogs. We wanted them to act like animals, ignore social norms, and surprise you. One of the phrases we’d toss around is that they needed to be “Sims for your Sims,” and have that quality to them that is clearly dog-like or cat-like.

We told stories to each other of our pets and this guided our efforts. Things like how our cats always hide on the fridge to avoid the dog. Or how my dog always sleeps upside down on the sofa, or how your cat is a side sleeper on the floor.

We didn’t want players micro-managing their dogs and cats. That seemed to remove their soul when we experimented with it, but also removed some of the surprise and delight of dog ownership. Instead, we worked to make sure your dogs and cats communicate to your Sims when they need something. Hungry dogs will carry their bowl to their owner when they want food and snooty cats will complain and refuse to use a dirty litter box.

We created a slew of Traits to help dogs and cats feel truly distinct. I have a Pembroke Welsh Corgi in real life and I love that I can create an in-game Peaches that is Vocal, Hairy, and Active. Or, do I want her to feel Independent? Beyond this, cats and dogs also have quirks. Perhaps your cat is fierce when it comes to something, but absolutely terrified of the TV? You’ll never 100% fully understand your cat and dog, which is why it’s worth investing a lifetime of love to discover everything.

Dogs are very active and will need to be taken for walks. In addition to digging up surprises, some less fun than others, they’ll also chase birds, or demand a game of fetch down on the beach. Don’t worry, cats can also explore and find “gifts” to bring your Sims as well. In addition to walks, dogs can be trained a variety of tricks, or upgrade them to the full on obstacle course!

One of the great benefits of cats is how easily they entertain themselves. We created so many different cat condos to fit every sized home and level of cat fervency. Or, settle for the laser pointer and cat feather if you’re on a budget!

Most importantly, cats and dogs will love your Sims, and your Sims will love them. Sims are just happier around a furry companion, which makes all the work worth it when your Sim has a particularly rough day or just needs someone to talk to. After playing the game for months, I can say it’s almost impossible to go back to before having Cats and Dogs, much like it is for me in real life.

This November, your Sims will be able to adopt the most adorable puppy or kitten to bring to their home. From there, it’s up to your Sims to figure out what’s going on in their pets’ heads and how to give them the perfect home. We can’t wait for you to have this expansion!