How To Play: Cats

Overview

If you want to become the top cat in a game of Cats, you’re in the right spot. After wrangling my friends (and surviving a few cat fights), I’ve gathered the best tips and the game rules. This guide will show you How To Play cats and reveal sneaky ways to win—without knocking anything off the table. Let’s get those paws ready for action!

What’s in the box

• 1 Island board
• 150 Cat tiles
• 85 Fish tokens
• 40 Basket tokens
• 30 Rare Treasure tiles
• 47 Lesson cards
• 18 Family cards
• 25 Oshax tiles
• 4 Boats
• 1 Fish bag
• 6 Reference cards
• 1 Rulebook

How To Play Cats: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Lay out the game board and place the cat tiles in their bag.
2. Give each player a boat board, some fish tokens, and a basket token.
3. Shuffle the discovery cards and deal a starting hand to everyone at the table.
4. Get the cats ready by putting them in the center so everyone can see them.

Gameplay

1. On your turn, pick cards to keep and pay fish to use them.
2. Then, take turns rescuing cats by spending baskets and fish.
3. Place rescued cats onto your boat, being careful to match colors and fit shapes.
4. Complete sets, fill rooms, and avoid leaving gaps, or your points will drop faster than a cat chasing a laser pointer.

Winning

1. After the last round, count the cats, rooms filled, and family sets on your boat.
2. Add points for lesson cards and subtract points for any empty spaces or rats left on the boat.
3. The player with the most points wins. Cat puns at the end are optional but encouraged.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. If you run out of baskets, you can’t rescue a cat that turn, so plan ahead like a clever tabby.
2. Rare cats and special items give bonus points, but watch out for sneaky penalty rules on some cards.
3. Always check the round cards, since they can change the rules and keep you on your toes—or should I say, paws!

Now you know How To Play cats! Trust me, once you play, you’ll never look at a cardboard cat the same way again. Just remember what I learned: do not try to fit yourself in the game box after three rounds. It does not end well…

Best Cats Strategies

Pick the Purr-fect Cats and Win!

Finding the right cats is the heart of this game. The wrong cat can mess up your whole plan. So, you’ll need to be picky—like a real cat! Here’s how to make your picks count. Also, if you’re searching How To Play cats, picking smart is step one.

Spot the Most Useful Cats

1. Pick cats that match your color sets. Don’t get distracted by cute faces, go for sets!
2. Check cat abilities. Some help you steal or block moves, making you king of the board.
3. Watch what your rivals collect and snatch cats that block their sets.

Plan for the Late Game

1. Choose cats that set up combos for more points later. Think three moves ahead, not just the next turn.
2. Grab rare cats early. Your friends will cry inside, and you’ll rack up big points.

Keep Your Picks Flexible

1. If your plan goes wrong, swap to a new color set fast. Don’t get stuck chasing impossible cats.
2. Pick wildcats if you find them. They fit anywhere, just like my old socks under the couch.

Mastering Resource Management in Cats: Your Ticket to Victory

Watch Your Fish Like a Hawk

Fish run out fast in Cats, so keep an eye on your pile. Never get caught short and always plan your next round.

1. Pay only for cats that suit your strategy.
2. Save up for baskets and rare finds.

Make Every Basket Count

Baskets decide how many cats you can adopt. Choose baskets for flexibility, but avoid hoarding—use them when it matters.

1. Pick up cheap baskets early in the game.
2. Balance permanent and temporary baskets.

Spend Wisely, Win Easily

Always question if a card or cat is worth the price. You want more victory points, not an empty wallet! When you learn How To Play cats, keep spending in check.

1. Pass on overpriced cards.
2. Buy what completes your sets.

Master the Art of Blocking in Cats

Predict Their Next Move

I always try to read my friends. Once you know which cat they want, you can mess up their plan. Here’s how:

1. Watch for patterns in their picks.
2. Guess which cats complete their sets.
3. Take those spots first, even if you don’t need them.

Use Your Tiles Wisely

After learning How To Play cats, I figured out basket placement makes a big difference. Try this:

1. Block off long cat shapes with your own picks.
2. Fill key gaps so others can’t use them.
3. Keep your moves flexible for surprise blocks.

Sabotage With Special Cards

Those sneaky action cards? Use them! My friends hate when I do this:

1. Force swaps that ruin their plans.
2. Steal cats they clearly want.
3. Delay their turn with tricksy cards.

Finish the Game With Purrfect Moves

So there you have it, folks. If you want to show your friends you know How To Play cats like a champ, remember to keep your eye on the fish, grab the best cats before your buddy does, and use those baskets like your life depends on it. Don’t forget to block your rivals — especially that one friend who always gloats at the end. With these tips, you’ll not only have a blast but might even win. Unless, of course, you knock your drink onto the board again. (Sorry, Dave.) Good luck, and may your cats always fit!

Want to know what we think of Cats? Read our detailed review of Cats here