CatNap was introduced by Playtime Co. in 1989 alongside the Smiling Critters. In their cartoon, he was portrayed as silent and distant, using red gas to put the other Critters to sleep, which unsettled viewers. A production error later caused CatNap plushies to release Red Smoke instead of the intended lavender scent, and children began suffering intense nightmares. This led to a major controversy, a recall of the toys, and a severe decline in Playtime Co.’s profits, contributing to the launch of the Bigger Bodies Initiative. Meanwhile, orphan Theodore Grambell was secretly influenced by The Prototype, whom he believed to be an imaginary friend. After Theodore was severely electrocuted while following The Prototype’s instructions, he was chosen as the test subject for Experiment 1188, the Bigger Body version of CatNap. On November 7, 1990, Theodore was transformed into CatNap after a difficult surgery. His purpose was to watch over Playcare, put children to sleep with Red Smoke, and allow scientists to abduct selected children for experiments. On November 20, CatNap escaped his cell, killing six employees and injuring eight, while still showing memories of Theodore. He was then conditioned for 49 days, seemingly losing his former identity, and transferred to Playcare in 1991. Although the children initially feared him, most eventually accepted him. CatNap became deeply devoted to The Prototype, eventually worshipping him as a god. In 1994, he told Leith Pierre, “The Prototype will save us.” During the Hour of Joy, CatNap helped massacre the employees at Playcare and later continued serving The Prototype. He imprisoned Miss Delight and her sisters, formed a truce with Miss Delight, built a shrine to The Prototype, and imprisoned DogDay for opposing him. CatNap remained in Playcare, worshipping The Prototype, until the Player eventually returned.
