Brush Jjaemu

Brush Jjaemu is a game about grooming a cat. Sounds harmless, almost innocent. But the problem is, don't let the cat find out you're doing it. A tiny idea, but enough to turn the experience into something both addictive and startling.

The origin of Brush Jjaemu

This game didn't actually come from a big studio or a grand project. It started quite by chance, from a trend spreading on Twitter, where people shared about a game of secretly grooming cats that was gaining popularity.

The cat in the game is the creator's real cat, named Jjaemu, and is from South Korea. They took photos from behind and combined them with the cat's facial expression when it turned around. It's that moment of turning around that makes the game… problematic, as it creates a sudden shift in perspective that can confuse players and disrupt the flow of gameplay.

How to play Brush Jjaemu

The gameplay is extremely simple. You control the brush and groom the cat while it has its back turned. When it suddenly turns its head, you must stop immediately.

Just one wrong move and the game will be counted as detected and you'll be finished. It sounds like a basic reflex, but the cat's head-turning speed is inconsistent. Sometimes it's sluggish, sometimes almost instantaneous, leaving you no time to react.

Your score increases with the time you spend brushing, so the longer you play, the greater the pressure.

Tips for playing Brush Jjaemu

Don't be greedy for the last beat

Many times you'll think, "Just one more beat." And that's usually when the game ends. As soon as you see the cat turn its head, stop immediately; don't try any longer.

Focus on the rhythm of the movement

Instead of looking at the brush, pay attention to the cat's movement. It usually has its own rhythm before turning back, even if it's rapid.

Keep your hand light

Don't drag the mouse or hold down the keys too hard. Smooth and light reflexes will help you stop at the right moment rather than being startled and missing the beat.

And if you thought a cat turning its head was startling enough… then the next installment, Murder, will show you just how much more intense it feels to be caught red-handed.