Manuals required!
Level 1 (Grades 3-5) Pet Pals
Level 2 (Grades 6-8) Scurrying Ahead
Level 3 (Grades 9-12) Scaling the Heights
** Fair Entry – You MUST register your 4-H project in Fair Entry if you plan to exhibit at the 4-H Fair. See page 21.**
Requirements to exhibit an animal:
- Select and care for a small animal or pocket pet (must start by May 15). Small animals include, but are not limited to, gerbils, white mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, fish, reptiles, caged birds (such as canaries, finches, parakeets, etc.). Animals requiring special permits to hold in captivity will not be allowed.
- Read and study your 4-H project manual and other materials related to your small animal.
- When you exhibit your small animal, the cage will be considered in judging, and project manual.
- The small animals will be released at the conclusion of the final judging.
- The 4-H member must be present to show their animal.
- Limit 1 exhibit per species, 3 exhibits maximum.
- Animals are judged by species.
- See General Requirements for All Species.
- Optional Exhibits: Can exhibit a poster, binder, or notebook. All requirements
- above apply. Poster, binder, or notebook are turned in during Small Animals/Pocket
- Pets/Cats check-in. Submit along with your manual and record sheet.
Cats (part of small animal judging)
Manual required!
Level 1 (Grades 3-5) – Purr-fect Pals
Level 2 (Grades 6-8) – Climbing Up
Level 3 (Grades 9-12) – Leaping Forward
Animal Health Requirements for Exhibition of Domestic Animals in Indiana can be found on page 33 of Fair book.
1) Each member may show one cat.
2) To be eligible, you must have the cat by May 15 of the current year and it must be born before April 1 of the same year.
3) Each cat must have a 4-H Cat Vaccination Certificate showing the cat has been vaccinated within the year.
4) The Cat Project Record must be completed by the 4-H member and one activity per chapter in the cat manual.
- The cat may be either a purebred or a household pet.
- The cat must be fed and cared for by the 4-H member.
- Cats will be classed according to their predominant characteristics.
- It is suggested that cats be collared and on a leash for the show. It is suggested that cats be brought in a well-ventilated box or carrier.
- All 4-H cats must have their toenails clipped for exhibit for safety reasons.
- Any cat that is pregnant or that has had a litter within the last 3 months will not be eligible to show. The 4-H member can still complete the project by bringing the completed records to the cat show and explaining the situation.
- No female cat may be shown if she is in season at the time of the show.
- To Exhibit at the Indiana State Fair, see State Fair Animal Entry on page 40!
