Cat-themed board and card games
    Cat-themed board and card games
    Reviews

    Top Cat Board Games for Every Type of Player

    By 15 Mins Read


    Cat board games are winning over gamers and cat lovers alike with their irresistible blend of strategy, charm, and creativity. Whether you enjoy complex tile-laying or quirky card games, there’s a feline-themed tabletop experience designed for you.
    

    What Are Cat Board Games?

    Cat board games are tabletop games that revolve around feline themes, characters, or mechanics. They can range from family-friendly, whimsical games featuring adorable kitty artwork to strategic games with deep gameplay that just happen to be cat-themed. These games often appeal to cat lovers and board game enthusiasts alike, combining the charm of cats with engaging gameplay.

    Types of Cat Board Games

    Cat board games come in various styles and formats, catering to a wide audience:

    • Family Games: Lighthearted and easy to learn, such as Exploding Kittens or Cat Crimes.
    • Strategy Games: More complex games that incorporate deeper mechanics, like Calico or Isle of Cats.
    • Party Games: Quick, humorous, and social—perfect for gatherings, such as Cat Chaos.
    • Card-Based Games: Games where cards are the primary component, often portable and fast-paced.

    A number of cat board games have gained popularity for their quality, gameplay, and creativity. Here are a few standout titles:

    • Exploding Kittens: A highly popular card game known for its quirky humor and fast-paced gameplay. Created by Elan Lee and Matthew Inman, it has sold millions of copies worldwide.
    • The Isle of Cats: A strategic tile-placement game where players rescue cats from an island before it’s destroyed. Praised for its engaging mechanics and charming artwork.
    • Calico: A puzzly, relaxing board game where players create quilts and attract cats. Known for its beautiful visuals and satisfying strategy.
    • Cat Lady: A light strategy game where players collect cats, food, and toys to earn points. Quick to learn and play, it’s a great choice for casual gamers.

    Why Cat Board Games Are So Appealing

    The appeal of cat board games lies in their thematic charm and broad accessibility. Here’s why they’re loved by many:

    • Cat Lovers’ Delight: Many cat enthusiasts enjoy seeing their favorite animals featured in creative and fun ways.
    • Art and Design: These games often feature cute or artistic illustrations of cats, making them visually attractive.
    • Variety of Complexity Levels: Options for every type of gamer, from casual players to hobbyists.
    • Gift Potential: Cat-themed board games make great gifts for cat lovers and board game fans alike.

    Where to Find Cat Board Games

    Cat board games are widely available both in physical stores and online. Here are some common sources:

    • Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Walmart, and Target offer a large selection.
    • Board Game Shops: Local game stores often carry popular and niche cat board games.
    • Publisher Sites: Buying directly from publishers like The Oatmeal (Exploding Kittens) or City of Games (Isle of Cats).
    • Crowdfunding Platforms: New cat-themed games often launch on Kickstarter or Gamefound.

    References

    Cat-themed board games have gained a significant following among tabletop enthusiasts and animal lovers alike. These games blend strategic gameplay with charming feline aesthetics, making them perfect for casual gamers and cat fans. Here are some of the most popular cat board games currently available:

    Cat Lady

    Published by AEG (Alderac Entertainment Group), Cat Lady is a fast-paced card drafting game designed for 2–4 players. In the game, players take on the role of cat lovers who collect cats, food, toys, and costumes to earn victory points. Created by designer Josh Wood, the game is known for its adorable artwork and straightforward mechanics, making it accessible for both families and casual gamers. The game typically takes around 20–30 minutes to play.

    Exploding Kittens

    Exploding Kittens is a highly popular card game created by Elan Lee, Matthew Inman (The Oatmeal), and Shane Small. While not a traditional board game, it is often grouped with them due to its widespread popularity and tabletop format. It’s a quirky, Russian Roulette-style game where players draw cards in hopes of avoiding the dreaded exploding kitten. With its whimsical art and humorous tone, Exploding Kittens appeals to a broad demographic and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

    Calico

    Calico is a tile-laying board game designed by Kevin Russ and published by Flatout Games and AEG. In Calico, players compete to sew the coziest quilt by placing colorful fabric patches on their boards. The goal is to attract cats to your quilt by creating specific pattern combinations. The game combines strategic depth with a relaxing theme and features beautifully illustrated components. It supports 1–4 players and is especially loved by puzzle enthusiasts.

    The Isle of Cats

    Designed by Frank West and published by The City of Games, The Isle of Cats is a polyomino-style board game where players rescue feline creatures from an island before it is destroyed. Each cat has a unique shape and color, and players must fit them onto their boat while managing resources and completing objectives. With a solo mode and options for up to 4 players, The Isle of Cats is praised for its balance of strategy and theme, along with its replayability.

    Cat Crimes

    Cat Crimes by ThinkFun is a logic-based single-player game designed for puzzle lovers. Players are tasked with solving a series of feline misdemeanors by using clues to deduce which cat committed the crime. The game includes cardboard cat figures and a board representing different crime scenes. With escalating levels of difficulty, Cat Crimes is both educational and entertaining, making it a favorite among parents and educators.

    Kittens in a Blender

    A dark-humored but surprisingly strategic card game, Kittens in a Blender challenges players to save their own kittens while pushing opponents' kittens toward peril. Designed by Closet Nerd Games and published by Redshift Games, the game is for 2–4 players and is known for its fast-paced gameplay and tongue-in-cheek tone. Despite its provocative title, the game is lighthearted and meant to be humorous rather than gruesome.

    Here, Kitty Kitty!

    Here, Kitty Kitty! is a light strategy board game by Fireside Games where players attempt to lure neighborhood cats onto their property. The game combines hand management and area control mechanics, and supports 3–6 players. With its playful theme and colorful components, it’s a family-friendly game that appeals to both kids and adults.

    Pusheen Purrfect Pick

    Based on the popular internet cat Pusheen, Pusheen Purrfect Pick is a lighthearted board game published by Ravensburger. Designed for 2–5 players, it involves collecting items and snapshots to complete goals and earn stars. Its simple mechanics and adorable artwork make it perfect for younger players and fans of the Pusheen brand.

    Cat Tower

    Cat Tower is a dexterity-based stacking game published by IDW Games. Players take turns folding and stacking paper cats in a tower without toppling them. The game is easy to learn and suitable for all ages, emphasizing careful hand movements and balance. It’s a great party or family game that provides quick and engaging entertainment.

    Reference

    Cat board games often integrate a mix of traditional and innovative mechanics to simulate feline behavior, challenge players strategically, and encourage interaction. Common mechanics include tile placement, action points, set collection, and variable player powers, each tailored to the theme of cats and their curious nature.

    Tile Placement

    In many cat-themed board games, such as "Isle of Cats," tile placement plays a central role. Players strategically place polyomino-shaped cat tiles on their personal boards, representing boats or shelters. The goal is to fit as many cats as possible while optimizing space and meeting specific objectives. This mechanic challenges spatial reasoning and forward planning.

    Set Collection

    Set collection is frequently used to simulate collecting different breeds or colors of cats. In games like "Cat Lady," players draft cards representing food, toys, and cats, aiming to collect sets that yield the most victory points. This mechanic emphasizes planning and resource management, rewarding players who can balance multiple goals.

    Resource Management

    Feeding cats, acquiring toys, or building shelters often requires players to manage limited resources. For example, in "Calico," players must balance aesthetics and cat preferences when placing quilt tiles. Each decision involves trade-offs, reinforcing the importance of resource allocation and long-term planning.

    Variable Player Powers

    Some cat board games introduce asymmetry by giving each player unique abilities or starting conditions. These variable powers can influence strategy and increase replayability. For example, in "The Isle of Cats: Explore & Draw," players may choose different lesson cards that guide their scoring strategy, providing a customized experience for each game.

    Gameplay Elements

    Thematic immersion, player interaction, and game pacing are essential elements that define the gameplay experience in cat board games.

    Thematic Immersion

    Cat-themed games often excel in thematic execution. Artwork, tokens, and narratives are designed to reflect feline behavior and charm. In "Cat Crimes," a deduction game, players solve puzzles involving mischievous cats, each with distinct personalities. These thematic elements enhance engagement and appeal to cat lovers.

    Player Interaction

    Although some cat games are solitaire-friendly, many incorporate direct or indirect interaction. In drafting games like "Exploding Kittens," players use cards to alter the course of play, creating tension and humor. Competitive tile placement or resource races also foster a dynamic and interactive environment.

    Game Pacing and Complexity

    Cat board games range from light, family-friendly experiences to deeper strategic challenges. For example, "Cat Lady" offers quick playtime and simple rules, making it accessible to casual gamers. On the other hand, "Isle of Cats" and its expansions introduce advanced modes with intricate scoring systems and long-term planning, appealing to hobby gamers.

    Replayability and Strategic Depth

    Many cat board games are designed with modular components, randomized setup, or multiple paths to victory, ensuring high replay value. Strategy can vary from game to game based on available resources, opponent actions, and personal goals. This variability keeps gameplay fresh and encourages players to experiment with new tactics.

    References

    • "The Isle of Cats" by City of Games, 2019.
    • "Cat Lady" by AEG, 2017.
    • "Calico" by Flatout Games, 2020.
    • "Exploding Kittens" by Exploding Kittens LLC, 2015.
    • "Cat Crimes" by ThinkFun, 2018.

      Understanding Your Preferences and Play Style

    When choosing the right cat board game, it's important to consider your personal preferences and who you'll be playing with. Are you looking for a light-hearted party game, a strategic challenge, or a family-friendly option? Some games feature simple mechanics and quick playtimes, perfect for casual gaming nights, while others involve complex strategies and longer sessions that appeal to avid board game enthusiasts.

    If you're a fan of storytelling and immersive themes, games like "Exploding Kittens" or "Cat Lady" offer engaging narratives and artistic design. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactical depth, titles such as "Calico" or "Isle of Cats" provide layered gameplay with decision-making and puzzle elements.

    Age Appropriateness and Number of Players

    The recommended age range and player count are key factors in choosing a suitable cat board game. Many cat-themed games are designed with families in mind, offering accessible rules for younger players. For example, “Cat Crimes” is a logic game suitable for kids aged 8 and up, while “The Isle of Cats” is geared toward players 12 and older due to its strategic depth.

    Player count is also crucial—some games are best for two players, while others accommodate larger groups. “Exploding Kittens,” for instance, is ideal for parties and supports up to 5 players with the base game, and even more with expansions. Be sure to select a game that fits your typical gaming group size.

    Game Length and Complexity

    Different cat board games vary widely in terms of how long they take to play and how complex their mechanics are. If you're looking for a quick game that can be played in under 30 minutes, titles like “Cat Stax” or “Meow” offer fast-paced fun with minimal setup. These are great for short gaming sessions or as warm-up games.

    For gamers who enjoy in-depth planning and multiple layers of strategy, more complex games like “Calico” or “Isle of Cats” can take 60–90 minutes or more. These games often include resource management, tile placement, and long-term planning, offering a more rewarding experience for experienced players.

    Theme and Aesthetic Appeal

    Cat board games come in a variety of artistic styles and themes, from whimsical and cartoonish to elegant and detailed. The visual design can greatly enhance the enjoyment of the game, especially if you're a cat lover. Games like “Cat Lady” feature charming illustrations and playful humor, while “Calico” boasts beautifully patterned quilts and cozy feline characters.

    Consider what type of artwork and theme resonates with you. Whether you prefer cute and cuddly kittens or clever feline detectives, there's a cat board game that matches your aesthetic taste.

    Replayability and Expansion Options

    Some games offer more replay value than others, thanks to randomized setups, variable player powers, or modular boards. “The Isle of Cats” is known for its high replayability due to different boat layouts and card drafting mechanics. Similarly, “Calico” offers unique challenges each time you play by varying quilt patterns and goals.

    If you're looking for a game that grows with you, consider whether expansion packs or additional content are available. “Exploding Kittens,” for example, has several expansions that add new cards and mechanics, keeping the gameplay fresh over time.

    Reviews and Community Feedback

    Before making a purchase, it's helpful to read reviews from other players and check community ratings on platforms like BoardGameGeek. These resources offer insights into how a game performs in real-world settings and whether it lives up to its marketing claims.

    Look for feedback on game balance, component quality, and overall satisfaction. Watching gameplay videos or reading rule summaries can also help you understand whether a specific cat board game will be a good fit for your collection.

    Educational Value

    Cat-themed board games go beyond simple entertainment; many of them incorporate educational elements that appeal to both children and adults. These games often encourage cognitive development, strategic thinking, and social skills.

    For example, games like "Cat Crimes" by ThinkFun offer logic-based challenges where players use deductive reasoning to solve puzzles. This style of gameplay is especially effective in developing problem-solving skills and is often recommended for children aged 8 and up. The structured logic puzzles mimic real-life reasoning tasks, making them useful tools in educational settings.

    In addition, games like "Exploding Kittens" introduce younger players to basic game mechanics such as turn-taking, risk management, and probability. While simple on the surface, these gameplay elements help foster critical thinking and decision-making skills in a fun, low-pressure environment.

    Some board games also incorporate elements of reading and storytelling. For instance, "The Isle of Cats" combines resource management with a narrative element, where players rescue cats and place them on a boat using polyomino tiles. The game encourages reading comprehension and planning, as players must interpret various goal cards and strategize accordingly.

    Teachers and parents often use these types of games as educational tools to reinforce soft skills like collaboration, patience, and empathy. Multi-player formats encourage communication and teamwork, which are crucial competencies in both academic and everyday life.

    Entertainment Value

    The entertainment factor of cat-themed board games is one of the primary reasons behind their growing popularity. These games often feature charming artwork, engaging themes, and humorous elements that make them appealing to a wide age range.

    Take "Exploding Kittens," for example. It became one of the most-backed Kickstarter projects in history, thanks to its quirky humor and fast-paced gameplay. The game is easy to learn and can be played in groups, making it a go-to option for parties and family game nights.

    Another highly regarded game, "Calico," combines beautiful visuals with strategic depth. Although the premise revolves around sewing a quilt to attract cats, the gameplay requires careful planning and spatial reasoning. The tactile and aesthetic pleasure of placing colorful quilt tiles adds a relaxing yet mentally stimulating dimension, enhancing the overall entertainment experience.

    Games like "Cat Lady" blend light strategy with thematic humor, where players collect cats, food, and toys. These types of games are often designed with replayability in mind, offering varied setups and strategies that keep players engaged over multiple sessions.

    Additionally, many cat board games incorporate solo play modes or cooperative mechanics, broadening their appeal to different types of gamers. This flexibility ensures that players can enjoy the game regardless of group size or play style preferences.

    In essence, the combination of adorable feline themes, engaging game mechanics, and inclusive design makes cat board games a delightful source of entertainment suitable for all ages.
    Cat board games bring together engaging gameplay, endearing artwork, and endless entertainment. Whether you’re seeking a thoughtful solo puzzle, a lighthearted party game, or a strategic showdown, there’s a purr-fect title waiting for you. Explore the world of cat-themed games to find your new tabletop favorite, and let your inner cat lover shine.


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