Science Projects Involving Observation of a Cat
Choosing a science project can be a little overwhelming because the options are so numerous. Pet owners have a distinct advantage when it comes to choosing a project, as they can choose projects relating to their own pets. Cats are a popular pet and interesting animal, so if you have a cat there are plenty of projects you can do. If you don't, chances are you know someone who is willing to let you observe theirs for a project if you just ask.
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Cat Toys that Stimulate Physically and Mentally
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Design a toy that excites your cat for both physical and mental play by first observing the cat's senses. Make notes about what sights, sounds, tastes, textures and odors are most interesting to the cat. Next, think about what the cat likes to do most. For example, when left to his own devices, does he like to run, stalk, pounce, roll, meow, knead or hide? He may do none, some or all of these things frequently. How do these activities relate to the senses you observed? Make a note of this.
Examine toys available in pet stores for ideas about how to design a toy that brings out those activities your cat most enjoys. Finally, design your own toy based on your observations. Make sure the toy is safe -- can the cat get hurt while playing, or will the cat be harmed if the toy breaks? The toy can be constructed of materials found around your house or bought in a store.
How Long Does it Take to Train Your Cat?
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This experiment allows you to learn how long it takes your cat to learn a trick. Observe the cat's natural behaviors, and make notes of activities you see often such as jumping, sitting, lying down, rolling, meowing (speaking). Choose a behavior you see her do frequently.
Observe the cat and when she naturally performs the activity, praise her ("Good girl, sit!") and reward her with a treat. Work with the cat several times a day for several days, making notes on your observations about how quickly she learns and responds to training. Which treats work best? Does she respond to praise? Does she enjoy performing the trick? Does she ever do the trick on her own to receive the treat? Record any and all progress for your presentation at the end of the experiment.
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Study of Overweight Cats
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Research the ideal weight for male and female cats as well as different breeds of cats. Make a list of all the people you know who have cats, then ask them for permission to observe/examine their cats. Ask each cat's owner if the cat suffers from any health conditions, and make a note of these. Use your hands to feel for fat rolls on the cat's stomach, back, legs and neck. Weigh each cat.
Record these observations for all cats examined. Compare each animal's recorded weight to its ideal weight. Then determine the percentage of overweight cats among all of the cats you observed. How does obesity contribute to diabetes, arthritis or other health problems?
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