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DOMESTIC CAT CARE BAG107

Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification To obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of £30 inc VAT. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested.

Get to know your cats

Unlike our canine friends, who are forever seeking human companionship, the felines are an entity of their own. This is not to say that cats do not like companionship… but it is on their terms! Whether you are working with cats or want to develop a deeper understanding of your pets, this online course will not disappoint.

 

 


 

 

It's easy to enrol...

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Please note, choosing offline (USB stick) will attract a 5% surcharge on top of the course fee

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Love cats? Work with cats? Want your own business? 

Domestic Cat Care is a comprehensive 100 hour course covering all aspects of diet and nutrition, preventative health care and treating illnesses, understanding feline behaviour, breeding, business planning and more..!

  • Developed with the feline professional or cat enthusiast in mind
  • An experiential learning experience designed to help you develop knowledge and skills to work with cats confidently
  • Be familiar with the scope of the feline industry and the services available
  • If you're thinking about cat care specifically as a new income stream or employment option, this course will assist you to demonstrate your ability to work with cats and understand the industry without question
 
 An extensive course for cat lovers and professionals
  • Learn about cat behaviour, diet, nutrition, treating illness and much more Learn about cat behaviour.
  • Understand the requirements for a heathy cat - diet, nutrition, preventative care and treating of illnesses.
  • Learn from our expert tutors.
  • Course Duration: 100 hours of self paced study.  Start at any time; study from home or where you want to.
 
There are 9 lessons in this course.  Each lesson will take around 11 hours to complete. Each lesson is made up of a combination of reading and research, a set task activity, an assignment which is submitted to your tutor and a short self-assessment test (online students only).

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT


Course Duration: 100 hours.
Start Date: Start at any time - study at a pace that suits you, and with full tutor support for the duration of your studies.
Lessons: The course comprises 9 lessons as detailed, below.

  1. Introduction
    • Basic Feline Needs - Basic Duties of the Cat Owner.
    • Food and water.
    • Shelter and Containment.
    • Health care for sick cat.
    • Grooming.
    • Claw trimming.
    • Bathing.
    • Travel.
    • Housebreaking.
    • Introducing a new cat at home.
    • Cats with babies and children.
    • Cats and dogs.
    • Cat breeds: pedigrees and non-pedigrees.
  2. Feline Biology
    • Skin.
    • Eyes.
    • Ears.
    • Nose.
    • Mouth.
    • Digestive system.
    • Reproductive system.
  3. Breeds
    • Domestic cat breeds.
    • International and national associations.
    • Long haired breeds – characteristics, common health problems, temperaments, care, history.
    • Semi-long haired breeds - characteristics, common health problems, temperaments, care, history.
    • Short haired breeds - characteristics, common health problems, temperaments, care, history.
  4. Feline Health Care
    • Preventative care.
    • Vaccinations.
    • Recognising illhealth.
    • Dealing with emergencies.
    • Artificial breathing and heart massage.
    • How to induce vomiting.
    • Specific situations to deal with e.g. burns, wounds, dehydration, hypothermia (and many more).
    • Poisoning.
    • Wounds.
    • Bandaging.
    • Restraining for treatment.
    • Transportation of the injured cat.
    • Desexing.
  5. Feline Illnesses
    • Internal parasites.
    • Roundworms.
    • Hookworms.
    • Tapeworms.
    • Whipworms.
    • Lungworms.
    • Stomach worms.
    • Bladder worms.
    • Flukes.
    • Worm control.
    • External parasite.
    • Ticks.
    • Fleas.
    • Mites.
    • Common ailments and diseases (numerous).
    • Skin disorders.
  6. Feline Diet
    • Introduction to foods and feedings.
    • Dietary options.
    • Free feeding.
    • Scheduled, portion controlled feeding.
    • Understanding dietary requirements.
    • Kittens (0-12 months).
    • Pregnant and lactating cats.
    • Fussy cats.
    • Obesity and overweight cats.
    • Underweight cats.
    • Geriatric cats.
    • Raw diets.
    • Toxic foods.
  7. Feline Behaviour
    • Understanding the cats mind.
    • Personality and temperament differences.
    • How cats communicate.
    • Body language.
    • Sleeping routines and circadian rhythms.
    • Play.
    • Behavioural problems.
    • Recognise and understand aggression.
    • Dealing with aggression.
    • Inappropriate elimination.
    • Excessive vocalisation.
    • Geriatric dysfunction.
    • Controlling killing wildlife.
    • Eating disorder.
    • Abnormal suckling.
    • Separation anxiety.
  8. Breeding and Raising Kittens (includes PBL Project)
    • Cat breeding industry.
    • Ethics in animal breeding.
    • A brief look at genes.
    • Sexual behaviour.
    • Socialisation of kittens.
    • Problem based learning project – Improving Standards for Ethical Breeding.
  9. Feline Services (includes PBL Project)
    • Grooming services.
    • Professional training and handling.
    • Day care or boarding facilities.
    • Rehoming and fostering.
    • Using cats as therapy pets.
    • Health care industry.
    • Feline therapy services – hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, massage.
    • Retail and manufacturing industry.
    • Pet funerals and memorials.
    • Business basics for self-employment in the feline industry.
    • Laws and small business.
    • The importance of keeping records.
    • Buying an established business.
    • Buying a franchise.
    • Approaches to business planning.
    • Problem based learning project – Starting a Small Business in the Cat Industry.

LEARNING AIMS

  • Investigate aspects of domestic cat care and the basic duties of owners and professional carers.

  • Develop understanding of basic biology – anatomy and physiology – and associated processes.

  • Examine variations between different breeds by focusing on common health issues, temperaments and characteristics.

  • Recommend different preventative care schedules and learn how to recognise and treat ill health.

  • Develop clear understanding of parasites, ailments and disease, treatment options available and the significance of veterinary assistance.

  • Investigate feline nutrition and outline an appropriate diet for the domestic cat specific to their needs.

  • Distinguish between normal and abnormal cat behaviour, extending this to develop appropriate strategies for dealing with problem or undesirable behaviours.

  • Assess the current breeding industry and demonstrate ethical standards in cat breeding and rearing kittens.

  • Investigate and evaluate services which exist in the current cat industry and propose a small business idea which is of personal interest.

 

HOW THE COURSE WORKS
You can start the course at any time.

It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies.  Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way.  If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help.

On the successful completion of the 9 lessons you will receive a Letter of Completion awarded by the school.

Or, if you decide to sit the exam and formalise your study, you will receive a Statement of Attainment in Domestic Cat Care (on successfully passing the exam).

The third option is to continue your study - you may choose to go on to further pet industry or animal care qualifications, such as a certificate or diploma.


Where could this course lead you?

 

  • Employment in a pet care retail environment.

  • A foundation to working in animal health care - have you thought of a potential veterinarian career?

  • A first step to further education in the animal welfare field.

  • A basis for starting your business in cat care - maybe you dream of running boarding facilities?

  • Professional breeding and showing.

So you're interested in studying cats and caring for cats ... you could have a chat with one of our course advisers who can tell you more about studying with us. Or you could get started today and take yourself on a new path!  

 

The future is only limited by your imagination.

 

 

 

WHAT NEXT?

Register to Study - Go to “It’s Easy to Enrol” box at the top of the page and you can enrol now.

or

Get Advice –  Email us at info@acsedu.co.uk  OR

Use our FREE COUNSELLING SERVICE to contact a tutor

                                        CLICK TO CONTACT US

 

 
Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

Meet some of our academics

Kara WightKara Wight - Animal Scientist, Photographer and Business woman. BSc (Applied Bioscience and Zoology), HND (Animal Care), HND (Photography & Imaging) Kara gained an HND in Animal Care and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Applied Bioscience and Zoology. She has a wide range of experience working with animals such dogs, small pets, birds, zoo animals, British wildlife and reptiles. Kara gained this experience working within animal parks, canine rescue centres and a wildlife hospital. She also managed an animal care training facility for a college. At this training facility she instructed and lectured students within Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing from National Certificate level to Higher National Diploma levels. Kara also gained an HND in Photography and Imaging and has 5 years’ experience within this sector. She ran a small portraiture and wedding photography business and also exhibited work in art exhibitions. Kara gained more experience photographing sporting and festival events. Kara currently runs a pet care and training business in the UK and also has entry to undertake her MSc in International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law this academic year.
Alison Pearce (animal)B.Sc.(Hons) in Animal Science. Masters Degree in Ecotourism. P.G.Cert. Ed. (Science). Alison's first job was in 1982 as a stockwoman, working with pigs in Yorkshire. Within a few years she of that she was working for the University of Western Australia as a Research Technician and instructor with their school of Agricultural Science.In 1989 she moved to Melbourne University as Unit Manager and Instructor in Animal Husbandry. By the mid 1990's she moved back to England to work in Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing at Cambridgeshire College of Agriculture. Throughout her career, Alison has developed and delivered courses in veterinary nursing and animal sciences for vocational colleges and universities in Australia, New Zealand and Australia. She has built a high level of expertise and an outstanding international reputation as an expert in animal sciences.
Cheryl McLardyA scientist, teacher, writer and animal scientist, with more than 20 years experience including: Sports Horse Stud Groom, Stable Manager, Yard Manager, Equine industrial Training Manager, FE Distance Learning Manager. Cheryl has travelled widely, working in England, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand; and is now based in Scotland. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons), Higher National Diploma in Horse Management, and a City and Guilds Teaching Certificate.
Marius Erasmus Subsequent to completing a BSc (Agric) degree in animal science, Marius completed an honours degree in wildlife management, and a masters degree in production animal physiology. Following the Masters degree, he has worked for 9 years in the UK, and South Africa in wildlife management, dairy, beef and poultry farming.


Check out our eBooks

Working with AnimalsIf you enjoy interacting with animals, are interested in biological science, or are passionate about wildlife, pets or farming; you may thrive in the type of jobs outlined in this book. Get to know more about the industries and the occupations that you could do. The Working with Animals ebook is a comprehensive catalogue to inspire you in your career in working with animals!
Cat Care This ebook is a comprehensive guide to caring for and understanding our feline friends. The association between humans and cats—dates back about 5000 years — although this is not long in the history of human life. The exact origin of cat domestication is often debated by historians. It is known that Egyptian populations held cats in high esteem. In fact, cats were an object of worship. Some figures of cats exist in gold and bronze and numerous paintings depict the importance of cats in Egyptian life. The Romans later recognised the useful nature of cats for pest control in grain stores or in military bases for example. It is thought the distribution of cats throughout Europe can be attributed the Roman Empire’s original use of cats. Cats as pets now outdo their canine equivalents today across the globe, and it is estimated there may be around 90 million cats as pets living in homes in the USA. Cats may be considered a better choice of pet than dogs for people living busier lives or who live in relatively confined spaces (e.g. flats or townhouses), as they require less exercise than dogs, and tend to their own needs and are generally more independent. The explosion of pet cats over the recent decades has led to the emergence of many cat care industries. There are specialists across veterinary health, rehoming and adoption facilities, pet boarding properties, grooming, breeding and reproductive health and the behaviour and training industry. If you are going to keep a pet cat, you need to be prepared to provide for its basic needs as an absolute minimum: food, water, shelter, stimulation (mental and physical) and appropriate health care. Additionally, it is responsible to control cats within reason, reducing any impact upon neighbouring property or wildlife. This is called containment.
Horse CareThis book is an accumulation of information from biology, agricultural science and veterinary medicine. It looks to explore and explain the fundamentals of appropriate horse care aims and techniques. In doing so it will consider horsemanship as a combination of art and science.
Marine AnimalsWith colour photos splashed throughout, this Marine Animals e-book is designed to provide a guide for some of the more common animals found in marine ecosystems around the world. Learn about the creatures hidden by the other 70% of the earth's surface. Explore more...