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Pets

47of74

(18,470 posts) Thu Mar 3, 2016, 02:05 PM Mar 2016

Iowa City Program Encourages Kids to Read to Cats

Cool!

A new program at the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center will have kids reading to cats.

The "Read to the Paw" program was launched this week by the shelter.

"The cats are soothed and socialized by the young reader’s voice, and students are able to strengthen their reading skills and build confidence by reading out loud in front of a non-judgmental audience," shelter officials said in a news release.

Having children volunteer at the shelter helps build community relationships and encourages children to get involved, officials said.