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3ds Max CAT
What 3ds Max CAT is
3ds Max CAT is a character animation toolkit built into Autodesk 3ds Max for procedural animation and rigging. Its rigs can be customized for multi-legged and non-humanoid characters. CATMotion generates movement cycles that respond to rig velocity and direction, including travel over uneven surfaces without sliding footsteps. Animation editing uses a non-linear, layer-based system with absolute and adjustment layers. Clip Manager loads BVH, HTR, and BIP motion-capture data, while muscle and muscle-strand objects support musculature simulation. CAT objects and controllers can be accessed through MAXScript, although CAT itself is not exposed in the public 3ds Max SDK. The FBX plug-in can export a CAT rig as an HIK Skeleton Definition or as a skeleton with standard bones. CAT runs within 3ds Max on Windows 10 and 11. Subscriptions cost 255.00 USD monthly, 2010.00 USD annually, or $6,025 a year billed every three years.
Who it suits
It suits 3D generalists, modelers, animators, and look-development artists working in games, film, television, or design visualization. Users need Autodesk 3ds Max on Windows.
What it does well
- Procedural rigs support multi-legged characters
- Motion cycles adapt to speed and direction
- Layer-based non-linear animation editing
- Loads BVH, HTR, and BIP capture data
- Muscle objects support musculature simulation
What to know first
- Windows-only host application
- No free plan
- CAT itself is absent from the public 3ds Max SDK
- Subscriptions start at $255 a month
Limits
CAT is available as a 3ds Max feature rather than a standalone application. The trial lasts 30 days, and paid access uses monthly, annual, or three-year subscription terms.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3ds Max annual subscription | Annually · Includes CAT as a 3ds Max feature | $2,010 a year |
| 3ds Max monthly subscription | Monthly · Includes CAT as a 3ds Max feature | $255 a month |
| 3ds Max three-year subscription | Every three years · Includes CAT as a 3ds Max feature | $6,025 a year |
As help.autodesk.com lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the Autodesk 3ds Max website
- Choose the free 30-day 3ds Max trial or a paid subscription
- Install 3ds Max on Windows 10 or Windows 11
- Launch CAT as a feature within 3ds Max
- Create or customize a rig and animate it with CAT tools
Verdict
CAT adds procedural motion, rigging, capture import, and muscle tools to 3ds Max. It offers a 30-day trial, but ongoing use requires a paid 3ds Max subscription on Windows.
Questions
What does CAT cost?
The listed plans are $255 a month, $2,010 a year, or $6,025 a year billed every three years.
Is there a free plan?
There is no free plan, but Autodesk offers a free 30-day 3ds Max trial that includes CAT.
Which operating systems are supported?
Autodesk states that 3ds Max runs on Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Can CAT import motion capture?
Yes. CAT’s Clip Manager can load BVH, HTR, and BIP motion-capture data.
Can CAT be scripted?
CAT objects and controllers can be accessed through MAXScript. CAT itself is not exposed in the public 3ds Max SDK.
What support comes with subscriptions?
Autodesk says 3ds Max subscriptions and Flex purchases include 8x5 support, single sign-on, and usage reporting.
Facts from 3ds Max CAT's own pages
- Animation editing
- CAT provides a non-linear, layer-based animation system with absolute and adjustment layers for editing animation. · help.autodesk.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Character rigging
- CAT rigs support customizable characters, including multi-legged and non-humanoid characters. · help.autodesk.com, 7 Oct 2026
- FBX interoperability
- The 3ds Max FBX plug-in can export a CAT rig as an HIK Skeleton Definition or, if that option is disabled, as a skeleton with standard bones. · help.autodesk.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- Autodesk describes 3ds Max as used by 3D generalists, modelers, animators, and look development artists in games, film and TV, and design visualization. · autodesk.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Motion capture
- CAT’s Clip Manager can load BVH, HTR, and BIP motion-capture data. · help.autodesk.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Muscle simulation
- CAT includes muscle and muscle strand objects for simulating character musculature. · help.autodesk.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Procedural motion
- CATMotion generates motion cycles that adapt to a rig’s velocity and direction, including over uneven surfaces without sliding footsteps. · help.autodesk.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Scripting
- CAT objects and controllers can be accessed through MAXScript, while CAT itself is not exposed in the public 3ds Max SDK. · help.autodesk.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Security
- Autodesk describes secure software development, continuous vulnerability assessment, and risk mitigation as core security practices; this page does not specify CAT-specific certifications. · autodesk.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Software platform
- Autodesk states that 3ds Max runs on Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11. · autodesk.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Subscription support
- Autodesk says 3ds Max subscription and Flex purchases include 8x5 support, single sign-on, and usage reporting. · autodesk.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Trial
- Autodesk offers a free 30-day trial of 3ds Max. · autodesk.com, 7 Oct 2026
- What it is
- CAT is a character animation toolkit built into 3ds Max for creating procedural character animations and rigs. · autodesk.com, 7 Oct 2026
Where 3ds Max CAT stands on Freedom251
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