The AWP | PAW is a colorful skin featuring a collage of cats, dogs, and playful doodles. Among its many seeds, one of the most sought-after variations is the Golden Cat pattern, where a golden Maneki-neko (lucky cat) appears prominently. These patterns are rare because the placement of the golden cat depends entirely on the seed number, making some versions far more desirable to collectors.
What Makes the Golden Cat Special
- The golden cat is the rarest and most recognizable motif in the design.
- Only certain seeds place the cat clearly in the center or above the magazine, making it highly visible in first person.
- Patterns are grouped into tiers depending on how well the golden cat is displayed.
Golden Cat Seed Ranking
| Tier | Seed Numbers (Examples) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 41, 350 | Perfectly centered golden cat, highest visibility, most valuable. |
| Tier 2 | 19, 35, 177, 531, 581, 624, 644, 675, 744 | Cat is clear and visible but slightly offset. |
| Tier 3 | 138, 192, 304, 321, 393, 480, 493, 565, 741, 802, 895, 999 | Cat appears partially, or in less ideal placement. |
Rarity and Probability
- There are 1,001 possible seeds for the AWP PAW.
- Only 2 seeds (41 and 350) are considered Tier 1, giving a 0.2% chance of unboxing the best Golden Cat.
- Tier 2 covers about 9 seeds (~0.9%), while Tier 3 has a slightly larger pool but still remains rare compared to standard PAW patterns.
Market Value
- Regular AWP PAW prices usually range from $1 to $12, depending on float and condition.
- Tier 1 Golden Cat patterns often reach $20–$30 or more, with StatTrak versions commanding a premium.
- Tier 2 Golden Cat patterns are valued moderately above market, while Tier 3 usually sells for only a small markup.
Key Facts
- Placement matters most: a centered golden cat above the magazine is considered the “best look.”
- Collectors recognize seeds 41 and 350 as the true top-tier Golden Cats.
- Despite their rarity, Golden Cat AWPs are more affordable than rare knives or covert skins, making them a popular entry-level collector’s item.
