Feline Studies Course

Lesson 1 • Feline Physiology Fundamentals

Examines metabolic, thermoregulatory, and reproductive physiology. Connects biological processes to observable cat behaviors and health indicators.

Lesson 2 • Feline Anatomy and Body Systems

Covers skeletal, muscular, and organ systems unique to cats. Establishes anatomical vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Natural Feline Behavioral Patterns

Introduces ethological concepts and wild-cat behavioral roots. Students learn to distinguish normal from abnormal behavior patterns.

Lesson 1 • Genetic Health Predispositions

Identifies heritable conditions common in specific breeds. Prepares students to apply preventive care strategies based on genetic risk.

Lesson 2 • Breed-Specific Temperament Traits

Analyzes behavioral tendencies linked to selective breeding. Helps students anticipate care challenges and enrichment needs by breed.

Lesson 3 • Overview of Domestic Cat Breeds

Surveys recognized breed groups by coat type, body conformation, and origin. Builds a classification framework for breed identification.

Lesson 4 • Genetics of Coat and Color

Explains inheritance patterns for coat color, pattern, and texture. Connects genotype to phenotype using practical breeding examples.

Lesson 1 • Feeding Schedules and Portion Control

Covers meal-feeding vs. free-feeding methods and caloric calculation techniques. Connects feeding structure to weight management and behavioral health.

Lesson 2 • Life-Stage Nutritional Requirements

Differentiates caloric and nutrient needs for kittens, adults, seniors, and pregnant cats. Enables accurate diet formulation for each life stage.

Lesson 3 • Nutritional Disorders and Deficiencies

Identifies signs of common nutritional imbalances and toxic food exposures. Prepares students to recognize and respond to diet-related health problems.

Lesson 4 • Commercial and Raw Diet Evaluation

Teaches label reading, ingredient analysis, and nutritional adequacy standards. Students evaluate commercial and raw diets against established guidelines.

Lesson 1 • Routine Physical Health Assessment

Teaches systematic observation of vital signs, coat, eyes, ears, and weight. Establishes baseline health monitoring skills used in all subsequent care chapters.

Lesson 2 • Common Feline Diseases and Conditions

Surveys prevalent infectious and non-infectious diseases with clinical signs. Prepares students to recognize early indicators requiring veterinary referral.

Lesson 3 • Preventive Care Scheduling and Records

Builds skills for creating and maintaining health records and care calendars. Ensures continuity of preventive care across veterinary visits.

Lesson 4 • Parasite Prevention and Control

Covers internal and external parasite life cycles and prevention strategies. Connects parasite control to both cat health and zoonotic disease risk.

Lesson 1 • Multi-Cat Household Management

Addresses resource distribution, territory management, and conflict prevention. Applies social behavior knowledge to reduce inter-cat aggression.

Lesson 2 • Litter Box Management

Covers litter type selection, box placement, and cleaning protocols. Addresses litter box avoidance as a behavioral and health indicator.

Lesson 3 • Indoor and Outdoor Housing Design

Evaluates housing configurations for safety, space, and behavioral needs. Connects environmental design to stress reduction and injury prevention.

Lesson 4 • Grooming Techniques and Tools

Teaches coat brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care techniques. Builds handling skills that reduce cat stress during grooming sessions.

Lesson 1 • Behavioral Assessment Frameworks

Introduces structured tools for recording and analyzing feline behavior. Establishes objective assessment as the foundation for all modification work.

Lesson 2 • Common Problem Behavior Interventions

Applies modification protocols to aggression, scratching, elimination, and hiding. Students select and implement appropriate interventions for each behavior type.

Lesson 3 • Fear, Anxiety, and Stress in Cats

Identifies physiological and behavioral signs of feline stress and anxiety. Connects stress recognition to appropriate environmental and behavioral interventions.

Lesson 4 • Learning Theory Applied to Cats

Explains classical and operant conditioning principles in feline contexts. Provides the theoretical basis for all positive reinforcement training techniques.

Lesson 1 • Responsible Breeding Practices

Establishes ethical standards for selective breeding, genetic testing, and kitten socialization. Distinguishes responsible breeders from unethical commercial operations.

Lesson 2 • Shelter and Rescue Population Strategies

Applies population management principles to shelter intake, adoption, and foster programs. Prepares students to support organizational efforts that reduce euthanasia rates.

Lesson 3 • Trap-Neuter-Return Methodology

Covers TNR program design, trapping techniques, and colony monitoring. Connects TNR to long-term feral population stabilization outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Spay and Neuter Programs

Evaluates health, behavioral, and population benefits of sterilization. Addresses common misconceptions and timing considerations for surgical intervention.

Lesson 1 • Comprehensive Care Plan Development

Synthesizes health, nutrition, behavior, and enrichment data into individualized care plans. Demonstrates integration of all course competencies in a single planning framework.

Lesson 2 • Ethical Decision-Making in Feline Care

Applies ethical frameworks to end-of-life, resource allocation, and welfare dilemmas. Prepares students to navigate complex professional situations with principled reasoning.

Lesson 3 • Professional Standards and Continuing Education

Identifies industry certifications, professional organizations, and ongoing learning pathways. Positions students for career growth within the feline care profession.

Lesson 4 • Client Education and Communication

Develops skills for translating technical feline knowledge into accessible client guidance. Effective communication improves owner compliance and cat welfare outcomes.