## 2024 Must-Know Hot Cat-Themed Cryptocurrency Wave

The crypto world is experiencing a "cat movement." The market once dominated by dog-themed tokens (like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu) has now been divided among a large number of projects inspired by cats. According to CoinGecko data, the total market cap of these tokens has exceeded $3.1 billion, spread across over 260 projects on mainstream blockchains such as Ethereum, Solana, and Base.

Behind this popular cat meme craze are both internet culture and community power. Let’s take a look at some of the most noteworthy projects in this market.

## Who Is Leading the Cat Token Revolution?

### Catizen (CATI) - On-Chain Cat Raising Pioneer

Catizen has created an integrated experience of "raising simulation + tokens" on the TON blockchain. The biggest highlight of this project is its play-to-earn mechanism—users earn rewards by raising virtual cats and completing daily tasks. In just a few months, the project has accumulated over 34 million active users, demonstrating the appeal of this model.

CATI officially launched on mainstream trading platforms for public trading in September 2024. According to the latest data, CATI is currently priced at $0.06, with a circulating market cap of approximately $23.71 million. The project also plans to release over 200 mini-games by 2025, indicating rapid ecosystem expansion.

### CATS - Viral Hit in Telegram Ecosystem

CATS is also based on the TON chain but adopts a Telegram mini-app format. Its innovation lies in seamlessly integrating crypto assets with social interaction—users can perform daily tasks, engage in community activities, and even use AI image recognition within Telegram.

Since its launch, CATS has attracted over 47 million holders, becoming one of the most popular projects in the current cat meme domain. The project’s viral spread is driven by its aggressive airdrop strategy—rewards are distributed based on Telegram account age, activity level, and other factors.

### Simon's Cat (CAT) - Breaking the Brand IP

Unlike purely virtual tokens, Simon’s Cat is based on the famous characters from the British animated series, launched on BNB Smart Chain. This gives the project a natural cultural background and a fan base.

The token integrates GameFi and DeFi functionalities, providing practical uses such as in-game shopping, NFT investments, and entertainment platform collaborations. CAT is currently priced at $0.00, with a circulating market cap of about $18.02 million.

### Popcat (POPCAT) - From Internet Meme to Phenomenal Token

Popcat was inspired by a viral meme of a cat named "Oatmeal"—this cat became internet famous in 2020 for its funny wide-mouthed expression. Based on this, the project created a platform on Solana that combines AI generation and community sharing.

POPCAT’s current price across exchanges is $0.08, with a circulating market cap of $78.28 million. Its success proves that: as long as the community is active enough, a seemingly simple concept can support a substantial market value.

### Cat in a Dog's World (MEW) - The Challenger’s Stance

MEW’s positioning is quite interesting—it directly counters dog-themed tokens, narrating "Cats breaking the dog market dominance." After launching on Solana, it adopted an aggressive tokenomics strategy: burning 90% of liquidity pool tokens and airdropping only 10% to the Solana community.

This move successfully maintained price stability. MEW is currently quoted at $0.00, with a circulating market cap of approximately $78.36 million, and once reached a high of $0.01.

### Toshi (TOSHI) - Star on Base Chain

Toshi is named after Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong’s pet cat and is deployed on Coinbase’s Base chain. Although initially lacking clear practical applications, through precise marketing and social media operations, it quickly became a key player in the Base ecosystem.

Currently, TOSHI is priced around $0.00, with a market cap of $125 million, and a 24-hour increase of +2.55%. This indicates that the market remains optimistic about its long-term prospects.

### Wen (WEN) - Testing Ground for Fractional NFTs

Wen launched on Solana in January 2024. Its core innovation is fractional NFT ownership—users can hold a share of a high-value NFT. This concept originated from an internet poem, which was tokenized and resonated strongly with the community.

The project was launched via airdrops to over 1 million Solana wallets, ensuring broad initial participation. Although WEN’s current price has significantly retraced from its March 2024 high of $0.000519, its innovative mechanism continues to attract attention.

### MANEKI (MANEKI) - Intersection of Japanese Culture and Crypto

MANEKI is inspired by the Japanese lucky cat (Maneki-neko), symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. The project aims to combine this cultural symbol with crypto assets, appealing to both Japanese culture enthusiasts and crypto investors.

MANEKI’s current price is $0.00, with a market cap of about $4.13 million. In April 2024, it reached a historical high of $0.03, and community activity remains strong.

### Bitcoin Cats (1CAT) - Multi-Chain Deployment Choice

Bitcoin Cats stands out for its cross-chain deployment—operating simultaneously on Bitcoin and Ethereum. This strategy gives 1CAT backing from two of the most secure blockchains, while also providing additional value through GameFi and DeFi integrations.

### OmniCat (OMNI) - Cross-Chain Interoperability Explorer

OmniCat is built on the LayerZero protocol, focusing on seamless interoperability across multiple blockchains. This makes OMNI one of the most flexible cat-themed tokens in DeFi, capable of freely moving between Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Chain, and other major networks.

## Why Are Cat Tokens the Trend in 2024?

**Rise of Telegram Mini-Program Ecosystem**

Telegram’s mini-app model provides a perfect distribution channel for cat tokens. Projects like Catizen and CATS leverage Telegram’s built-in social features and viral potential, rapidly accumulating tens of millions of users.

**Mature Community-Driven Models**

These tokens generally adopt community governance mechanisms (e.g., Toshi’s MEOW DAO), giving holders real decision-making power. This sense of participation far exceeds traditional financial products and naturally attracts many young investors.

**Enduring Internet Culture**

Cats hold an unshakable position in online culture—from early internet celebrity cats to AI-generated memes—this creative space is virtually limitless.

**Collective Market Sentiment Betting**

Dog tokens pioneered "meme investing," which has been widely accepted. Capital continues to flow into this sector, seeking high returns.

## Practical Investment Guide

### Buying on Trading Platforms

1. **Register and complete identity verification** — Open an account on mainstream exchanges supporting these tokens

2. **Fund with stablecoins** — Use USDT or USDC as trading pairs, via bank transfer or other supported deposit methods

3. **Place orders** — Enter quantity in the relevant trading pairs, choose market or limit orders

4. **Self-custody storage** — Transfer tokens to MetaMask or other self-custody wallets to ensure asset security

### Trading via Decentralized Platforms

1. **Connect EVM wallet** — Use MetaMask on Ethereum or other EVM-compatible chains

2. **Dedicated wallet for TON chain** — Use Tonkeeper or other TON ecosystem wallets to buy CATS or Catizen

3. **Pay Gas fees** — Prepare sufficient network tokens to cover transaction costs

4. **Verify contract addresses** — Always confirm you are transacting with the correct token contract to prevent fraud

## Five Key Elements of Risk Management

**Independent Research Is Essential**

Deeply understand project team backgrounds, whitepapers, product roadmaps, and community activity. Interact via Telegram, Twitter, and other channels to gauge genuine enthusiasm.

**Tokenomics Insight**

Check total supply, release mechanisms, holder concentration, and other indicators. A healthy token economy should resist short-term sell pressure.

**Diversify Your Portfolio**

Avoid putting all funds into a single cat token. Balance between mature tokens and emerging projects, and incorporate other asset classes.

**Continuous Market Monitoring**

Follow insights from reputable analysts, social media buzz metrics, on-chain data changes. Participate in Discord, Reddit, and discussion forums for firsthand information.

**Maintain Risk Awareness**

Remember: all token investments carry risks, especially emerging popular cat meme assets. Only invest what you can afford to lose.

## Summary

Cat-themed crypto tokens are rewriting the market landscape at an unprecedented pace. From Catizen’s play-to-earn mechanics to CATS’ social integration, from Simon’s Cat’s IP empowerment to Popcat’s cultural spread—each project is exploring the future of "token+" in its own way.

But opportunities come with risks. In this imaginative sector, careful research, rational allocation, and continuous learning are the three pillars of success. Whether you are an early participant or a cautious observer, understanding the logic behind these projects will help you make smarter choices in the next cycle.