With tools, you can increase your chances of successfully taking out an enemy cat to get precious souls or steal delicious fish. The higher your probability of success, the lower the risk of getting caught.
Plan your attack carefully. Choose the best cat for the job and destination wisely. Tools and instruments will help you! You can see the attack tools in the lower right corner when you click on an enemy cat. Use the pipe, club or golf club to increase your attack chances.
You'll see stealing tools in the lower right corner when you click on a pile of fish. With the gloves, the net or the fork you increase your chances of stealing - and can thus ensure your supplies.
Whether you want to steal or attack, in both cases you can use the time machine and simply rewind failed attempts with it.