The game is Stray. Developed by Blue Twelve. Published by Annapurna Interactive.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stray_(video_game)
Without spoiling anything, there’s way more to this than just a cat simulator. Loving it so far, in any case. I recommend this to anyone who loves exploring new worlds, interacting with lots of locals, solving puzzles. Everything about it has both a familiar RPG feel and also a sense of new to it. And it plays really well on Linux via Steam.
Ok thanks. That makes sense. I’m always glad to see when anyone can still express hope for a better future.