Cats are popular pets and fascinating wild animals with a reputation for being fiercely independent and challenging to train. But through understanding feline psychology, you can manage and influence cat behaviour. This course is ideal for cat-lovers and essential for people who work with cats.
The Certificate of Cat Psychology and Training is an online program that will teach you about cat psychology so that you can apply this knowledge to manage and influence the behaviour of cats.
In this professional development course, you will explore cat communication and learn to identify signals that indicate natural behavioural characteristics or problem behaviour.
This course will also cover business skills and knowledge required to operate a successful business with cats, such as a pet shop, cat café, cattery or a breeding or cat grooming business.
On completion of this course, your knowledge of cat behaviour will enable you to respond appropriately to manage cats in a personal or professional capacity.
Course Structure
Unit - Cat Psychology and Training
Unit 1 – Nature and scope of cat psychology
- Cat nature and history of domestication
- Terminology
- Nature and scope of cat psychology
- Introduction to cat behaviour
- Instinct
- Intelligence
- Cognition
- Sentience
- Terminology
- Cat industries
- Differentiating between health and behavioural issues
- Naming a cat
Unit 2 – Cat senses
- Understanding communication
- Vocalisation
- Body Language and posture
- Other behaviours
- Senses
- Sight
- Smell
- Hearing
- Cat’s whiskers
Unit 3 – Understanding natural cat behaviour
- The nature of cats
- Aggression
- Offensive, defensive postures
- Overt aggression
- Biological rhythms and sleep
- Kinds of cat sleep
- Sexual behaviour
- Maternal behaviour
- Eating and drinking
- Reasons why cats stop eating and drinking
Unit 4 – Cat behavioural development
- Nature or nurture cats
- Behavioural characteristics
- Sensitive periods
- Neurological development
- Summary of early cat development
- Sleep
- Play
- Cat temperament tests
- Personality types
- How different breeds differ
Unit 5 – Cat behavioural problems
- Aggression
- Medical conditions
- Redirected aggression
- Maternal aggression
- Idiopathic aggression
- Dealing with aggression in cats
- Housebreaking
- Inappropriate elimination
- Excessive vocalisation
- Geriatric dysfunction
- Controlling and killing wildlife
- Eating disorders
- Abnormal suckling
- Separation anxiety
Unit 6 – Basic cat training
- Forming habits
- Train them early
- Conditioning
- Operant conditioning
- Socialisation
- House training
- Grooming
- Bathing cats
- Scratching furniture
- Jumping on kitchen counters
- Catching vermin
- Tricks
- Discipline for owners
Unit 7 – Cat behaviour management
- Cat doors
- Microchipping and registering
- Moving house
- Coming when called
- Energy release activities
- Neutering
- Behavioural disorders
- Smells
- Getting used to a cage
- Managing climbing
- Introducing a new cat into the household
- Cats with babies and children
- Introducing a dog
- Cats and other cats
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
I found the course very easy to understand. The way the assignments were set out and instructions were easy to follow. I particularly liked the quiz. I liked to read the notes and completing the quiz helped the information from the notes stay in my memory. It was varied in assignments which made it fun and interesting to do. Thank you for the great course I am looking forward to doing another.
L. Sherman, Devenport, TAS | Certificate of Cat Psychology and Training
I enjoyed the study, it was informative and a little challenging at times but not too difficult. My tutor was great too! All in all, a great experience.
J. Weinert, Mount Nathan, QLD | Certificate of Cat Psychology and Training
Was fantastic an easy learning experience, would highly recommend
C. Lovelock, Albury, NSW | Certificate of Cat Psychology and Training
It was good being able to complete it in my own time at home due to physical ailments that can prevent me from travelling long distances. The learning content was clearly presented and easy to understand.
Jessie | Morwell, VIC | Certificate of Cat Psychology and Training
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:-
- Cat Owners
- Pet Shop Staff
- Veterinary Assistants
- Animal Control Officers
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