Cat anatomy: look, read, explain

Cat anatomy: look, read, explain

Read The Nitty Gritty of Kitties, printed pages 12-13, in Can't Get Enough Cat Stuff. This is nonfiction: use the diagram and captions.

1. Which body part helps a cat sense small movements: whiskers, coat colour or tail length?
2. True or false: whiskers appear only above the mouth. Correct the false statement.
3. Why can cats move their ears toward a sound?
4. What do the paw pads help cats do, besides cushioning their feet?
5. Give two uses of a cat's tail described on this spread.
6. Why might fur puff up when a cat is frightened?

Choose one answer. Explain your diagram or caption evidence.

Teacher notes Cat anatomy quiz

Purpose and preparation

15-20 minutes. Read the checked anatomy spread together. Do not test facts beyond this spread.

Suggested responses

1. 1. Whiskers; the caption describes sensitive nerve connections.
2. 2. False: the diagram includes facial and carpal whiskers on the backs of the front legs.
3. 3. Ear muscles turn the ears toward sounds.
4. 4. The paw-pad caption says cats sweat through the digital pads.
5. 5. Balance and communication of feelings.
6. 6. Muscles attached to hair follicles raise the coat, making the cat appear larger.

Support and stretch

Support: point to the labelled diagram. Stretch: explain how a structure helps its function. Do not handle, frighten or experiment on a live animal.

Teaching links

Suggested England English: discussing reading and explaining ideas. US literacy links apply only to the stated school age group, not automatically to babies. Adapt to the learner; these materials are not an accredited curriculum.