Cat Training Program

What is my time commitment?

In addition to your 4-H club meetings, you are asked to participate in three assessments.

What happens during the assessment?

During the assessment, you will be asked to fill out surveys asking questions about you and your cat and your feelings. You will also be asked to participate in a video recorded activity that measures your cat behavior.

How long are assessments? Who needs to attend the assessments?

Assessments are typically no longer than one hour. You, a parent or caregiver, and your cat need to come to each assessment.

When do I need to participate in assessments? How many assessments are required?

You will need to participate in three assessments – one at the beginning of the Youth-Cat Training program, one after the program, and the final one a few months later.

My cat is an indoor and has never been on a harness, let alone a club meeting?! Is that okay?

That’s okay! We are looking for 4-H youth and cats with a range of experience. Your 4-H club leader will help you introduce your cat to a new space and equipment in a way that helps your cat feel safe and comfortable. This grant funded project will supply you with a cat harness and backpack so you are prepared for club meetings.

I’m not in 4-H but I want to participate in the Youth-Cat Training Program. What should I do?

You can join 4-H! You can work directly with Kristen Moore ([email protected]) or your local 4-H faculty to learn next steps.

Is there a cost to participate in the Youth-Cat Training program?

Nope!

What vaccines are required for my cat?

A rabies vaccination is required in addition to the support of your cat’s well-being of proper handling, disease protection, and sanitation as stated by the OSU 4-H Rules and Procedures.

I have little to no animal training experience, let alone any cat training experience! Is that okay?

YES! We are looking to recruit volunteers with a range of experience to teach the Youth-Cat Training program to 4-H members. The curriculum aims to provide hands-on activities and cat handling exercises you can implement in your 4-H club. The training workshop is also an opportunity for you to practice cat training and receive tips on how to adapt the curriculum to fit your 4-H club’s needs.

My kid loves their cat and wants to join the program but there are no 4-H cat clubs in our area. What should I do?

You can become a 4-H volunteer and start a new 4-H cat club! Email Kristen Moore ([email protected]) or your local 4-H faculty to learn next steps on becoming a 4-H volunteer. One goal of the Youth-Cat Training program is to prepare new 4-H volunteers, at any experience level, to feel prepared teaching 4-H kids about the unique physical and behavioral needs of cats.

Am I eligible to participate in the Youth-Cat Training Program?

If you are a 4-H volunteer and have completed all your necessary volunteer requirements, then yes!

What is my time commitment?

After completing the initial three-hour Youth-Cat Program volunteer training, the expectation is for you teach the learning activities and cat training exercises from the curriculum as you see fit to your 4-H cat members.

Q: What happens after I take the Youth-Cat Program volunteer training?

Share what you learned with 4-H youth!

Q: I know 4-H'ers who would love to participate, but they don’t have a cat harness or other necessary equipment. How do I help prepare 4-H'ers to attend club meetings?

Great news! This grant-funded project will supply each participating 4-H'er with a cat backpack and harness. You, as a participating 4-H volunteer, will also receive supplies during the volunteer training.

Q: I’m trying out the activities from the Youth-Cat Program curriculum with my 4-H club members, and I have some suggestions! What should I do next?

We want to hear your feedback! You can fill out the program evaluation survey found in the curriculum or you can email Kristen Moore directly ([email protected]).