View source for VG Cats

{{short description|Webcomic by Scott Ramsoomair}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Notability|1=Web|date=February 2025}}
{{Primary sources|date=February 2025}}
}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2012}}
{{Infobox comic strip <!-- Part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Webcomics]] -->
| title = VG Cats
| image = [[File:vgcats.jpg]]
| caption = Logo with the two main characters, Leo (left) and Aeris (right)
| author = Scott Ramsoomair
| url = http://www.vgcats.com/

| atom = 
| status = 
| began = September 1, 2001<ref name="faq" />
| genre = [[Video game webcomic|Video game]], [[parody]], [[humour]]
}}
'''''VG Cats''''' (short for ''Video Game Cats''<ref name="About">[http://www.vgcats.com/new/ "All About the Site"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017125657/http://www.vgcats.com/new/ |date=October 17, 2006 }}, ''VG Cats''</ref><ref name="TheRocket2">"Internet provides new way to get daily dose of funnies" ''[[The Rocket (Slippery Rock)|The Rocket]]'' [http://media.www.theonlinerocket.com/media/storage/paper601/news/2007/11/09/Focus/Internet.Provides.New.Way.To.Get.Daily.Dose.Of.Funnies-3090548-page2.shtml page 2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202132717/http://media.www.theonlinerocket.com/media/storage/paper601/news/2007/11/09/Focus/Internet.Provides.New.Way.To.Get.Daily.Dose.Of.Funnies-3090548-page2.shtml |date=December 2, 2008 }}</ref>) is a [[webcomic]] written and drawn by Canadian [[cartoonist]] Scott Ramsoomair. Published on its own website, it follows the adventures of a pair of [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] [[cat]]s, who both have an interest in [[video game]]s, and often play the roles of [[Player character|characters]] in popular games that are parodied in the strip.<ref name="1up webcomics">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=2&cId=3145208 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051229105126/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=2&cId=3145208 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 29, 2005 |title=Will Strip For Games: Gaming Comics Online |access-date=December 6, 2006 |last=Maragos |first=Nich |date=November 7, 2005|website=[[1UP.com]] |pages=3 }}</ref><ref name=":1" />

The ''VG Cats'' website also hosted ''Adventure Log'', a ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]'' webcomic written and drawn by Ramsoomair, and ''Super Effective'',<ref name="SuperEffective">[http://www.vgcats.com/super/?strip_id=0 "''Super Effective''"], ''VG Cats''</ref> a webcomic parody of the [[Pokémon]] game series. ''Adventure Log'' has not been updated since 2008 and "Super Effective" was on hiatus from 2014, recently resuming updates on September 8, 2024.

The comic series often includes video game-based humor and satire targeting the video game industry.<ref name="NewStraits">[https://archive.today/20130126053318/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-117501024.html?refid=gg_x_02 "Geeks' favourite Web comics"]. ''[[New Straits Times]]''.</ref><ref>[http://comics.ign.com/articles/802/802354p1.html "Interview: DC's Web Comics Imprint"], ''[[IGN]]''.</ref>

==History==
Ramsoomair said that he began the strip due to boredom at work; he created comics during his lunch breaks.<ref name="TOKYOPOP">[https://web.archive.org/web/20080510121910/http://www.tokyopop.com/TheMischievousFox/video/1517648.html "NYCC 2008 VG Cats Interview"], ''[[Tokyopop]]''.</ref> The comic's protagonists, Leo and Aeris, were both named after Ramsoomair's real life pet cats,<ref name="About" /> who were themselves named after characters from [[Final Fantasy series|Final Fantasy]]. The first ''VG Cats'' strip was released on September 1, 2001. (His answer on the FAQ page said it was bad timing, probably in reference to the [[September 11 attacks]] that happened that same month.)<ref name="faq">[http://www.vgcats.com/faq/ FAQ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217160939/http://www.vgcats.com/faq/ |date=December 17, 2008 }}. ''VG Cats''</ref> Prior to taking the VGCats.com domain, the comic was hosted at www.vgcats.cjb.net.<ref name="BMushrooms01">[http://www.vgcats.com/badmushrooms/?strip_id=0 "''#01 Bad Bushrooms''"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071110200103/http://www.vgcats.com/badmushrooms/?strip_id=0 |date=November 10, 2007 }}, ''VG Cats''</ref> For a period, ''VG Cats'' was affiliated with [[BuzzComix]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030207180943/http://www.buzzcomix.net/ "Archive of the home page of"] ''BuzzComix''</ref> During April 1 ([[April Fools' Day]]), Ramsoomair replaced the regular home page with fake pages, like a "Krug" page in 2003<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030417064819/http://www.vgcats.com/krug/index.htm "welcome to kgug!"], ''VG Cats''</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030417013927/http://www.vgcats.com/main.htm "Main.htm"], ''VG Cats''</ref> or a [[Myspace]] profile for [[Solid Snake]] in 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = April Fool's Alert #8: VG Cats gets a makeover ... Metal GEAR?! | publisher = [[Joystiq]] | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/01/april-fools-alert-8-vg-cats-gets-a-makeover-metal-gear/ }}</ref>

In 2006, Ramsoomair made a strip depicting creatures from [[Maxis]]' video game [[Spore (2008 video game)|Spore]], and Maxis created a version of the strip replacing all the drawn characters with in-game versions, and sent him custom figurines of the creatures.<ref>Sources:
*{{cite web | title = VG Cats' Spore creatures brought to life | publisher = [[Joystiq]] | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/07/vg-cats-spore-creatures-brought-to-life/ }}
*{{cite web | title = Spore's Ass-For-Eyes Option | website = [[Kotaku]] | url = http://kotaku.com/gaming/ass-for-eyes-option/spores-ass+for+eyes-option-182476.php | access-date = September 18, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080927050024/http://kotaku.com/gaming/ass-for-eyes-option/spores-ass+for+eyes-option-182476.php | archive-date = September 27, 2008 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }}
*[http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=198 "''#201: Wright to life''"], ''VG Cats'' (original strip)
*[http://www.vgcats.com/news/comic_spore_Will.jpg revised strip] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605032420/http://www.vgcats.com/news/comic_spore_Will.jpg |date=June 5, 2014 }}</ref>

In February 2022, Ramsoomair announced the end of the webcomic in a now deleted post on Patreon.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=VG Cats is creating Comics & Art {{!}} Patreon |url=https://www.patreon.com/m/VGCats |access-date=12 March 2022 |date=12 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312215101/https://www.patreon.com/m/VGCats |archive-date=March 12, 2022 }}</ref> However, he later began to update the main Patreon account again on July 20, 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-20 |title=VG Cats {{!}} creating Comics & Art {{!}} Patreon |url=https://www.patreon.com/VGCats |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120000350/https://www.patreon.com/VGCats |archive-date=November 20, 2023 }}</ref> and released a new comic strip in December of the same year<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-08 |title=VG Cats! |url=https://vgcats.com/ |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208155511/https://vgcats.com/ |archive-date=December 8, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=VG Cats! Comics |url=https://vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=398 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127061703/https://vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=398 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=VG Cats}}</ref>

==Development==
Ramsoomair said that ''VGCats'' was "basically ... along the lines of <!--Not italicized in the quote!-->[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]]." The comic originally focused on 2 gamers;<ref name="About" /> Ramsoomair said by 2006 that within the preceding one to two years he began focusing upon parodies of video games instead of the two gamer format<ref name=":1">"[https://web.archive.org/web/20061017125657/http://www.vgcats.com/new/ About the Site]." VGCats. October 17, 2006. Retrieved December 7, 2010.</ref>

==Characters==
[[File:VG cats cast.png|550px|right|Partial cast of characters]]
''VG Cats'' is not a plot driven comic, though there are several characters that are staples of the comic. Ramsoomair said that all of his characters "relate" to him "at some point."<ref name="ComixTalkInterview">[http://comixtalk.com/gonzo_gaming_interview_with_scott_ramsoomair_vg_cats "Gonzo Gaming: An Interview with Scott Ramsoomair of ''VG Cats''"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225180748/http://comixtalk.com/gonzo_gaming_interview_with_scott_ramsoomair_vg_cats |date=December 25, 2008 }}. ''ComixTalk''.</ref>

[[Joystiq]] has defined them as "adorable characters who feel most at home with violence, language, and sexual innuendo".<ref>{{cite web | title = VG Cats tackle the next-generation of consoles | publisher = [[Joystiq]] | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2005/09/26/vg-cats-tackle-the-next-generation-of-consoles/ }}</ref> Central characters in ''VG Cats'' include:

===Aeris===
'''Aeris''' is a blue-eyed female cat with pink fur. She has a short-temper, and frequently verbally and physically abuses Leo. Her violent behavior extends to how she interacts with other characters, often assaulting other characters in the strip, as well as making [[sarcastic]] [[Wit|quips]] towards them. She is also shown to have an interest in [[fan fiction]], as well as both reading and writing [[yaoi]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-26 |title=VG Cats! Comics |url=http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=126 |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126215000/http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=126 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-09 |title=VG Cats! Comics |url=https://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=288 |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041632/https://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=288 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 }}</ref> Aeris made her first appearance on September 4, 2001 in Strip #2, "''Pika?''".<ref>[http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=1 "''#02: Pika?''"], ''VG Cats''</ref>

===Leo Leonardo, The Third===
'''Leo Leonardo, The Third'''<ref>[http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=91 "''#97: Behind the Scenes, Part 1''"], ''VG Cats''</ref> is a green-eyed male cat with grey<!--Canadian spelling is grey--> fur. Leo is shown to be unintelligent, impulsive, and to have a loose grasp of reality It is implied that Leo may have been born with [[Intellectual disability]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-27 |title=VG Cats! Leo & Aeris Collection |url=https://www.vgcats.com/LeoAeris/?strip_id=161 |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227190339/https://www.vgcats.com/LeoAeris/?strip_id=161 |archive-date=February 27, 2021 }}</ref> He does, however, occasionally show signs of intelligence,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-24 |title=VG Cats! Comics |url=https://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=155 |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224163445/https://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=155 |archive-date=February 24, 2021 }}</ref> and even takes part in similarly violent behavior as Aeris.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-27 |title=VG Cats! Comics |url=https://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=66 |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327234021/https://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=66 |archive-date=March 27, 2021 }}</ref> Leo was introduced on September 4, 2001 in Strip #1, "''Feelin' Gassy''".<ref name="Gassy">[http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=0 "''#01: Feelin' Gassy''"], ''VG Cats''. Retrieved February 13, 2009.</ref>
{{Clear}}

===Pantsman===
The [[alter ego]] of Scott Ramsoomair, '''Pantsman''' is an incompetent [[superhero]] who conceals his identity by wearing trousers and sometimes [[underpants]] on his head. His greatest weakness is [[Alcopop|vodka cooler]], which causes him to drop his trousers and transform into "Peter Pantsless".<ref name="Kruglor">[http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=81 "''#87: It's Lightish Red''"], ''VG Cats''</ref> He also wears a pair of jeans around his neck, to provide a two-tailed [[cape]]. He was introduced in Strip 37, "''I Like Bunnies''", to help explain the inconsistent updating of the comic.<ref>[http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=34 "''#37: I Like Bunnies''"], ''VG Cats''</ref>
{{Clear}}

==Animated series==
[[File:VGCatsAnimatedLogo.JPG|thumb|The logo for ''VG Cats: The Animated Series'']]
Chris Boe, a friend and associate of Ramsoomair, created an animated adaptation of ''VG Cats''.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20210516104441/http://www.vgcats.com/oldnews.php, (see entry for Thursday, January 19, 2006)</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070122235029/http://www.boe-entertainment.com/movies/vgcats.htm "VGCats.htm"], ''Chris Boe''</ref> Only the first half of the first episode, "'':  A Tale of Two Kitties''", has been produced, and was released on January 21, 2006. Boe wrote and animated the episode.<ref>[http://sheezyart.com/art/view/626574/ "''VG Cats: The Animated Series Episode 1 part 1 & 2''"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318005910/http://www.sheezyart.com/art/view/626574 |date=March 18, 2009 }}. ''SheezyArt''. Retrieved February 16, 2009.</ref>

==Related comics==
'''''Bad Mushrooms''''', a [[sprite comic]] created by Ramsoomair prior to the creation of ''VG Cats'', is hosted on VGCats.com.<ref name="BMushrooms01" />

'''''[[Final Fantasy XI|Adventure Log]]''''', the official ''Final Fantasy XI'' webcomic written and drawn by Ramsoomair.<ref>[http://www.vgcats.com/ffxi/ Adventure log] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418045027/http://www.vgcats.com/ffxi/ |date=April 18, 2009 }}, ''Vg Cats''</ref> It has not been updated since 2008.

'''''Super Effective''''', also done by Ramsoomair, began in April 2008 as a comic parody of the popular game series ''[[Pokémon]]''.<ref name="SuperEffective" /> It is also hosted on the VGCats website. It has not been updated since 2014.

==VG Lewds==
After comic #380 in 2018, Scott created a [[Patreon]] account for [[furry fandom|furry]]-themed [[yiff|pornography]] based on Leo and Aeris among other video game related characters titled ''VG Lewds''.<ref name=VGLewd2>{{cite web|url=https://www.vgcats.com/index.php#march-26-2018|title=Lewdity|last=Ramsoomair|first=Scott|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304160306/https://www.vgcats.com/index.php#march-26-2018|archive-date=March 4, 2019|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}''VG Cats''</ref> On the same day as the aforementioned comic, Scott stated in a blog post that the site's advertising revenue was no longer able to sustain him financially, and asked his users to help "support me in this newest venture".<ref name="VGLewd2" />

As of March 2022, the ''VG Lewds'' Patreon was shut down without comment, with Ramsoomair later stating that he wanted to focus on an ending for the strip.<ref name="VGLewd1">{{Cite web |title=VG Lewds is creating Lewd Comics, Pinup Art, and Rule34 |url=https://www.patreon.com/VGLewds}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

==Merchandise==
In 2003, Ramsoomair designated [[CafePress]] as the provider of the ''VG Cats'' store; Ramsoomair soon ended the relationship with CafePress. On June 16, 2004 Ramsoomair announced that he established his store on Hyperion Press.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20040723020034/http://www.vgcats.com/ "Main Page"], ''VG Cats''</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20040716040932/http://www.hyperionpress.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=5 "''VG Cats'' Items"], ''Hyperion Press''</ref> Afterwards [[ZeStuff]] hosted the ''VG Cats'' Store.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070108025417/http://www.zestuff.com/vgcats/ "VG Cats"] ''[[ZeStuff]]'', January 8, 2007</ref> As of 2008 Shark Robot hosts the VGCats store.<ref>[http://sharkrobot.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=13&sort=20a&page=1 VG Cats: T-Shirts, Prints, Buttons and More!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216013851/http://sharkrobot.com/store/index.php?main_page=index |date=December 16, 2008 }} Shark Robot</ref> As of 2008, Ramsoomair was no longer affiliated with [[CafePress]], but it still sells ''VG Cats'' merchandise on its website.<ref>"VG Cats online stores on [[CafePress]]: <!--The sites are listed only for verification that CafePress actually sells the merchandise, it's not spam-->
* Krug Keel: <nowiki>http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store.aspx?s=krugkeel</nowiki>
* Pac Cat: <nowiki>http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store.aspx?s=paccat</nowiki>
* Pantsman: <nowiki>http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store.aspx?s=pantsman</nowiki>
* Snowy Day: <nowiki>http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store.aspx?s=la_snowyday .</nowiki>
* Grr Baby/Kitty Thong: <nowiki>http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store.aspx?s=grrbaby.</nowiki></ref>

==Awards==
''VG Cats'' has been nominated for several [[Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards]], winning two awards in 2005 and 1 in 2006.

* [[2003 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2003]]: {{WCCA|2003|Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccawards.com/2003_ceremony.htm|title=2003 ceremony of Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|access-date=May 15, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725101314/http://www.ccawards.com/2003_ceremony.htm|archive-date=July 25, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[2004 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2004]]: {{WCCA|2004|Outstanding Character (Visual)}},<ref name="wcca2004">{{cite web|url=http://www.ccawards.com/2004.htm|title=The 2004 Cartoonists' Choice Awards|access-date=May 15, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117080609/http://www.ccawards.com/2004.htm|archive-date=January 17, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> {{WCCA|2004|Outstanding Use of Color}},<ref name="wcca2004" /> {{WCCA|2004|Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic}},<ref name="wcca2004" /> {{WCCA|2004|Outstanding Gaming Comic}}<ref name="wcca2004" />
* [[2005 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2005]]: Winner: {{WCCA|2005|Outstanding Use of Color}}, {{WCCA|2005|Outstanding Comedic Comic}}, {{WCCA|2005|Outstanding Short Form Comic}}, Winner: {{WCCA|2005|Outstanding Gaming Comic}}. Honorable mention: {{WCCA|2005|Character Art & Artist}}<ref>{{Cite web|date=2005|title=The 2005 Cartoonists' Choice Awards|url=http://www.ccawards.com/2005.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503234826/http://www.ccawards.com/2005.htm|archive-date=2008-05-03|access-date=2020-08-01|website=Cartoonists' Choice Awards}}</ref>
* [[2006 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2006]]: {{WCCA|2006|Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic}}, Winner: {{WCCA|2006|Outstanding Gaming Comic}}{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}}
* [[2007 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2007]]: {{WCCA|2007|Outstanding Use of Color}} (finalist),<ref name="wcca color">{{cite web| url=http://ryanestrada.com/wcca07/ceremony/color.htm| title=Outstanding Use of Color| publisher=ryanestrada.com| access-date=January 30, 2008| archive-date=January 25, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125022256/http://ryanestrada.com/wcca07/ceremony/color.htm| url-status=dead}}</ref> {{WCCA|2007|Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic}} (finalist),<ref name="wcca anthro">{{cite web| url=http://ryanestrada.com/wcca07/ceremony/anthropomorphic.htm| title=Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic| publisher=ryanestrada.com| access-date=January 30, 2008| archive-date=January 31, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080131200620/http://ryanestrada.com/wcca07/ceremony/anthropomorphic.htm| url-status=dead}}</ref> {{WCCA|2007|Outstanding Gaming Comic}} (finalist).<ref name="wcca gaming">{{cite web| url=http://ryanestrada.com/wcca07/ceremony/gaming.htm| title=Outstanding Gaming Comic| publisher=ryanestrada.com| access-date=January 30, 2008| archive-date=February 2, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202164826/http://ryanestrada.com/wcca07/ceremony/gaming.htm| url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[2008 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2008]] {{WCCA|2003|Outstanding use of the medium}} (finalist)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccawards.com/2008finalists.html|title=The Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards – 2008 Winners & finalists|access-date=May 15, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310200607/http://www.ccawards.com/2008finalists.html|archive-date=March 10, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|3}}

== External links ==
{{Portal|Canada|Video games|Comics}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* [http://www.vgcats.com/ ''VG Cats'' web site]
{{Canadian comics}}

[[Category:2000s webcomics]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 2001]]
[[Category:Canadian webcomics]]
[[Category:Dayfree Press]]
[[Category:Parody webcomics]]
[[Category:Short form webcomics]]
[[Category:Video game webcomics]]
[[Category:Webcomics in print]]
[[Category:Web Cartoonists' Choice Award winners]]
[[Category:2001 webcomic debuts]]
[[Category:Canadian comedy websites]]
[[Category:Furry webcomics]]
[[Category:Comics about anthropomorphic cats]]
[[Category:Satirical comics]]