3ds Max CAT review
A capable CAT rigging toolkit for 3ds Max, with broad animation workflows and host-specific scope.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
3ds Max CAT, or Character Animation Toolkit, is a character-animation plug-in integrated into Autodesk 3ds Max. It is designed for artists and technical users creating character rigs and animation within the 3ds Max environment. The toolkit supports customizable CAT rigs for humans, animals, bugs, robots, and other character types, with options to start from presets or build rigs from scratch. Its workflow includes FK/IK manipulation, nonlinear animation, animation layers, procedural motion cycles, and motion-capture editing.
Pricing is structured around the paid 3ds Max subscription rather than a separately priced CAT product. The subscription includes access to 3ds Max, where CAT is integrated, and a 30-day free trial is available. There is no free plan. This makes CAT most suitable for teams or individuals already working in 3ds Max, while users seeking a standalone rigging application may find the host-specific model less suitable. CAT is available on Windows and integrates with 3ds Max as its documented platform.
CAT’s standout strength is the range of animation workflows it brings together in one host. CATMotion can generate procedural cycles, while motion-capture tools support import, mapping, retargeting, and editing. Muscle simulation uses non-rendering helper objects, and MAXScript provides access to CAT controllers and objects for programmatic workflows. Rig presets can be saved in RIG or RG3 formats. Choose 3ds Max CAT when customizable character rigs and integrated animation tools are central to your pipeline; choose an alternative if you need a cross-platform or host-independent rigging system.
3ds Max CAT pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Customizable rigs for humans, animals, bugs, robots, and other characters
- FK/IK, nonlinear animation, procedural cycles, and animation layers
- Motion-capture retargeting, muscle simulation, and MAXScript access
- Where it doesn't
- Runs on Windows and supports 3ds Max as its host
- No free plan; access is tied to a paid 3ds Max subscription
- Documented rig preset formats are RIG and RG3
3ds Max CAT fact sheet, pricing and score →
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