Monopoly Replaces Iron With Kitty Token

Do not pass "Go"! Do not collect $200! But be sure to pick up that invaluable "get out of jail free" card.  And if you’re an avid felineophile, while you’re playing Monopoly making your fame and fortune in this game, don’t forget to take a leisurely stroll down on the Boardwalk to meet the new kitty who’s taken up residence on your magnificent and grandiose estate. Be sure to welcome her with a “scritch” under her chin.

So how did this new kitty get chosen? According to Reuters, Hasbro, the makers of Monopoly, set up a month-long online vote that had 185 countries participating. The charming, perky silver kitty token drew 31-percent of the votes, ousting the iron, which only drew 8 percent. A diamond ring, a helicopter, a guitar and a toy robot were the other choices offered to voters as replacements for the iron token. But much to the delight of cat lovers, the kitty pounced her way to a huge victory.

"While we're a bit sad to see the iron go, the cat is a fantastic choice by the fans and we have no doubt it will become just as iconic as the original tokens," said Eric Nyman, Hasbro's Gaming's senior vice president and global brand leader.

When she becomes the newest token to grace the highly popular board game later this year, this little cat will be sure to add new life to Monopoly, a board game created in the 1930s. Plus this cat will have an animal companion: the little Scottie dog token.

The goal of Monopoly is for players to amass a fortune. By renting, trading and buying as many properties as possible, strategic players who are savvy and creative enough can get rich quick. According to Hasbro, more than a billion people have played the game, which is sold in 111 countries and is available in 43 languages and in a digital version.

Hardcore Monopoly fans, take note: a gold-colored version of the eight classic tokens, along with the five tokens included in the online vote, will be released in a special edition.

Will you be more inspired to play with the addition of the new kitty token? Tell us in a comment.