How to Play the Cat and Sparrows

If you are looking for a fun physical game for kids that does not require too much structure, you have found it! The Cat and Sparrows is a great active game, with the potential to get the blood pumping and burn plenty of excess energy in a short time frame.

It is a great game to play as an ice breaker game as an easy way to help kids interact and get to know each other

Features of the Cat and Sparrows Game

★ Game Name	Cat and Sparrows
★ Group size	medium to large
★ Age	kids (6+)
() ★ Type	active
★ Skill	running
★ Place	outdoor or indoor (gym)
★ Time	up to 5 – 15 min
★ Preparation	no
★ Materials	a piece of chalk or hula hoops

Aim of the Game

The aim of The Cat and Sparrows is to tag (catch) other players by chasing them.

This game of tag involves a Cat who is “IT” and Sparrows who need to get into their nests without being tagged.

Group Size and Age

This game is excellent for younger kids as it is simple to pick up. You need to have at least 5 players so that four kids can sit in the circles (nests) and the Cat (IT) can be the tapper.

The game can be played by anyone from the ages 6 and above, however, younger children may require adult supervision for safety.

Preparation and Materials

The Cat and Sparrows game can be played in open spaces both indoors and outdoors, just ensure you have plenty of space, so kids can run around freely.

You will also need to draw circles (nests or safe-zones) on the ground. Instead of drawing circles, you can use hula hoops on the floor or some other objects that will be considered as nests.

Always remember to remove any sharp or unsafe objects around before playing to avoid someone stepping on them accidentally.

How to Play the Cat and Sparrows Game

Step 1: Start by drawing circles on the ground or placing down a bunch of hula hoops on the floor. Nominate one person to be the Cat. Then get all of the other players (Sparrows) to stand in the circles (nests). One player per circle.

Step 2: The Cat sits in the middle and sleeps (head down). When the Can is sleeping, all the Sparrows then leave their nests and start moving around.

The Sparrows cannot stay close to their nests, they must go fly to the limits of the playground and start moving clockwise and counterclockwise.

Step 3: The Cat can wake up at any moment and start chasing the Sparrows around the game area.

Step 4: To get safe from the Cat, the Sparrows must run to the circles or hoops on the floor and stand in there. They can enter other “nests”.

Step 5: If the Cat catches the Sparrow, then the Sparrow becomes the next Cat. If the Cat doesn’t catch any Sparrow, it must sit in the middle and sleep again, so the process repeats.

Variations of the Cat and Sparrows game

Anyone caught is out. The game continues until the last person standing gets to be the “Cat” next round.