A Game of Cat & Mouth: How to Play This Flicking Party Game
By Exploding Kittens | Party card games, puzzles, greeting cards ... | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the A Game of Cat & Mouth rules, from setup and flicking to scoring. A quick, physical party game where you launch balls through a giant cat head.
Quick answer
To play A Game of Cat & Mouth, set up the cat head and ball cluster, then take turns flicking balls through the cat's mouth to score. The first player or team to reach the target score wins. It's a fast, physical party game for quick rounds.
Why the flicking setup matters more than you think
A Game of Cat & Mouth is a dexterity game, so the physical setup directly affects fairness and fun. The cat head and ball cluster need to be centered and stable before the first flick. If the board shifts or the balls are unevenly grouped, one player gets an easier shot. Take an extra minute to align everything and agree on the table surface. A smooth, hard table works best; a soft or uneven surface makes flicks unpredictable.
Common rule mix-ups to avoid
New players often confuse the flicking motion with a push or scoop. You must flick with one finger, not grab or drag the balls. Another frequent mistake is forgetting to reset the balls after each turn. In A Game of Cat & Mouth, the ball cluster is typically re-centered after every flick so each player faces the same challenge. Also, decide before you start whether you're playing individually or in teams, because scoring and turn order change accordingly. The game supports both, but mixing them mid-game causes confusion.
How scoring works and when to stop
Scoring in A Game of Cat & Mouth is straightforward: each ball that goes through the cat's mouth scores a point. But the game usually ends when a player or team reaches the target score stated in the instructions. If you don't have the instructions handy, agree on a target before playing—common targets are 5 or 10 points. Without a clear target, games can drag or end abruptly. For a party setting, a lower target keeps rounds short and lets more people play.
Step-by-step: How to play A Game of Cat & Mouth
- Set up the cat head and balls: Place the cat head upright in the center of a smooth, flat table. Group all balls into a tight cluster directly in front of the cat's mouth, following the included setup diagram if you have it. Check that the cat head doesn't wobble and the balls are evenly clustered before anyone flicks.
- Choose teams or individual play: Decide before the first turn whether you're playing solo or in teams. For teams, alternate players from each team. For solo, take turns clockwise. Write down the order or announce it clearly so no one forgets whose turn is next.
- Flick, don't push: On your turn, use one finger to flick one ball from the cluster toward the cat's mouth. You may not scoop, drag, or touch other balls with your hand. If a ball moves because you accidentally nudged it, put it back and re-flick.
- Score and reset: After your flick, count any balls that went through the mouth. Then re-cluster all remaining balls in front of the cat for the next player. Agree on whether balls that stop inside the mouth count—decide before the game starts.
- End the game: Play until one player or team reaches the agreed target score (e.g., 5 or 10 points). If you're using the official rules, follow the target listed there. For parties, set a lower target to keep rounds fast and let more people rotate in.
Product facts
- A Game of Cat & Mouth: The Game Where You Launch Balls Through A Giant Cat Head This confirms the core mechanic: you flick balls through the cat's mouth to score, so aim and finger control are the main skills.
A Game of Cat & Mouth
