Within the cat world, like anywhere else, there are people who want to work in a highly professional way, doing the job based on maximum knowledge and current information.  Yet it can be hard for these people to differentiate themselves from others who may be less diligent about the cats in their care.  Now FAB, working with Royal Canin, and in association with the Centre for Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE), is launching a set of distance education courses for cat professionals – those working to the highest level with cats in breeding, rescue or cattery situations.  All the courses are accredited by the Open College Network and are nationally recognised qualifications. 

The cat professional courses have been put together by FAB experts to provide practical, concise and accurate information for those working with cats on a professional basis.  FAB is recognised for its expertise in feline information. Through its veterinary division, the International Society of Feline Medicine, it provides education, conferences and a highly regarded journal for vets.  Its fabcats website, which provides information for owners and cat professionals receives almost 25 million hits annually.  FAB’s new division, the International Fund for Cat Welfare focuses on  the unowned cat and the need for information and standards in this difficult area of cat care.

Supported by Royal Canin

Royal Canin has worked around the world with breeders, veterinarians, catteries and in the rescue arena for many years and understands the importance of education and knowledge in the provision of high quality cat care.  The company has supported the development of the courses and will work alongside FAB to help those who wish to work to the highest standards.

The courses are open to anybody in any country who can undertake the course in the English language.

Students register for the correspondence courses with the Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE) at www.coape.co.uk.  Each course comprises 5 or 6 units which are administered online.  Students received notes and can use the COAPE student resource site for further information, videos etc.  Each unit has a workbook which students complete and return to COAPE from where it is sent to FAB tutors who will mark the units and give students feedback. More details are available on the COAPE website and this is where registration etc takes place.

Timings and costs

Registrations must be received by January 15.  Courses are available to book now.

FABPRO1 Certificate in Feline Health and Welfare
Course duration – 9 months (February 1–October 31)
Cost – £445 course fee + £65 OCN registration fee.

FABPRO2 Diploma in Feline Health and Welfare
Course duration– Over 2 years (February 1–October 31 for first 6 units, then February 1–October 31 the following year)
Cost – £845 course fee + £110 OCN registration fee.

If you have already successfully completed the FABPRO1 Certificate in Feline Health and Welfare you will be exempt from repeating the mandatory units of the Diploma and are eligible for a proportionally discounted Diploma course fee. Details will be supplied at the time of application for the Diploma.

To register go to www.coape.co.uk

If you are interested in undertaking further qualifications in dog behaviour and the care of dogs, please also look at the COAPE site as there are several other courses available.