CAT-SS

A prototype android that paved the way for future innovations.

A prototype, custom-made android with the brain of a cat.

When her pet cat, Pancake, was unexpectedly struck down in a terrible accident, a quick-thinking researcher transferred the cat’s mind to an android body so the beloved pet could live on. Due to the original cat’s name and the prototype body’s small and curvy frame, the newly-reborn cat-brained android quickly earned the nickname “Short Stack”. This was ultimately reflected in her model number.

Her curiosity and bubbly personality fit her new body well, resulting in CAT-SS being both an ideal companion around the lab, as well as a basis for future animal-themed android models.

Her design is one I ended up falling into, the result of a random chibi sketch combined with another idea I had for another an android to follow after Bun-E03. Similar to Bun-E03, I wanted to try to merge some design elements from 80s, 90s and 00s anime into her design. The original palette for CAT-SS was a mix of blue and green, but after trying a particularly vibrant shade of purple for accents, it ended up taking over her entire color scheme. Her origin story is a little nod to All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku, while her design – particularly her hair and unique outfit – pulls some inspiration from Felicia from Darkstalkers.