This specialised diploma is designed to academically prepare individuals for a role as a feline behaviour advisor. It serves as a comprehensive programme for those seeking expert knowledge in feline behaviour management without the time or financial commitment required for a university degree in animal behaviour.
Key Features:
- Focused on Felines β This programme specifically covers feline behaviour and psychology. Those seeking a broader education in animal behaviour may wish to consider the Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour.
- Entry Requirements β Due to the technical nature of the material, applicants must demonstrate their ability to study at this level (Level 5: HND/Foundation Degree). A long-standing, practical experience with cats alone may not be sufficient to qualify, though each application is assessed on individual merit.
This course provides an in-depth theoretical foundation for professionals aiming to work in feline behaviour advisory roles, ensuring they have the expertise to assess and support feline behavioural management effectively.
Why choose us?
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Comprehensive & Detailed β Unmatched in-home study quality! β
No Work Experience Required β Focus purely on theory and essential knowledge. β
Immediate access to course material! β
What You'll Learn:
- What is learning? An introduction to learning theories.
- The different ways cats learn.
- Habituation.
- Classical and operant conditioning.
- Stimulus generalisation and stimulus discrimination.
- Types of reinforcement.
- Vicarious learning.
- Learning through experience, trial and error learning and one-trial learning and the effects on future behaviour.
- The genetics of the cat, and how genes can affect behaviour.
- Biological principles; cell division, types of reproduction.
- The principles of inheritance of genes.
- The links between cats and their ancestors, similarities, and differences.
- How domestication and artificial selection have changed the physical and behavioural characteristics of cats.
- The differences between the divisions of the nervous system.
- The different neural pathways between voluntary and involuntary behaviour.
- The structure of the nervous system.
- Overview of the brain and the functions of the various parts.
- Neurotransmitters and how they affect feline behaviour.
- The senses of the cat and how they differ from other species.
- A detailed look at the sense of smell and how this affects feline behaviour.
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- The classes and types of veterinary drugs.
- Different ways that drugs act on the body.
- The ways that drugs can impact upon feline behaviour.
- Some common medical disorders and the ways that these can influence the behaviour of a cat.
- For the project a chemical that might be found within the environment is selected and researched to find out how this could impact upon the health and behaviour of the cat.
- Homeostasis and the normal physiology of the body.
- How health and physiology can affect feline behaviour.
- Various medical conditions are covered, and their behavioural effects.
- The physiological and behavioural effects of stress, and the hormones involved.
- Other biological factors, for example how hormones or nutrition can influence behaviour.
- The external factors that can affect the behaviour of a cat.
- The environment in which the cat lives, and the experiences it has had.
- The interactions between other cats, and also with people.
- The importance of socialisation in early life.
- Scientific research that has been carried out into the social development of kittens.
- The problems that can occur due to poor socialisation.
- The importance of consistency when training cats.
- The effects of a cattery environment on behaviour and stress levels.
- This module introduces some case studies for analysis to identify causes of problem behaviour.
- Do animals think?
- Do they experience emotions?
- Do they recognise themselves in a mirror?
- Are they aware of the intentions of others?
- Can we define intelligence and what it means?
- A review of the scientific research that has been carried out on animal emotions.
- An analysis of the selfish gene theory.
- The many possible causes of a particular behavioural problem (root causes of behaviour).
- Environment, nature, nurture, pharmacological, physiological causes, and how more than one of these could be the cause of a problem.
- How we can diagnose the cause of behaviour, by asking questions and analysing the situation.
- Drawing on knowledge gained from the previous modules to discuss all the possible reasons why a cat is behaving in a certain way.
- Designing history sheets to use during client consultations.
- Maintaining a professional image when dealing with clients and the veterinary profession when working as a behaviourist.
- The importance of excellent communication skills.
- The business aspects of working as a behaviourist, such as insurance and code of conduct.
- Dealing with clients, using tact or sympathy when dealing with clients and difficult situations.
- Designing promotional material.
- Writing letters to veterinary professionals.
- The way we interact when dealing with cats, and how our own behaviour can potentially influence theirs.
- Fear and how to deal with it.
- Aggression and why it might occur and how to deal with it.
- The scientific study of behaviour, including presenting reports, interpreting data and graphs.
- Carrying out an observational study of your own on feline behaviour.
- Analysing different methods of dealing with a behavioural problem to determine the likely success of different approaches.
- Introduction to law
- The process of bills becoming Acts of Parliament and becoming law
- Understanding the differences between Municipal Councils, Provincial Legislation and National Legislation
- Local by-laws and their governance under local municipalities
- Understanding the legislations that covers captive and domestic animals under the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962
- Understanding fines and imprisonment under the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962
- Review of animal care legislation in South Africa
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of South Africa
- Analysis of case studies to pull together all the knowledge gained throughout the course.
- The examination of ten different behavioural problem case studies.
- Suggesting how you would go about assessing and solving the problems.
- Demonstrating knowledge of all factors that might affect feline behaviour, including learning, genetics, and biological and environmental factors.
- Suggestions for solving problem behaviour.
- Production of professional reports and letters to clients and veterinary professionals.
Course Details:
Study Level 5Β
The study Level relates to the how demanding the course is. 1 is beginner and 5 is HND / Foundation Degree level.
12 Module Course - This course is delivered in 12 study modules which need to be passed to gain the qualification.
Your future starts here!
π Education in Animal Welfare, Training & Behaviour
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Enroll Anytime β No strict start dates
π Study from Anywhere in South Africa
π Choose from 30+ Courses
π Open to Everyone β Except Advanced Diplomas
β³ Flexible Learning β Each module takes up to 4 months, or finish faster
π« No Exams β
Interactive Learning Approach Each module includes: πΉ Research-Based Questions β Strengthen understanding through exploration πΉ One or Two Projects β Apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios πΉ Revision Questions β Reinforce key concepts for mastery
π³ Affordable Payment Options
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Internationally Accredited Learning Institution by ICOES
πLocally Recognised by SABCAP
πΉ Also Recognised by IAABC, CBTS, NCFE, IACE, ISAP