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4-H Cat Project

Program Contact: Yakima County 4-H Program Coordinator
(509) 574-1600 • yakima.4h@wsu.edu

4-H Cat Project – If you like learning about cats and having fun, then the Cat Project is for you!  You’ll learn about the skills needed to be a good cat owner.

Objectives

Youth will:

  • Learn about cats and their characteristics
  • Exercise responsible pet care and ownership
  • Study cat care, nutrition, health, breeding, and anatomy

A smiling youth in a green shirt next to a 4-H Cat Project display of cat facts and a cat in a decorated cage.

4-H Cat Curriculum

Available from the Extension office or online.

Level 1:  Purr-fect Pals

This guide features breeds, cat senses, shows, tricks, signs of illness and health, cat sounds, emergency situations, feeding, special diets and traveling with a cat.

Level 2:  Climbing Up

Level 3:  Leaping Forward

Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides

For youth  members

EM4809E – 4-H Cat Project, Unit 1

EM4900E – 4-H Cat Project Unit 2

EM4289E – Cat Anatomy & Physiology, Unit 3

EM4810E – Cat Fitting and Showmanship

For the 4-H member. This guide will help you learn how to prepare your cat for showing, how to handle your cat safely, and what cat show judges look for.

C0793E – Cat Record

This record sheet lists inventory, health, expenses, and shows and contests.

For adult helpers and club leaders

Coming soon!

State Companion and Performance Animals Project Area Resources
A pair of housecats snuggle napping at left. At right, a framed photo of a youth carrying an orange cat. Center, title "cats" in white text on a green background

Helpful Resources

Activity Ideas

Coming soon!

Washington Specific Reference Material

Coming soon!

Other Reference Material

From 4-H Programs

PetPALS Cat Behaviors – Ohio State University Extension, 4-H PetPALS
Below are some examples of different behaviors cats display when they communicate with people, other cats and animals. A cat does not express all of these behaviors in each situation. Remember to create a complete picture within the cat’s environment when interpreting these behaviors. Variations within individual cats, as well as breeds, must be considered when interpreting behaviors. Aggressive and fearful cats can remain irritable for as long as two hours after being provoked. A frightened cat is just as liable to attack as an aggressive one.

PetPALS Stress in Animals – Ohio State University Extension, 4-H PetPALS

Each animal will react differently to changes in its environment, just as each person reacts differently to the stresses in his or her life. Some people deal better with stress than others, as do some animals. It is essential for 4-H’ers to know their pets well enough to be aware of their stress signals to avoid any unhealthy levels of stress.


From Higher Education Institutions

How to Brush Your Cat’s Teeth – Iowa State University Extension (YouTube video)

Are you having trouble brushing your cat’s teeth? Dr. Brenda Mulherin from the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University is here to talk to you about ideas on how to make brushing your cat’s teeth easier.

How to Save Your Cat’s Teeth – Iowa State University Extension (YouTube video)

Do you wonder if your cat has a bad tooth? Dr. Brenda Mulherin from the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University, is here to talk to you about what to look for if you think your cat is having dental issues and how to treat it.


From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals

 


 

Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H

National 4-H Cat Curriculum Collection

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