HI MagicT,
Try this:
for($i = 1; $i <= 100; $i++){
$myVar = "cat" . $i;
$$myVar = "The value of cat" . $i . " is put here!";
}
Using $$ you can name a variable then call it.
It's not in context above but it should point you in the right direction. Personally I steer clear of {} as they can be troublesome.
I hope that helps!
David