Description
In this fast-paced card game, your goal is to collect cards so that you’ll have the lowest possible point value. That means getting rid of the high cards (rats) and going for the low cards (cats). When you think you’ve got the lowest score, you call out “Rat-a-Tat Cat!”
This quick game builds your child’s memory skills and number sense, plus you can play a whole game in about 10 minutes, which is great for an extra dose of connection with your child before bedtime.
Because this game works so well with a wide range of ages, it’s fun for the whole family, from young kids to tweens to parents and grandparents, too. It’s the perfect mix of silly, challenging, and fun!
Note: The manufacturer says this is for ages 6 and up, but according to several other families (including mine!) most 5-year-olds are ready for this game.
From the Manufacturer
A game of suspense, strategy, and anticipation. Get rid of the high cards (rats) and go for the low cards (cats). Sneak a peek, draw two, or swap cards for an added twist. Low score wins the game. A poker face helps!
As your child plays Rat-a-Tat Cat, they develop a sense of timing and an understanding of basic mathematical concepts. They learn ways to remember their cards and strategies to figure out what cards other players might have. They also begin to develop an intuitive sense of probability. Rat-a-Tat Cat requires skill, strategy, and awareness, challenging both young children and adults.
Lisa –
We LOVE Rat-a-Tat Cat. And I will only play games I enjoy too!
Patricia Medina –
We now own many of the games you recommend. My 5 year old’s current favorite is Rat a Tat Cat by Gamewright. I really like how the rules can be adapted for an “easy” and “hard” version of the game, giving the game more longevity. She also LOVES to play Outfoxed.
Liz Schwab –
I am a teacher and mom of three and I LOVE this game. It is a fantastic way to teach more and less as the kids try to get the lowest number cards they can. It builds memory skills and strategy/planning skills, but it also has a bit of luck mixed in. My kindergartener and I both love it!
Rebecca –
This game was a gift from my daughter’s preschool teacher and it has been well loved for 10 years! It is fun with the codes and teaches more and less and is great fun! We have really enjoyed this game and it comes in a tin, so we easily and frequently take it on trips.
Stephanie –
Our whole family (kids now aged 11, 8 and 5) have been playing this game together for two years. It is great for a quick family game before bed on weeknights and it has not lost its appeal throughout different ages and stages of kids. We love this game!
Naomi –
LOVE this game. 6 yo, and the two parents. It’s so fun and I can’t believe how well my 6 yo picked up on it and can remember who has what and outfox us. It’s so fun to practice your poker face and it’s a good memory exercise for my aging brain. It’s my favorite right now and it’s portable! We took it camping and if someone else has their own deck, we can play virtually or from 6 feet away with masks.
Star Stivitts –
Fun for all ages. Our kids started playing at 3. My kids love teaching the grown ups how to play… then win!
Isabel –
I bought this hoping to teach my 6 year old some adding skills. It wasn’t a hit at first, but once she got the hang of remembering what the cards were (they’re turned over), she started winning almost every time. It’s quite an easy game – good for a couple of months. Not for sore losers. =)
C. Harper –
Our family loves Rat-a-Tat-Cat. It is a fun, quick game that keeps the interest of my younger and older children. We have adapted rules for the younger ones so it is enjoyable for everyone. Our rule is that the younger kids can look at the outer two cards at any time (adults – only once at the beginning), but everyone’s cards are all face down. I love that it encourages adding and problem solving skills. If kids are not ready to add on their own yet adults can help them at the end of that round and it does not disrupt the play of the game. My boys love to look at the pictures on the cards too.
Danielle –
This is my daughter’s go to game. She is 6 and LOVES playing with anyone who is willing. I love that there is a bit of math, memory and strategy involved, and not just luck. She has had the game for six months and is still not bored of it, even though she plays it 5-10 times a day.