I’m an interesting fella. I started playing MtG when BFZ was just released, and the Eldrazi stole my heart. And let me tell you, my friends did NOT like that. But with Amonkhet, a different tribe gave me renewed joy in tribal decks: Cats.

Ever since I heard about Pioneer, I’ve wanted to take apart my very horrible Modern Azorius Copy Cats deck and build a proper Cats deck. But I never had enough drive to do so, until now. Ikoria has some pretty tasty goodies for Cat Tribal, such as [[Kaheera, the Orphanguard]] and [[Cubwarden]]. But I’ve never been a deck builder (I just throw cards that seems cool/powerful/funny together and call it a deck), so I’m lost on what to do, and would love suggestions/help.

In mid-January, MTGGoldfish/SaffronOlive showcased a $98 Budget Selesnya Cats deck, so I figure this is probably the best place to start, and progress could be made from here. But after that, I’m not sure what I should do (as I said, I’ve never really had the creative capacity for deck building).

I’ll also state that for suggestions, I don’t really need a sideboard (except for the Companion), because my friends and I tend to switch decks often when we play, and I don’t go to the nearest LGS’, because they’re filled with assholes. Now, onto Ikoria’s effects on the deck.

Does [[Frondland Felidar]] ever make the cut due to the synergy with Kaheera, or is it not enough/something the deck isn’t interested in doing? Does [[Lurrus of the Dream-Den]] get a slot, or is it just not right for the deck?

Should Cat Tribal stay in Selesnya or do new cards like [[Nethroi, Apex of Death]], [[Necropanther]], and maybe even [[Call of the Death-Dweller]] provide a big enough incentive to build Cats in Abzan/splash black, and look around some other sets in Pioneer?

I’d love to hear what everyone thinks about Pioneer Cats, and what to do with it.