Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Catscratch

Huge · Aberration · CR 3 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

13 (natural armor)

76 (8d12+24)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Huge

Type Aberration

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Skills

Perception +3 Stealth +6

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison

Condition Immunities

poisoned

Traits

Keen Smell

The catscratch has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Nine Lives (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest)

When the catscratch would be reduced to 0 hp, it instead drops to 9 hp.

Pounce

If the catscratch moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the catscratch can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action.

Actions

Bite

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d10+4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 hour. A felid or feline humanoid that fails this saving throw contracts catscratch fugue.

Claws

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+4 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The catscratch makes one bite attack and one claw attack.

Vomit

Recharge 5–6

The catscratch vomits poisonous bile in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw, taking 10 (3d6) poison damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one. A felid or feline humanoid that fails this saving throw contracts catscratch fugue.

About Catscratch

Catscratch is a huge aberration with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 76 hit points (derived from 8d12+24).

GM Tips: Using Catscratch

1 tips available

When using Catscratch in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 15 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.

Player Guide: Facing Catscratch

1 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 15 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 1,200 XP
Hard: 1,800 XP
Deadly: 2,400 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Catscratch?: Catscratch has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Catscratch?: Catscratch is a Huge Aberration, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.