A cat is no ordinary pet! They seem sweet, all curled up on the corner of the couch or as they snuggle their favourite toy, but don’t let that fool you! When you least expect it, a cat may pounce! This book has great information on cat behaviour as well as cat facts!
Why use this book?
- Great information on cat behaviour and facts
Animal Welfare Concerns:
- Although cats are technically not wild (they have been domesticated over thousands of years), they are genetically very similar to their wild cousins and have retained many behaviours of these wild cousins.
- The cat is illustrated with its head in a flower vase. Lots of common houseplants are toxic to cats (i.e. lilies)! If you own a cat, you should be aware of which common house plants and flowers are non-toxic.
- The cat is illustrated a couple times being outside, unaccompanied at night. Cats and wildlife are safest when cats are indoors.
Activity:
- We use observation to learn more about animals and the natural world. Go through the story again with your students, but first, ask students the following questions to encourage them to really observe the actions of the cat.
- What are the visible characteristics of the cat? What does the cat look like?
- What is the cat’s behaviour?/What is the cat doing?
- Next, have students observe an animal (insects, local wildlife, or pets) and have them complete the Observing Animals activity sheet. Encourage students to share any questions they have about their observation. ADVISE STUDENTS: While observing wildlife, it is critical to avoid disturbing the animal. Remind students to be respectful by giving the animal space, being quiet and observing from a distance. Never touch or feed wildlife as this can result in injury to the animal and the person.
Additional Resources Related to Book:
- For information on the importance of enrichment, including tips to engage play in cats, read: Cat Play: It’s more important than you think!
- For an extensive list of poisonous plants, click here.
