Even though The Sims 4 base game is now free, Cats & Dogs is a paid Expansion Pack sold separately, priced at around $39.99 USD. Developed by The Sims Studio and published by EA, it adds playable cats and dogs, veterinary careers, and a new town. There’s no official free download for the expansion — this guide covers the legitimate steps to get it, requirements, and honest pros and cons.
How to Get Cats & Dogs (Official Steps)
- Make sure you already have The Sims 4 base game installed — it’s free via the EA app, Steam, or Epic Games Store.
- Search for “The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs” on the same storefront.
- Click Add to Cart, complete checkout, and it downloads and integrates automatically with your base game.
- Launch The Sims 4, and the expansion’s new content (pets, vet clinics, Brindleton Bay) becomes available immediately.
Ways to Get It for Less
- EA/Steam sales: Expansion packs like Cats & Dogs regularly discount 50–75% off during major sale events.
- Bundle deals: Sometimes sold in bundles with other Sims 4 packs at a reduced combined price.
- Base game stays free either way: You only pay for the expansion itself, not the core game.
System Requirements
| Component | Minimum |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| CPU | 2.0 GHz dual-core |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| GPU | 512 MB VRAM, DirectX 9.0c compatible |
| Storage | ~2–3 GB additional free space beyond the base game |
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Adds fully controllable, customizable cats and dogs to the game
- New veterinary career and clinic-running gameplay
- New coastal town, Brindleton Bay, to explore
❌ Cons
- Requires the base game plus a separate purchase
- Full price is fairly high for a single expansion pack
- Some pet behaviors and animations have room for polish
Availability by Platform
🖥️ PC
Available via the EA app, Steam, or the Epic Games Store.
🎮 Consoles
Available on PlayStation and Xbox storefronts.
Who Should — and Shouldn’t — Get Cats & Dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cats & Dogs free?
No, it’s a paid Expansion Pack around $39.99, even though the Sims 4 base game itself is free.
Do I need the base game first?
Yes, Cats & Dogs requires The Sims 4 base game, which is free to download separately.
Is it safe to download from third-party “free download” sites?
No, only buy through the EA app, Steam, or the Epic Games Store.
Can I play as a pet?
Yes, pets are fully controllable and customizable through Create-A-Pet.
Does it add a new town?
Yes, Brindleton Bay, a new coastal neighborhood, is included with the expansion.
This page is written for informational purposes to help you find the official, safe way to get The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs. It does not link to or endorse any unofficial “free download” sources.
