Course Info
This course is perfect for individuals looking to further their understanding in the field of Cat Behaviour, to assess emotional and behavioural well-being and learn how to implement successful behaviour modification programs.
Successful completion will enable you to achieve your goal of making Cat Behaviour your full-time profession, whether you choose to work with pet cats, cats in rescue facilities, those who require rehabilitation or in fact any cat where behavioural analysis, emotionality and behaviour modification may be required.
Being your own boss has a lot of merit for people who enjoy working from home and working their own hours. If you choose to work with companion animals, networking with rescue organisations, trainers and veterinarians in your area is very important as this is where the majority of your referrals will come from. Most of these establishments do not have the time or resources available to address behaviour problems and are usually very relieved to be able to refer clients with problematic pets to someone who is highly qualified to deal with them. Plus, COAPE keeps a database of students who have successfully completed the Diploma and refers clients to them regularly.
Students who successfully complete the Diploma in Cat Behaviour will hold the qualification of ‘COAPE MHERA Qualified Behaviour Practitioner’ and are entitled to use the post nominals DipCABT-C C.C.A.B after their name. Only COAPE qualified behaviourists can become members of the prestigious CABTi and have automatic membership to the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN)
This is a demanding course comprising approximately 80 hours of pre-recorded lectures, 5 assignments and 2 case studies, with 1 module of approximately 10 hours of lectures, being presented about every 4 months.
In addition, students are required to log pro bono hours.
Certificates are awarded on the successful completion of the course.
This course requires dedication as it is one of the highest qualifications of its kind, it is ESSENTIAL that all the books are read, and that additional independent research is done to ensure good marks.
There are 2 options for this course:
1. The standard 24 month course with a pre-set release date for each module, and assignment due dates. This option gives you the chance to connect with other students in your group.
2. Do It In Your Own Time (DIIYOT) which has no pre-set assignment dates, new modules are released when your assignment for the previous one is received. The maximum time allowed for completion is 36 months.
The Diploma in Cat Behaviour starts every April and October, enrolments close 2 weeks before the start date.
With the DIIYOT option the student can start whenever you’re ready to enrol.
What the student will learn
- How to assess a cat’s mood state and emotionality, be able to identify if their environment allows the cat to engage in species specific behaviours.
- Be able to compile a Behaviour Modification report for the client and assist them in working through it, to minimise or eradicate the problematic behaviour.
- The student will be taught how to conduct a consultation and how to write both client and vet reports.
Course Content
- Module 1
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- Domestication process in cats.
- Feline Senses – designed as a hunter.
- The physical and emotional behaviour of survival in cats.
- The physical and emotional development on the modern-day pet cat.
- Module 2
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- Basic Neurophysiology – the brain, neurotransmitters, hormones
- Learning theory relating to cats
- Ethics of punishment
- Use of signals of reward and non-reward
- Feline Communication – verbal and non-verbal
- Dietary influence on behaviour
- Managing resources in a multi-cat household
- Module 3
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- Core Emotional states – Panksepp’s seven systems plus the Self-Care system.
- Behavioural Inhibition system.
- Problem assessment and application using MHERA protocols.
- Therapeutic application of the emotional systems – ESTA.
- Neuroscience of the Core Emotional systems.
- Consent and control in training and behaviour.
- Creating a cat friendly home and garden.
- Indoor vs outdoor cats.
- Module 4
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- Psychopathology in humans and animals.
- Predatory behaviour in cats.
- Reproductive behaviour.
- Neutering/Spaying.
- Module 5
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- Aggressive and reactive behaviour.
- Marking behaviour is cats.
- Protocols for common feline behaviours:
- Cat to cat introductions.
- Cat to dog introductions.
- Introducing how to use a Cat flap.
- Teaching bite and claw inhibition, etc.
- Module 6
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- Counselling skills
- Case study discussions
- Case Studies 1 and 2
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2 Case studies to be undertaken with guidance from your Tutors.
