Let's make it
Instructions.
- 1
Print your kitty: download the free Feed the Kitty printable and choose the colorful cartoon cat or the black-and-white version kids can color themselves. Print on cardstock for extra durability.
- 2
Cut out the cat: cut around the dashed outline and carefully cut out the mouth opening.
- 3
Attach your kitty to a container: position the cat over the opening of a cup, reusable container, or small box. Secure the printable with tape or glue, making sure the mouth stays open for feeding.
- 4
Feed the kitty! Scatter colorful pom-poms on the table and grab a die and some tongs.
- 5
Play: roll the die, count the dots, and use the tongs to pick up the matching number of pom-poms. Feed them to the hungry kitty, then roll again until your kitty has had a big meal! You can also challenge children to feed the kitty specific colors or sort the pom-poms before feeding.
Safety tip
- Small pom-poms can be choking hazards. This activity is intended for children who can safely use the materials with adult supervision. For children who still mouth objects, choose larger, age-appropriate materials instead.
- Make sure the container is stable and all cut edges are smooth.
- Use child-safe scissors for kids, and have an adult cut out the mouth opening if it's tricky.
Why We Love This Activity
We love activities that make skill development feel like play. Here's what kids practice while they feed the kitty:
Fine motor strength: Using tongs encourages children to strengthen the small muscles in their hands while practicing a controlled grasp and release.
Hand-eye coordination: Children coordinate their hand movements with what they see as they pick up pom-poms and aim for the kitty's mouth.
Bilateral coordination: Children can use one hand to stabilize the container while the other hand manipulates the tongs.
Visual motor integration: Moving a pom-pom from the table into the kitty's mouth combines visual information with precise hand movements.
Counting and one-to-one correspondence: Rolling the die and feeding the matching number of pom-poms encourages early math skills in a playful, hands-on way.
Attention and motor planning: Children follow a simple sequence of steps while planning how to grasp, move, and release each pom-pom.
Fun Ways to Change It Up
Color challenge: Roll the die and choose only one color to feed the kitty.
Kitty says: Give your kitty silly requests like, "I'm hungry for three pink snacks!"
No tongs? No problem! Let children use their fingers to practice picking up and releasing the pom-poms.
Make it harder: Use smaller tongs, increase the distance between the pom-poms and the kitty, or add a color-matching challenge.
Grab Your Free Feed the Kitty Printable!
Ready to feed your hungry kitty? Download the free Feed the Kitty printable, featuring a colorful cartoon cat and a black-and-white version.
Save this activity for your next preschool lesson, classroom center, or afternoon of hands-on fun!
