Since The Sims 4 launched in 2014, there's no denying that The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs has been the most requested expansion pack to date. So, it should come as no surprise that fans were beyond excited when Maxis finally unveiled the announcement trailer for Cats & Dogs.

Although the expansion lacks a number of animals and features that have been previously included within the series, Cats & Dogs has been surprisingly well-received amongst the community as its new features help set it apart from previous installments – giving it a new and fresh feel that it desperately needed.

From tiny houses and catnip herbs to secret collectibles, and the ability to let your cat ride the robot vacuum, there's a lot to explore. Here are some awesome things that you had no idea you could in The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs expansion pack.

Related: The Sims 4: 10 Things You Need To Know Before You Buy Cats & Dogs

Updated May 16, 2021, By Helen Ashcroft: Cats and dogs are still bringing enjoyment to Sim's lives and since the expansion's release we've seen My First Pet Stuff add small animals to the roster of pets.

Now The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs has been around for a while we've also uncovered more secrets in Brindleton Bay. This list has been updated to reflect changes to the game since release as well as to clarify existing entries. So, here are some awesome things you can do in Brindleton Bay and with your pets.

20 Head On Over To the Deadgrass Isle To Adopt A Stray Pet

A sim leaning down to stroke a stray pet

If you have a soft spot in your heart for animals, Deadgrass Isle may very well be the place for you, as hidden amongst the small island you’ll find a rather forgotten population – not of humans, but instead pets.

Before you get too excited though, just be warned that these aren’t just any type of pets as these rather innocent-looking cats and dogs are actually strays. So be sure to say strong-willed – especially if you’re not looking for a new addition to the family – as Deadgrass Isle is the perfect place to befriend one of these furry friends.

For those that do manage to build a strong enough bond with the animal, you’ll be given the chance to adopt them into your family.

19 WooHoo In The Lighthouse

lighthouse woohoo

For those who like to explore interesting woohoo spots, simply grab a partner and head over to the lighthouse to "enjoy the view".

Just beware that fellow Sims in your neighborhood can witness the event as the lighthouse provides quite the light show – hearts and all – for everyone to see.

18 Gain Full Control Of Your Pets

via ea.com

That’s right, despite EA claiming that pets will not be able to be controlled, one modder by the name of ‘AOM’ has set out to prove everyone wrong by creating a mod that allows players to gain full control over their pets. This mod not only allows pets to be selectable but they will also have their own needs, behaviors, and even the ability to interact with the environment around them.

Although the mod isn’t perfect and does have its own set of issues, there is no denying that this particular mod is a must-have for any fans of the series that wish to regain full control of their pets, just like the previous installments within the series.

17 Train Your Pets

dog training set up

There are a variety of pet training items and it's well worth investing time into pet training. With discipline-based training you can stop unwanted behavior, ensure they don't poop on your carpet, and more. However, you can also use items to train your pets to learn new skills.

Related: Sims 4 Cats & Dogs: 15 Best Mods For The Game

They will be able to perform tricks, interact better with Sims and also unlock a few new interactions and abilities.

16 Say Hello To Smaller Items

A dog and cat eating their food in The Sims 4

The Cats & Dogs update added a long-awaited and heavily requested feature that fans have been waiting for since The Sims 4 released in 2014. We now have the ability to make objects smaller, instead of just bigger. This feature allows you to finally reduce the size of some oversized items.

For those interested in resizing their furniture, your now make objects smaller by holding shift and pressing the bracket keys. No more enormous dolls houses!

15 Let Your Cat Ride The Robot Vacuum

cat on a robot vacuum

The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs expansion pack isn’t just about the addition of pets, as a number of new items have also been included. Most notably is the introduction of the Robot Vacuum, which is used for cleaning up things such as poo, throw up, hair, and even messes made by toddlers and children.

However, that’s not all that the vacuum can be used for as cats also have the ability to ride around on top of the vacuum. With the addition of pet costumes, particularly the shark outfit, I think we can all agree that this may just be the cutest and funniest feature that has been included within the series.

Let’s face it though, we are all suckers for viral videos – especially when they involve cats, so it should come as no surprise that this particular feature took inspiration from one particular video that involved a duck chasing a cat that was sitting upon a robot vacuum.

14 Lock Up Your Cow Plant As It's Ready To Eat Your Pets

a cow plant in the park

Just when you thought everything was going to be fine, the Cow Plant just has to go and ruin your day. That’s right, the Cow Plant isn’t just dangerous to your Sims, but it's also dangerous to your pets as many have reported that the mutated plant certainly will not hesitate to eat your cute and furry little friends.

Many players were forced to learn this the hard way as they watched the strange plant simply gobble them up. So, if you are one of those people that think they have what it takes to own a Cow Plant, you may want to think twice before letting your pets anywhere near the elusive beast.

13 Let Your Animals Find Mysterious Gifts That Are Filled With Hidden Surprises

A dog digging up a gift for a sim
via rectifygaming.com

If you need to make some extra cash then look no further than your pets. Dogs with a training level of three are able to dig at certain spots within the world to uncover a number of mysterious little gift boxes.

Whether your dog returns the gift box to you or sets them on the ground, your Sim will have the option to open these little gifts or put them in their inventory. Don’t be too long collecting them though, as leaving them on the ground will allow other Sims to walk over and snatch them up.

Related: Sims 4: A Complete Guide To Making Money

While these little gifts may not seem like much, they do hold a number of hidden surprises such as random objects, collectibles, and even some extra Simoleons!

12 Help Complete The Hidden Feather Collection

seagulls on a fence

The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs introduces a brand-new collectible for players to hunt down and find within Brindleton Bay.

Although feathers can be obtained through ordering your cat to chase birds, little do most players know they can also be collected by finding them within bushes - although only once your pet reaches a training level of three. These collectibles - which are defined as feathers - can be framed and displayed on a wall or even used to assemble a bird sculpture should you happen to collect all twelve different feathers.

Just be careful though, as feathers aren’t the only thing hiding within the bushes as your pet may also find themselves running into some unwanted company of skunks or even squirrels – both of which can cause a rather expensive trip to the vet!

11 Special Treats Can Bring Your Pets Back To Life

katrina and her cats on the sofa

As sad as it may be, all good things eventually have to come to end… or so you thought. We all know just how upsetting it can be when you lose your pets, as they truly do become part of your family. So, you’ll be excited to know that you can actually bring your pets back from the grave with just one simple little treat.

Just like the Ambrosia meal for your Sims, your pets can also obtain a very similar object called an Ambrosia treat which will offer the same effect and bring your pets back to life.

Thankfully – if you have the money – your Sim can purchase Ambrosia treats from any Vet Clinic for a total of $2,500 Simoleons. Otherwise, if you have a Sim that is level ten in the Veterinary Skill, they can craft you an Ambrosia treat on a crafting table.

10 Add More Than Eight Pets To Your Household

pets gathered in the park

One of the biggest issues that the Sims 4: Cats & Dogs expansion is currently facing is the limitations that have been placed on the number of pets and sims that you can have per household. Pets and Sims combined can only number up to eight.

Luckily though, one modder has come to the rescue as the MC Command Center Mod will allow for adding to and adjusting the limits of pets that you can have within your household. With the help of this mod, players will be able to increase the maximum number of Sims and pets allowed within a household up to a maximum of 25.

9 Befriend Ghost Pets & Invite Them Into Your Household

a ghost cat in the sims 4

Hidden among a rocky, forested area on the northern end of Deadgrass Isle is the Brindleton Bay Pet Cemetery. If you're in the market for a pet, but looking for something a little bit different, the Pet Cemetery may be the perfect place to pick up your new best friend. You can actually invite a ghost animal into your household just like any other normal stray pet.

Related: The Sims 3 Versus The Sims 4: Ghost Hunting Compared

As scary as it may sound, the best time to visit the cemetery is during the night, as players have found that during the evening, many of its residents like to roam the grounds. It is also important to note that building a relationship with a ghost animal takes only a quarter of the time that it would to build a relationship with a Sim – it’s safe to say that befriending a ghost has never been easier.

8 The Lazer Pointer Changes Colors Based On Your Sims Mood

via sims-online.com

If you’ve played The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs one thing that you may have noticed is that the laser pointer that you use to play with your cats, changes colors. However, you would be forgiven if you thought that these changes in color were just random, as little do most players know, they are actually based on your Sims current mood.

You will find that the laser will change to green if your Sim is happy, pink if your Sim is flirty, and even blue if your Sim is sad. While it isn’t a major feature within the game, it is quite cool to simply admire all of the little details that Maxis put into the Cats & Dogs expansion pack.

7 Avoid Doggy Doors If You Don’t Want Your Toddlers Escaping

via sims-online.com

As we are all aware, caring for toddlers is no easy feat and you will often find that they will even challenge the most skilled Sims players around the world. The trouble that toddlers bring to your household can often make or break your Sims family and let’s face it, there is no shame in admitting that you sometimes instantly bypass the toddler aging stage.

However, as it seems, Maxis is only looking to make caring for toddlers even more challenging with the Cats & Dogs expansion, as many players have since reported that toddlers can indeed escape the house if you happen to own a large doggy door. That’s right, toddlers will use the doggy door to escape the house, in which they’ll proceed to cause havoc around your lawn – talk about a child safety hazard!

6 Special Treats Help You Keep Your Pets Around A Little Bit Longer

via origin.com

Just like previous installments of the series, pets within The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs can only die from old age, and while that does ease the pain a little bit, it is still hard knowing that someday your best friend won’t be by your side.

However, as many would already be aware, the puppy and kitten stage of your pets is pretty dull as there isn’t a lot that they can do and are more often than not, a burden to look after. Thankfully, for those that do enjoy skipping ages, or even those that are interested in de-aging their pet, there is a way to do so without any cheats at all.

In order to start, you’ll first be required to have access to Dr. Magi-Heal’s Medicine Craft-o-Matic – you can find this machine at vet clinics or you can even purchase one for your own at-home use. This machine – should you have a high enough vet level – can craft treats that will allow your pet to either age up or age down.

5 Perform Your Own Veterinary Treatments At Home

vet examining a dog on a vet table

There is nothing more nerve-racking than having to take your pet to the Vet Clinic as you never truly know what exactly may be wrong with them. However, if you’re looking to bypass the rather long – and somewhat annoying – process of having to travel to the vet, you’ll be happy to know that you can actually treat your pet – should you have the skills – in the comfort of your very own home.

Although it is important to note that the veterinary equipment is not only very expensive, but the machinery needed is also very big and bulky. I would only recommend purchasing this equipment if you had multiple pets and actually had the room to store it all.

If you are not looking to go the full at-home-treatment route, you can opt to purchase a medicine crafting lab instead of the full veterinary equipment as it is not only cost-effective but also simplifies the entire treatment process.

4 Find Unique Catnip Herbs To Give To Your Cat

via twitter.com (@Sims_Online)

Chances are you have all seen those hilarious viral videos of cats under the influence of Catnip as they will often get very hyped up and start doing some pretty crazy things. In an attempt to make the Cats & Dogs expansion pack as realistic as possible, Maxis has introduced four different types of Catnip into the game – all offering a different effect on your furry friend.

Napnip will help calm your cat and put them to sleep, Madnip will enrage them with pure anger, Nuzzlenip will make your cat a lot friskier than usual, and Catnip will make them extremely hyped up.

Related: The Sims 4: How To Rotate Items & 9 Other Practical Skills Worth Learning

Depending on your playing style though, the Catnip herbs can be found around the neighborhood of Brindleton Bay free of charge, however, if you’re not the exploring type, the herbs can also be purchased via a computer by ordering a Catnip Herb Packet.

Thankfully though, if something does happen to go wrong – such as a little bit too much of the Madnip – the effects of the Catnip Herbs only last for four hours.

3 New Expansion... New Cheats To Uncover

via player.one

From maxing out skills, developing better relationships with your pets, unlocking unique outfits, or even better managing your Vet Clinic with more skills - here are all of the current cheats that have been discovered within The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs.

It should also be noted that none of these cheats work any differently than previous cheats within the game and all use the same method to enable them. All of these cheats have also been tested and guaranteed to be safe to use, so there is no need to worry about them causing any issues within your game.

2 Say Goodbye To Sim Culling

Dina and Nina Caliente talk to Don Lothario in their Oasis Springs home in The Sims 4

If you’re a frequent player of The Sims 4, you’ll be all too familiar with one of the game’s most frustrating and annoying issues that fans have dubbed “Sim Culling” – which is the act of limiting the amount of Sims that you can have within each saved game.

Thankfully though the Sim Cap Limit has now risen to a number of different options: 50, 100, 200, and Unlimited.

While having unlimited Sims sounds like a good idea, you should be warned though that selecting the unlimited option could cause The Sims 4 to run into some pretty nasty errors, and will also cause longer loading times and more stress to be placed onto your computer.

1 Got A Sad Sim? Let Your Pets Help

sim brushing a dog

Is your Sim feeling a little tense and needs a way to relax? Well, your pet may the key to solving all of your Sims problems, as little do most people know, your pet can actually act as a “therapets” for your Sim.

Players have uncovered that just like the mood-enhancing interaction options – such as taking a steamy or brisk shower – your pets can actually offer your Sims a number of different emotional comforts.

One such example can be seen when your Sim is sad, as when interacting with your pet, there is an option available for a comforting hug. This little detail is relatively unknown but is an essential feature when trying to manage a successful household.

Next: The Sims 4 - A Complete Guide