Exploring the Cat IndustryLesson 8

Next Generation Science/Common Core Standards Addressed!

• RST.11‐12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g.,quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem(HS-LS2-6),(HSL2-7),(HS-LS2-8) problem.

• WHST.9‐12.9 Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. (HS‐LS1‐1)

Work!

• Describe the biology and physiology of a cat.

• Explain classes and breeds of cats.

• Identify management, training, and grooming of cats.

• List considerations when selecting a cat.

Terms

• Companion animal

• Declawed

• Hairballs

• Kitten

• Litter

• Neutering

• Queen

• Spaying

• Tomcat

Interest Approach

• Display a litter box, cat litter, a pet carrier, cat brush, and a scratching post along with any other supplies you have access to. You may offer extra credit to students to bring these materials in. Use the supplies to create interest in the subject by discussing what each item is and what it is used for.

What are terms unique to cats?

• Tomcat– mature male cat

• Queen– mature female cat

• Kitten– baby cat of either sex

• Litter– a group of kittens born

to the same parents

• Companion animal– any domestic animal

kept for enjoyment and companionship with humans

• Declawed– the cat’s claws have

been surgically removed by a veterinarian

What are terms unique to cats and their anatomy?

• cats are very common• 60 million are used for

companion animals• Can live up to 30 years• average is between 12

and 18 years• weighs from 6 to 15

pounds• have 250 bones and 500

muscles• Extra sensitive ears,

noses, and paws

• cats are carnivores that can feed on mice and rats but food has been designed especially for their needs

• have an extra taste organ and can distinguish between foods

• have 3-dimensional vision• whiskers are attached to

nerves to help find their way in the dark

What are terms unique to cats and their anatomy?

• Other animals in the cat family include lions and tigers.

• Similar to these wild animals because their foot structure are closely designed.

• Outside cats need to be quick and agile.

• House cats are declawed to protect carpeting furniture, and curtains.

• Keep declawed cats inside because they no longer have their most important defense mechanisms.

Explain classes and breeds of cats.

Objective #2

What are the classes and breeds of cats?

• Many different classes and breeds of cats.

• Purebred or the common house cat

• Two classes of cats– short-haired– long-haired

• 36 breeds in the U.S.• Good website

– http://www.cfainc.org/

• Short-Haired– popular because less work– require little to no brushing– less hair to shed

• Long-Haired• require more work• need to be brushed

frequently• often get hairballs

– wads of hair that collect inside the digestive tract and block the digestion of food

Short-Haired BreedsAmerican Shorthair Burmese

Egyptian MauDevon Rex Korat

Long-haired Breeds

Turkish Angora

Balinese

Maine Coon

Identify management, training and grooming of cats.

Objective #3

How do I mange my cat?

• Selection– healthy & alert– medical attention– vaccinations

• Daily Care– handle with care to

make feel secure– properly bath & groom– fresh water– clean bedding– exercise– check for mites & ticks– monitor eyes– clean teeth– remove plaque & tarter

How do I train and groom my cat?

Training• litter box training• buy a litter box and

some litter• place in a spot out of

your sight• place cat in box• show how to scratch

paws• watch cats for signs it

has to urinate and place in box

• reward the cat

Grooming• brush your cat’s coat

daily• bath occasionally• trims nails with a special

trimmer

Nail Clipping

List considerations when selecting a cat.

Objective #4

What should I consider when selecting a cat?

• tend to be independent and affordableAge

• kittens are cute and cuddly• kittens require more work• adult cats come with old habits

Breed• purebred vs. non-purebred• how much money do you want to invest• pedigree cats are more expensive

What should I consider when selecting a cat?

Gender• unfixed animals

– males may urinate frequently to mark their territory– females will go through reproductive cycles and

become annoying when in heat

• Spaying– removing the ovaries & uterus of a queen

• Neutering– process of altering a tomcat sexually to prevent from

breeding

What should I consider when selecting a cat?

Medical needs• consider to fit cat into

your budget• declawing• spaying or neutering• vaccinations

Review

• What are terms unique to cats and their anatomy?

• What are the classes and breeds of cats?

• How do I manage, train, and groom my cat?

• What should I consider when selecting a cat?

The End!