Kids Kraft: Clay Pot Cat

Shelters across the country are bulging with animals that people have thrown away.

The Humane Society of the United States, sponsor of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, estimates that shelters care for 6 million to 8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States. As many as half of them are killed each year because homes can’t be found for them.

A playful puppy or a cute kitten may be irresistible, but many times people don’t understand the commitment that comes along with owning an animal.

After the babies grow up and learn bad habits that could be avoided with proper training, people decide they don’t want the animal after all.

Owners must be prepared to provide proper shelter, nutrition, medical care and training to have a successful relationship with a pet — usually for more than 10 years.

National Shelter Appreciation Week, celebrated the first week of November, is dedicated to educating people about abandoned dogs and cats that are living in foster homes and shelters, waiting for someone to offer them homes.

If your family decides it wants an animal to love, please consider adopting a pet from any of the wonderful shelters in your area.

I made this black cat to represent the millions of animals waiting for homes. I used instructions I found at tinyurl.com/yg7eay3 on the Web to make this craft and modified the directions.

Supplies you will need:

• 2-inch terra cotta clay pot.
• 1 ½-inch wooden ball head.
• Black and white craft foam or felt.
• Black and white acrylic paint.
• Small wiggle eyes.
• Craft glue.
• Clear acrylic spray (optional).
• Paint brushes.
• Scissors.

How to make it:

• Paint the clay pot and the wooden ball head black. Put them aside to dry.
• Once the paint is dry, flip the clay pot so the bottom is facing up and glue the wooden ball onto the bottom of the clay pot.
• Glue eyes on the front of the ball.
• Use a small paint brush to paint on a white nose, mouth and a line down the front of the pot as if to divide the cats legs.
• Cut a few bristles from the paint brush and glue to the nose for whiskers.
• Spray it with the clear acrylic sealer, if you would like.
• Cut two ears out of black craft foam or felt and two smaller pieces out of white foam to fit inside. Glue them together, then onto the head.
• Cut an S-shape tail out of craft foam or felt and glue it to the back of your cat.
• Cut two half circles out of white fun foam and glue them onto the bottom edge of the clay pot for feet.