the Feline Studies (Level 3) course is divided into 10 modules.
Module 1: Origins of the Domestic Cat
This module forms the basis for the remainder of the modules within this qualification. The module allows you to discover how the domestic cat came about by examining:
- Feline evolution.
- Feline domestication through out the world.
- Cats and the role they play in religion.
- The rise and fall of the cat in Europe.
- Folklore, legends and magic.
Module 2: Feline Anatomy and Physiology
This module looks at all aspects of feline anatomy and physiology. The module starts by looking at anatomy and physiology at a cellular level and will also encompass the workings of full body systems. The module will cover the following aspects of anatomy and physiology: 1/ The external parameters and points of the feline body 2/ Cells, tissues, organs and body systems 3/ The locomotory system and the role the skeleton and muscles play 4/ The circulatory system and the role the heart, blood and the lymphatic system plays 5/ The urinary system and the role of the bladder and kidneys 6/ The endocrine system and the role hormones play in the body
Module 3: Feline Neurophysiology and the Sensory Systems
Building on from module 2, module 3 looks at how the nervous system works and how messages are transmitted internally and externally. It examines how the motor and sensory systems work together in maintaining bodily functions. The module will also overview:
- The importance of homeostasis and the role it plays in allowing the body to maintain a constant internal environment.
- The structure and function of the nervous tissue and cells.
- The brain and the central nervous system.
- The sensory organs and how they receive messages.
Module 4: Feline Nutrition
Nutrition forms the key basis to enable a feline to be healthy. The module will look at the key food groups and the role they play in maintaining health. This module will also look at how physiological changes can affect the nutritional requirements of the feline. The module will also cover:
- Nutrient classification and how a deficiency can affect health.
- The feline monogastric digestive system.
- Feeding cats, how much, what and why?
- The commercial food industry.
Module 5: Feline Reproduction
The feline is know as an induced ovulator, meaning it needs to mate to ovulate. During the breeding system, which for the feline species occurs during milder weather, the female feline is known to mate with a number of males. This enables the feline gene pool to be wider as to enable the survival of the species. Module 5 will also examine:
- The male and female reproductive systems.
- The oestrus cycle and breeding season.
- Pregnancy and parturition.
- The development of the kitten.
- Controlling breeding in order to control feline populations.
Module 6: Feline Behavioural Science
The study of feline behaviour is a growth area. The feline is known to be quite elusive and whilst outside our homes a lot is still not understood about their behaviours. The feline is known to be a solitary and an independent species but recent research has shown that this may not be the case as the feline increasingly adapts to the environments they live in with their owners. The module will also examin:
- Feline communication, the importance of body language and scent marking.
- Behavioural development inside and outside the womb.
- Problem or unwanted behaviours including aggression and urine marking.
Module 7: Genetics
The science of genetics is key to understanding how traits are inherited between different generations. Selective breeding is important in increasing numbers where populations may be low, however it is also used by breeders. The breeders will breed desired traits into these breeds for the purpose of appearance, behaviour and the also the reduction of disease. The module will also look at:
- The genome and other definitions.
- Inheritance of feline characteristics, including coat colour and type.
- Mutations that can occur in specific breeds.
Module 8: Feline Health
The health of any species is important. Within this unit preventative measures that can be taken to stop diseases is reviewed. The main preventative measures that are taken to help maintain health includes neutering, vaccination, treatments of parasites, good breeding and the correct diet. Common infectious diseases, their causes and transmission are also discussed. Other diseases where even the best care of the cat will not prevent, will also be discussed. These diseases can include cancers and those linked to inheritance. The module will also look at:
- Infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and fungus’s and how to prevent them.
- Non infectious diseases which includes cancer and those which are inherited.
Module 9: Feline Husbandry
The welfare of the feline is addressed through good husbandry to ensure its needs are met. The feline can live individually or in small numbers usually in our homes. Whilst others may live in larger numbers within people’s homes which is not always ideal due to the stress it can cause and the higher risk of disease that can occur within this species group. Other felines may live on farms and are often regarded as semi feral, whilst others may live in large feral colonies, whilst others may be homed in rescues centres, commercial catteries or breeding establishments either short or long term. Good husbandry is essential in considering the felines living conditions, to ensure they are free from pain, distress and disease. The module will also oversee:
- Rescue organisations including their history, procedures and the management of feral colonies.
- Catteries and breeding facilities and their procedures.
Module 10: Rules and Regulations
Within this final unit animal legislation will be looked at specifically those that affect the feline. The history of animal legislation will be looked at on a global scale. Rules may also vary dependent on the organisation and how cats are used within our society. The module will also examine:
- Animal welfare legislation, its history and how it is used and the ethics in relation to feline breeding for commercial gain or for feline showing.
(Please click on the curriculum tab above to see a detailed view of each module)
