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. 

Each distance learning course has two stages – a compulsory first stage which is common to all of the courses  - and a specifically designed second stage – each at OCN level 3. Each stage has 6 units which can be completed over a period of 9 months.  The first stage course covers feline behaviour, feline diseases (infectious and non-infectious), preventative health care, feline nutrition and feline reproduction.  Students who complete the first year will receive an Advanced Award in Essential Cat Health and Welfare.

For the second stage each discipline has its own set of 6 units which  build on the depth of feline knowledge following on from stage 1 and focus on a particular interest – breeding, rescue or boarding cattery (see the course outlines below).  Students who then complete the second year will achieve enough credits from the combined courses to achieve a level 3 Diploma in the Health and Welfare of Cats in Breeding, Boarding or Rescue – this is quite an achievement. Students who reach Diploma level join the FAB Institute of Cat Professionals and be listed on the FAB website as gaining this high standard.

The courses are run in partnership with COAPE which provides the framework and the administration for accreditation for these courses through the Open College Network, a nationally recognised accreditation scheme. FAB already runs feline friendly veterinary nursing courses in this way and these are proving very popular.

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 courses with the Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE) at www.coape.co.uk.   Each course comprises 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 send 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

Courses start in February each year, and finish in October.  Registrations must be received by January 15.  Courses are available to book now.

Course costs:

Stage 1 Certificate: £445 course fee + £55 OCN registration fee.
Stage 2 Diploma: £445 course fee + £110 OCN registration fee.

A 'block-booking' discount is available for students intending to do both stages AND book at the same time. If students register for both courses at once, the combined registration fee is £110 (instead of £55 + £110 if booked separately). In addition, students booking both stages at the same time can take advantage of an additional 10% discount on the 2nd stage – ie a total cost for both courses of £845 (instead of £890 if booked separately). This comes to a total saving of £100.

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.