How to Play Cats and Robbers: Family Game Night Fun
By Relatable | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the rules of Cats and Robbers by Relatable, an active family game where mice sneak cheese past a blindfolded cat. Step-by-step instructions included.
Quick answer
In Cats and Robbers, mice strap on squeaky foot pads and try to steal cheese from a blindfolded cat who swings an inflatable paw. The first mouse to grab three cheeses wins.
What makes Cats and Robbers different from a typical card game
Unlike quiet card games, Cats and Robbers gets everyone moving. Mice wear squeaky foot pads that announce every step, while the cat relies on hearing to swing the inflatable paw. This physical twist keeps kids engaged and laughing, especially if they usually lose interest in seated games.
Who will enjoy it most
The game works best for kids ages 6 and up who can follow simple rules and enjoy a bit of chaos. It's a great pick for family game nights with multiple children, but very young toddlers may struggle with the blindfold or the concept of stealth.
How to play Cats and Robbers: step by step
- Set up the game: Place the cheese pile in the center of the playing area. The cat puts on the blindfold and stands near the cheese. Each mouse straps one squeaky pad to their foot. Make sure the playing area is free of tripping hazards.
- Start the round: The cat counts down from 10 while mice scatter to positions around the room. When the cat says 'Go,' mice try to sneak toward the cheese one at a time. Mice must move slowly to avoid squeaking too much—fast steps make more noise.
- The cat swings the paw: When the cat hears a squeak, they swing the inflatable paw in that direction. If the paw touches a mouse, that mouse returns to the starting line and loses their collected cheese. The cat cannot remove the blindfold to peek, or the round is invalid.
- Steal the cheese: If a mouse reaches the cheese pile without being tagged, they grab one cheese and return to the starting line. Play continues until one mouse collects three cheeses. Mice can try to distract the cat by squeaking from different spots.
- End the game: The first mouse to collect three cheeses wins. For a longer game, play multiple rounds and tally total cheeses. Swap roles after each round so everyone gets a turn as the cat.
What's in the box
- Cats and Robbers by Relatable - Can You Steal the Cheese Without Getting Caught? An Up and Active Family Games and Kids Games Pick - Includes 1 Inflatable Paw, Cheese, Squeaky Mice Feet and More.: Includes 1 inflatable paw, cheese pieces, and squeaky foot pads. The inflatable paw is the main tool for the cat to tag mice, and the squeaky pads make sneaking a noisy challenge.
Cats and Robbers by Relatable - Can You Steal the Cheese Without Getting Caught? An Up and Active Family Games and Kids Games Pick - Includes 1 Inflatable Paw, Cheese, Squeaky Mice Feet and More.
