Girl showing cat to judge

4-H Pet Program

Pets

Youth learn how to care for their pets, as well as the science and nature of companion animals. Pets have included cats, tropical fish, rabbits, birds, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs and dogs. This project offers the opportunity for a youth to have some meaningful responsibility and take pride in caring for something alive.

National 4-H Small Pets Materials

Ohio State University 4-H PetPALS

National Science Digital Library

Want to learn more about your favorite pet? Search the library with key words like "pet" or "goldfish."

Pet Health and Wellbeing

cat

Cats

Objectives of a cat project may include identifying cat breeds, understanding cat behavior, learning how to groom and handle cats safely, identifying signs of illness and health, being prepared for emergency situations, learning how to feed and care for cats of different ages and stages of development and learning how to transport cats. Training and showing cats may be secondary goals.

For cat population and health regulations, contact your local NY county health department.

New York state law requires all cats older than 4 months to have a valid, current rabies vaccination. For Preventive Healthcare Guidelines, contact your local veterinarian.

National 4-H Cat Curriculum

Cat Curriculum Helper’s Guide
Cat Curriculum Level 1 – Purr-fect Pals
Cat Curriculum Level 2 – Climbing Up
Cat Curriculum Level 3 – Leaping Forward

Washington State University Extension

4-H Cat Project – Unit One
4-H Cat Project - Unit Two
4-H Cat Project - Unit Three

Other Resources

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Partners in Animal Health - Resources for Cat Owners
Cat Fanciers Association
Ohio 4-H Cat Showmanship
Nebraska 4-H Virtual Cat Club

Looking for information on dogs?

For more information

Contact Brian Aukema at bja14 [at] cornell.edu (bja14[at]cornell[dot]edu).