Are CatNap and DogDay related in Poppy Playtime Chapter 3?

Poppy Playtime Chapter 3 is easily the goriest installment in the game series, but fans are still stuck on CatNap x DogDay wholesome moments from the Smiling Critters ad. 

DogDay has met his ending in the Poppy Playtime Chapter 3, but fanfic enthusiasts could care less. The fans are making their own stories where DogDay and CatNap are not met with terrible fates. But it seems that fans aren’t alone in this. The developer itself may have planted the “SleepyDay” ship.

How are CatNap and DogDay related?

CatNap and DogDay likely share a deeper bond as compared to other Smiling Critters, but it’s tough to say what their relationship is. 

In the Smiling Critters ad, where CatNap calms down the scared Critters with his lavender scent, keen-eyed fans spotted a minor detail. Either it was CatNap’s home or DogDay’s, as a photo frame on the wall depicted the two characters sharing a tight hug. The two characters looked happy and appeared to be friendly with each other. 

In the game, CatNap is the primary antagonist alongside the Prototype, and DogDay is the main leader of the crew. The photo could either be a coincidence since only these two critters play the main role in the game, while the rest appear briefly. That, or the developer, is purposefully feeding the fanfics. 

In any case, the ending of DogDay is completely opposite to what the photo frame in the ad signifies. 

What happens to DogDay in Poppy Playtime Chapter 3?

After sharing crucial information with The Player regarding the Hour of Joy, DogDay dies to mini critters who eat away his body. 

When the player encounters DogDay, the latter is already nearing death, suspended in a jail cell with an amputated body. After sharing all the information, mini critters emerge to finish off what was left of DogDay.