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How to Solve Cat and Mouse Problem
Master the Cat and Mouse LeetCode problem with undetectable real-time assistance. Get instant solutions and explanations during your coding interviews.
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Hard#913
LeetCode ProblemCat and Mouse
A game on an undirected graph is played by two players, Mouse and Cat, who alternate turns. The graph is given as follows: graph[a] is a list of all nodes b such that ab is an edge of the graph. The mouse starts at node 1 and goes first, the cat starts at node 2 and goes second, and there is a hole at node 0. During each player's turn, they must travel along one edge of the graph that meets where they are. For example, if the Mouse is at node 1, it must travel to any node in graph[1]. Additionally, it is not allowed for the Cat to travel to the Hole (node 0). Then, the game can end in three ways: Given a graph, and assuming both players play optimally, return
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Problem Breakdown
Understanding the Cat and Mouse Problem
Let's break down this LeetCode problem and understand what makes it challenging in interview settings.
Problem Statement
A game on an undirected graph is played by two players, Mouse and Cat, who alternate turns. The graph is given as follows: graph[a] is a list of all nodes b such that ab is an edge of the graph. The mouse starts at node 1 and goes first, the cat starts at node 2 and goes second, and there is a hole at node 0. During each player's turn, they must travel along one edge of the graph that meets where they are. For example, if the Mouse is at node 1, it must travel to any node in graph[1]. Additionally, it is not allowed for the Cat to travel to the Hole (node 0). Then, the game can end in three ways: Given a graph, and assuming both players play optimally, return
HardProblem #913
LeetCodeCat and Mouse
Related Topics
How PhantomCodeAI Helps
Get real-time assistance for Cat and Mouse problems during coding interviews. PhantomCodeAI provides instant solutions and explanations.
Examples
# Example 1
Input
graph = [[2,5],[3],[0,4,5],[1,4,5],[2,3],[0,2,3]]
Output
0
# Example 2
Input
graph = [[1,3],[0],[3],[0,2]]
Output
1
Constraints
3 <= graph.length <= 50
1 <= graph[i].length < graph.length
0 <= graph[i][j] < graph.length
graph[i][j] != i
graph[i] is unique.
The mouse and the cat can always move.
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Solve Cat and Mouse — A game on an undirected graph is played by two players, Mouse and Cat, who alter...
Here's the optimal approach using Math:
def solve(input):
# Optimal O(n) solution
return result
Time: O(n) | Space: O(n)
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Undetectability Checklist
Run compatibility test before interviews
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Platform Compatibility
Zoom
Supported
Google Meet
Supported
HackerRank
Supported
CodeSignal
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CoderPad
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Teams
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Undetectability and technical details
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Platform compatibility and limitations
We work with Zoom, HackerRank, CodeSignal, CoderPad and other web-based platforms. Check the compatibility note and request a browser link if a specific desktop app is unsupported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about solving Cat and Mouse and using PhantomCodeAI during coding interviews.
How does PhantomCodeAI help with LeetCode problems during a coding interview?
PhantomCodeAI reads the problem from a screenshot or listens to it via audio, then generates a complete solution with a step-by-step approach and time/space complexity, so you can focus on explaining your reasoning rather than getting stuck on implementation.
Which programming languages does PhantomCodeAI support?
11 languages including Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, Rust, Ruby, Swift, Kotlin, and C#. Set a preferred language to get idiomatic solutions.
Does PhantomCodeAI work with HackerRank, CodeSignal, and CoderPad?
Yes — it works alongside LeetCode, HackerRank, CodeSignal, CoderPad, and HackerEarth, plus any browser-based coding environment.
Can PhantomCodeAI handle follow-up questions and modifications?
Yes. Capture the modified problem by screenshot or audio and get an updated solution within seconds, including new edge cases and optimizations.
Is PhantomCodeAI detectable during live interviews?
PhantomCodeAI runs as a native desktop overlay that does not appear in screen shares, recordings, or proctoring software, and works with Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and major coding platforms.
Should I still practice these problems on my own first?
Yes. The most durable preparation is solving problems unaided first, then using AI afterward to review your approach, complexity, and missed edge cases — use it to debrief and learn, not to skip the reps.
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