Pet Lover's Birthday Party
Kids will have spots before their eyes and wiggles in their bodies when they party with their furry friends. If you want a less frisky event or are limited to an indoor party, consider making your event “stuffies only” and ask each child to bring a favorite stuffed critter. Or ask the kids to dress up as their favorite dog or cat, spots and all. Whether celebrating a child’s birthday or a pet’s birthday, you’re sure to have a romping-good time.
Make It Special!
“Alley Cat” (and Dog) Activities
- Organize a backyard or neighborhood pet parade (be sure to have plenty of adult supervision). Award prizes to the pets, such as biggest, smallest, curliest, one with the most spots, making sure each pet gets a prize. Prizes can be animal stickers, miniature plastic animals or animal coloring books.
- Guess how many dog biscuits or cat treats are in a huge plastic jar. The closest guess gets to lead the parade.
- Play “pin a spot on the dog or cat” (tailor your game after “pin the tail on the donkey”).
- Creating furry friends is a good indoor as well as outdoor activity. Start with paper plates for heads and add trimmings such as paper, feathers, fake fur, plastic eyes, fabric fringe and pipe cleaners.
- “Poor Pussycat” is a favorite children’s game. The child that is “it” pretends he is the cat and sits in front of another child and meows. The other child has to pet the “child-cat” and say “poor pussycat” three times without laughing. If the child doesn’t laugh, the cat moves on; if the child laughs, he or she becomes the new cat. You can play “Poor Puppy Dog” or “Poor Woof-Woof” to feature dogs.
- Capture the event with plenty of film. Because there’s bound to be lots of playful activity, consider using a video camera as well as taking still shots.
- Send kids home with a doggie bag full of pet-themed treats.
Pooch and Feline Fun Decorations
- Check party stores to spot a colorful selection of party plates and tableware.
- Use a rubber stamp of a giant paw print and washable paint to mark the path to the party activities (it may be to the backyard or front door).
- Animal-shaped piñatas filled with candy make an exciting addition to a party; they can be hung from a tree outside. Purchase them at party stores, or make your own using balloons and papier-mâché.
- Top a picnic table with white butcher paper and “spot” it with black markers, or use a rubber stamp of a dog or cat paw print.
- Make place markers by creating animals using a miniature Slinky toy for the animal body, paper for the head and a pipe cleaner for the tail. Write the child’s and pet’s names on card stock, and insert in the Slinky portion.
Frisky Food Fun
- Scoop ice cream into cupcake liners and decorate with candies to resemble cats and dogs. Make ears from broken candy bars. Candy-coated chocolate candies are good for noses and eyes. Add details with tubes of decorating frostings and gels.
- Pets are important, too. Keep them happy with a handy supply of water and treats. If guests’ pets have special diets, ask the guests’ to bring their own treats.
Party Pictures
Preparation Guide
Up to 3 Weeks Before
- Make Cupcakes and/or Kitty Cat Brownies, but do not frost; wrap tightly and freeze.
The Day Before
- Make Sweet and Crunchy Snack Mix; store tightly covered.
- Make the fruit cubes for the Strawberry Coolers.
- Make cupcakes and/or brownies if not already made.
- Frost and decorate cupcakes and/or brownies.
- Scoop ice cream into cupcake liners and refreeze.
The Morning Of
- Cut watermelon into small wedges.
- Place snack mix in doggie bags or small paper cups.
When the “Furries” Arrive
- Serve Strawberry Coolers and the snack mix to the kids.
- Grill the Pluto Pizza Dogs.
Just Before Asking the Kids to Come to the Table
- Place watermelon wedges and hot dogs on each plate.
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