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Teach a Kid Respect for Cats and Other Animals

Animal Advocacy for High School Students

By , About.com Guide

High School

Many students of high school age are ready to take on advocacy issues. A good place to start is with the urgency to relieve animal overpopulation by spay and neuter. Talk about the mathematics first; they are always a real eye-opener to the extent of the problem, and visually show how a local problem can have global impact. (As a refresher, one female cat and her offspring can be responsible for 100 to 400 kittens born in just seven years.)

What Can Kids Do?

  • Hold fund-raisers (bake sales, car washes, sock dances, etc.) to raise money to donate to shelters and rescue groups.
  • Talk to your shelter and local supermarkets about a pet food collection area for donation to local shelters (shoppers buy pet food to donate and the store sets it aside for collection.)The students can pick up and deliver the food on a regular basis.
  • Kids of almost any age can make "Catnip Mice" for donating to shelters and rescue groups. Or sell them at a craft fair and donate the proceeds.
  • Home Ec students can put together small "snugglers" for lining cages.

We've started with a few ways you can help kids make a difference in our world. You no doubt will think of more.

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