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Shenmue - How to feed and care for the kitten

How to look after the adorable kitten in Shenmue.

Caring for a kitten in Shenmue is a side-activity introduced very close to the start of the game, during your first walk through Yamanose.

After deciding what to feed the kitten in a cutscene - go for the diced fish over the tofu - you can pet and even feed her any time you like.

Visiting the kitten will unlock a few bonus scenes, all of which are entirely optional. Otherwise, there are no unlockables or collectables attached to the kitten - if you decide to ignore her, then no judgement will come your way!

If you're looking for help with other parts of the game, our Shenmue guide and walkthrough and list of Shenmue tips can help.

How to feed the kitten in Shenmue

First, make sure you visit your kitchen and get Milk from the fridge, and if you get there in the first day or two, Sliced Fish from the side. This then allows you to start feeding the kitten, even if you got food from elsewhere first.

To feed the cat, you must stand in front of the kitten, open your inventory (Y on Dreamcast, or Triangle on PlayStation) then select the food in question.

After you've exhausted your supply from the fridge, you'll have to visit the Tomato Convenience Store in Dobuita, where they have a steady supply of fish and milk on their shelves.

We recommend making it a habit to feed the kitten on the way to Dobuita, and buy something each day, to make sure she gets enough attention.

What does the kitten do in Shenmue?

Whether feeding or simply paying the kitten attention is what actually helps you unlock cutscenes we're not entirely sure, but we recommend at least paying her some attention once a day as you travel through the area.

There are various events that can take place with the kitten, including:

  • If you visit daily for the first few days, Megumi will ask you to name her, with four choices available - Mimi, Tama, Chibi and Sasuke. The decision is yours. If you don't visit enough at the start of the game, then Mini will name her for you.
  • Some days Megumi will be there - she will give you some info about the kitten and who else is looking after her, and makes for some welcome company while looking after the kitten.
  • Over time, the kitten will start walking around the altar. At other times she might be asleep and you might not be able to interact with it - don't worry, she's just recovering!

After some more Shenmue tips? Our full Shenmue walkthrough will guide you through ever step of the main story, from the Three Blades, to where to find Charlie, Warehouse No 8 and where to use the Mysterious Key. And, of course, exactly where to find sailors. We also have pages on Shemue's various extracurricular activities, like feeding the kitten, winning forklift races, Shenmue flashback locations, a full Shenmue Trophy and Achievements and Capsule Toys lists, too.


Where to find the missing kitten location in Shenmue

Late in the game, as you are hoping to get the ticket to Hong Kong, the kitten will go missing. Don't worry - she hasn't gone far.

To find her, from the shrine, head right, then down the stairs opposite. Ryo will stop and say he can hear her crying.

At the bottom of the stairs, turn right, and go ahead to where the washing line is.

The kitten will then be under bench near the bicycle.

Watch on YouTube

This is one of the last major moments with the kitten. During the game's 'final disc' - when you get a job at the harbour - you'll learn that it's been taken off the streets and cared for. Enjoy your time with it while you can!