Festival of a Thousand Cats

About this board game

Festival of a Thousand Cats is a trick-taking game for 3–4 players that takes about 40 minutes to play. Cats across the country are searching for their next feast, and the goal is to collect Fish and Milké, an intoxicating blend of milk and catnip.

This is no ordinary trick-taking game. In Festival of a Thousand Cats, both small and large numbers matter, so every card requires careful thought before it reaches the table. The numbers are distributed differently in each season, creating four distinct suits to consider throughout the game.

• Spring
• Summer
• Fall
• Winter

Fish and Milké are essential to a happy celebration, but too much Milké has consequences: even cats can become incapacitated if they drink too much. Managing the feast is therefore just as important as collecting it, so be sure to drink responsibly.

As you play your cards, beware of the crows and look for the right moment to use your trump cards. The seasonal number distributions mean that seemingly modest or especially high numbers can both be significant, and reading the situation is key to taking the tricks that matter.

With its unusual approach to numbers, four seasonal suits, and cat-themed feast, Festival of a Thousand Cats offers a distinctive twist on the trick-taking genre. Think ahead, handle Milké with care, use trump cards well, and try to win more Fish than your fellow players.