A high-quality rendering of the Scratch Cat.
The Scratch Cat is the mascot of Scratch and the default sprite when opening a new Scratch project,[1] though this can be changed. It is also the outline for the default icon of new Scratch accounts, replacing a previous version that showed a human silhouette.[2] The Scratch Cat is a trademark of MIT[3] and was drawn by Wing Ngan.[4] According to Scratch Team member Ceebee, the Scratch Cat is nonbinary, meaning that they do not identify as strictly male or female in terms of gender.[5]
Contents
- 1 Appearance
- 2 Use in Projects
- 2.1 Remakes of Scratch Cat
- 2.2 Flagged projects
- 2.3 _meow_ Scratch Cat Image
- 3 Can't Connect to Server
- 4 Other forms
- 4.1 Neigh Pony
- 4.2 Scratch Cat Jr
- 5 See Also
- 6 References
Appearance
There are many varieties of the Scratch Cat's look. Some are below:
Head (87x60) |
Small (95x111) |
Small 2 (110x131) |
Medium (500x500) |
Large (2000x2000) |
Old vector version from 2.0 alpha/beta |
The _meow_ icon |
The default user icon |
Concept art shown in video update 5 |
Scratch Cat plush created by cheddargirl |
Scratch Cat Jr in ScratchJr |
Scratch Cat's cameo appearance in a children's book called Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding, taken from the Scratch Video Update #10. |
|
Scratch Cat in Super Scratch Programming Adventure |
Scratch Cat's flying sprite that was made for the "Make it Fly" collaboration event. |
Use in Projects
Over 35,000 projects use the Scratch Cat in its most well-known form (the costume named 'cat1-a'), making it the second most used image in Scratch from Scratch 1.3 upwards.[6] The high usage of the image is most probably because it is the default starter spirite when creating a new project, or the fact that the Scratch Cat serves as the symbol of Scratch.
The image is often used as a narrator for a project (particularly tutorial projects), as it is such a well-known image. It is also frequently used as an interviewee in talk-show-style projects. As well as these, it also serves many other uses.
Remakes of Scratch Cat
Scratch Cat also serves as an individual species and can be remade. Some remakes have recolored the cat and added some unique details while others are basically characters as the "Scratch Cat". Scratch Cat has been remade into "original characters" and characters from the media, similar to Kirby.
Flagged projects
When a user attempts to view a project that has been disabled by the Scratch Team, the user will see an animation of the Scratch Cat explaining that the project is not suitable for all members of the Scratch Community and has thus been removed. However, this has been replaced with a simple "This project has been removed" page, with no animation at all. The animation of the Scratch cat can be downloaded here.
_meow_ Scratch Cat Image
In a comment, if a user types _meow_, it will turn into a Scratch Cat head. This image became popular in September 2011.
Since being discovered, it has been spammed a lot on people's projects. Some Scratchers use them for awarding someone if they did a great job or worked really hard but some just write "_meow_" over and over again. This can make it hard to read comments along with other things. This bothers some people, and is frowned upon.[7]
Can't Connect to Server
- Main article: 404 Error
Originally, when a page that did not exist was attempted to be accessed on the Scratch Website, a gray picture of the Scratch Cat appeared, and the screen displayed "404. Oh noes! Our server is 'Scratch'ing its head". This has since been replaced by an image of Giga. This image is still used in the 403 Error when a Scratcher tried to access a restricted page. The modified image with the gray Scratch Cat smiling is used on the error page when a user tries to access an unshared project or a project they already reported.
Other forms
Neigh Pony
The Neigh Pony, one of the April Fools' 2012 Mascots on Scratch.
On April Fools' Day 2012, the Scratch Team spread the rumor that Scratch 2.0 would be renamed to Neigh and the Scratch Cat would be replaced by the Neigh Pony.[8] The Neigh Pony bears several resemblances to Scratch Cat, including the presence of whiskers and the white and orange Scratch colors.
Scratch Cat Jr
- Main article: ScratchJr#Scratch Cat Jr
See Also
References
- ↑ Scratch 1.4 Reference Guide > Scratch Interface > New Sprites
- ↑ Forum thread: Thanks to Yickpoo for creating the new default avatar
- ↑ Scratch 1.4 License
- ↑ http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/10001345/
- ↑ https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/103415695/#comments-57351742
- ↑ http://blog.scratch.mit.edu/2011/02/top-10-images-in-scratch.html
- ↑ http://scratchforums.blob8108.net/forums/viewtopic.php?id=74666
- ↑ http://blog.scratch.mit.edu/2012/04/scratch-20-update-new-name-new-mascot.html
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Greetings, enthusiasts and curious minds! Allow me to dive into the fascinating world of Scratch, the visual programming language that has captured the imagination of aspiring coders and creators worldwide. I am no stranger to the intricate details of this platform, having explored its nuances and developments extensively.
Let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article, where we explore the iconic figure known as the Scratch Cat. This feline character holds a special place in the Scratch community, and my expertise in this domain will shed light on various aspects:
1. Scratch Cat: The Iconic Mascot
The Scratch Cat serves as the default sprite and mascot for the Scratch platform, welcoming users into the creative realm of programming. Crafted by the talented artist Wing Ngan, this feline figure is more than just a graphical element; it's a trademark of MIT.
2. Appearance
The Scratch Cat boasts a diverse array of appearances, from small to large, pixelated to vector, and even a plush toy created by cheddargirl. It's not just an image; it's a versatile symbol used in different forms and sizes across various projects.
3. Scratch Cat's Identity
According to Scratch Team member Ceebee, the Scratch Cat is nonbinary, a gender identity that adds a unique layer of inclusivity to the character. This fact reflects the thoughtful design choices made by the Scratch Team.
4. Usage in Projects
With over 35,000 projects utilizing the Scratch Cat in its various forms, it stands as the second most-used image in Scratch. Its popularity is attributed to being the default starter sprite and a symbol synonymous with the Scratch community. The Scratch Cat often plays roles such as a narrator, interviewee, and more in diverse projects.
5. Remakes and Flags
The Scratch Cat isn't confined to its original form; it can be remade into original characters or even mimic media personalities like Kirby. Additionally, it plays a role in flagged projects, explaining when a project is disabled by the Scratch Team.
6. meow Scratch Cat Image
The whimsical "meow" command transforms into a Scratch Cat head in comments, adding a playful touch to the community. However, its overuse is a topic of discussion within the community.
7. Can't Connect to Server
The Scratch Cat appears in error messages when a page or project cannot be accessed, adding a touch of humor to technical glitches.
8. Other Forms: Neigh Pony and Scratch Cat Jr
On April Fools' Day 2012, the Scratch Team introduced the Neigh Pony as a playful joke, highlighting the Scratch Cat's significance. Scratch Cat Jr also makes an appearance in ScratchJr, extending the character's reach.
9. References
The article includes references providing credibility to the information shared, linking to Scratch documentation, forum threads, and blog posts.
In conclusion, the Scratch Cat isn't just a graphical element; it's a dynamic and integral part of the Scratch experience, embodying the creativity and diversity of the Scratch community. As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the Scratch world, I assure you that this is just the tip of the iceberg in understanding the rich tapestry of Scratch and its iconic mascot.
