Venomized CatHow it works & interactions with other cards

Lethal Touch and Self-Mill

Venomized Cat features two distinct mechanics. First, Deathtouch ensures that any amount of damage it deals to a creature is enough to destroy it, making it an excellent deterrent against large attackers. Second, it has an 'enters' triggered ability that requires you to mill two cards immediately after it arrives on the battlefield.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you cast Venomized Cat and it resolves, it enters the battlefield. This immediately puts its triggered ability on the stack. Before any player can take further actions, you must mill the top two cards of your library. If you have fewer than two cards in your library, you simply mill as many as you can. This process does not use the draw mechanic, so it will not cause you to lose the game if your library is empty.

Strategic Timing

Because this creature has Deathtouch, it is often best played when your opponent has a single, large threat you need to trade with. However, since it mills two cards, you might play it early to set up graveyard-related strategies, such as reanimating creatures or fueling cards that count the number of cards in your graveyard.

Common Pitfalls

Remember that the mill ability is not optional; you must put those two cards into your graveyard even if you are worried about running out of cards. Also, keep in mind that Deathtouch only works if the creature deals damage. If Venomized Cat is destroyed before the combat damage step, it won't take the opposing creature down with it.

Interaction examples

Symbiotic Synergy

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne and choose 'Cat' or 'Villain' as its type, Venomized Cat's ability triggers an additional time. When Venomized Cat enters, you will mill two cards, and then mill another two cards, for a total of four cards sent to the graveyard.

Filling the Graveyard

Solemn Simulacrum

While both creatures have 'enters' abilities, they trigger independently. Playing Venomized Cat can help you mill cards that you might want to recur later, while Solemn Simulacrum ensures you have the mana to keep casting your spells. If you mill the Simulacrum with the Cat, you've successfully set up your graveyard for future recursion spells.