Cryptocurrency sounds like a scary word. And, for a while, it probably was.

But now, at least, it has kittens.

Words like “Bitcoin,” “Cryptocurrency,” and “ICO” have only recently landed in the lexicon of popular culture, as digital currency adopters have seen their virtual market index skyrocket. Bitcoin remains the most recognized name of those currencies based on blockchain technology — essentially a master ledger of any and all the currency’s activity, recording transactions, linking buyers to sellers, and so on. But there are more. Many, many more.

Dogecoin, true to name, holds its users faith and trust in their value of a venerated Shiba meme. EarthCoin and WorldCoin play up the technology’s global value, FeatherCoin it’s promised lightweight ease of use, PeerCoin the idea that a leaf is an attractive logo for a currency, and there are at least a dozen coins having something to do with marijuana.

Then, there is Ethereum, a currency based on a blockchain, like the others, but augmented with a system called “smart contracts,” that add another layer of security to transactions, an attractive feature for those wary of a decentralized unit of value. It also comes with a cool diamond logo.

An app based on Ethereum technology has attracted users to spend more than the equivalent of a million USD in exchange for virtual kittens.

Are the kittens worth anything?

No, not really. But people treat them like they are.

Is Ethereum worth anything?

No, not really. But people treat them like they are.

Is Bitcoin? Is PotCoin? Is the Zimbabwean Dollar?

No, not really. And with the exception of the last one, people treat them like they are.

According to TechCrunch, CryptoKitties was developed by the Vancouver and San Francisco-based software company AxiomZen, and lets users trade their virtual kitties like Pokemon, using Ethereum.

“People are spending a crazy amount of real money on the game,” the technology blog reports. “So far about $1.3M has been transacted, with multiple kittens selling for ~50 ETH (around $23,000) and the “genesis” kitten being sold for a record ~246 ETH (around $113,000).”

At the beginning of 2017, 1 unit of Ethereum (ETH) was valued at less than $10, based on rates from Coinbase, KrakAPI, and Mycelium. At the beginning of December, the currency was converting at over $450.

Whether or not Cryptokitties is fun is seemingly besides the point. Many are questioning now, what could happen when it’s not.

If the cryptocurrency bubble bursts with its kitties at the top of the swing, the blockchain may not be remembered as much more than a virtual hairball.

Caring for cybercats is cool, but making a difference IRL is even better. Millions of shelter animals face uneasiness and anxiety every day, waiting for the right forever family to some along. And there’s a way you can help.

Show your own pet how much you care, and lend some crucial support to shelters across the country, just by clicking the button below!