Best Toy Guide pick · Buying brief

Gamewright Rat-a-Tat Cat

54 cards and rules for two to six players; roughly 10–15 minutes.

★ 4.8 · 3,733 Amazon ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

By Best Toy Guide gift desk · Reviewed 2026-09-05

animals board gamesGift ages 6–12Estimated budget: Under $25

Check price at Amazon ↗

As an Amazon Associate, Best Toy Guide may earn from qualifying purchases. How affiliate links work.

Expanded researched review

A memory game where the small total is the goal

Remembering hidden cards matters because players are trying to end with a low total. Replacing a card changes what must be remembered, giving the short game more movement than a static memory layout. It suits children able to compare numbers and keep track of a few changing positions.

Best fit: A compact family game where remembering and deciding whether to change a card are the main attractions.
Before buying: Children need to compare numbers and remember changing card positions. Match the player count and reading demands to the group before opening the game.

A closer look at the trade-offs

The trade-off

Shopping List is a simpler picture-memory introduction. Sleeping Queens adds arithmetic and special-card interactions. Choose Rat-a-Tat Cat for a compact family game where remembering and deciding whether to change a card are the main attractions.

A suggested first play session

Practice with cards face up, then hide them once everyone understands the low-score goal.

A suggested activity, not a report from a product test.

Compare this pick with 2 alternatives

This pick

Gamewright Rat-a-Tat Cat

Ages 6–12 · Est. Under $25

Choose for: A compact family game where remembering and deciding whether to change a card are the main attractions.
Includes: 54 cards and rules for two to six players; roughly 10–15 minutes.
Consider: Children need to compare numbers and remember changing card positions.

Another option

Orchard Toys Shopping List memory game box and illustrated pieces.

Orchard Toys Shopping List Game →

Ages 3–7 · Est. Under $25

Choose for: Familiar pictures and a predictable matching-and-memory turn structure.
Includes: 4 shopping boards, lists and 32 item cards
Consider: Keep the loose cards together

Another option

Gamewright Sleeping Queens →

Ages 8–12 · Est. Under $25

Choose for: The family wants playful special effects alongside number decisions and is comfortable with progress changing hands.
Includes: 79-card game for two to five players; roughly 15–20 minutes.
Consider: Players can steal queens or send them back to sleep; check tolerance for setbacks.

Compare all details side by side →

Editorial comparison based on recorded manufacturer and retailer details (source notes checked 2026-09-05); not hands-on testing. Updated 2026-09-06. How we review

Product facts: Product details ↗. Comparisons and buying judgments are Best Toy Guide’s editorial assessment.

At a glance

Includes: 54 cards and rules for two to six players; roughly 10–15 minutes.
Format: Compact card game
Gift ages: 6–12 years (our pick)
Setup: low setup

Two easy ways to play

Try this first. Practice with cards face up, then hide them once everyone understands the low-score goal.
Another way to play. Swap who explains the rules and play a rematch, discussing one decision that changed the outcome.

What should I check before buying Gamewright Rat-a-Tat Cat?

Children need to compare numbers and remember changing card positions.

Age, setup & practical details

Manufacturer age: 6+ — check the current packaging
Batteries: Not required
Assembly: Not required
Screen-free: Yes
Adult involvement: low
Mess / noise: low / medium
Travel / small spaces: Yes / Yes

Amazon rating snapshot: 4.8/5 from 3,733 ratings, checked 2026-09-05.

Sources & review notes

Catalog review: 2026-09-05. Buying advice and play ideas are editorial; no hands-on testing is claimed. Check the seller’s exact edition and included items.