Level 3 Feline Studies Diploma

Course Content

Level 3 Feline Studies Diploma Unit 1 – Origins of the Domestic Cat

This first unit explores the evolution of the cat over the years. It gives an overall introduction to feline studies with emphasis being placed on the development of cats up to their domestication. The history of cats dating back to ancient Egypt is studied and how cats have spread throughout the world. Different theories are also considered within this first unit as well as the effect cats have on religion within different parts of the world. How cats were perceived in Europe has also been explored, for example, the cat carnival and different folktales and superstitions associated with felines.

Level 3 Feline Studies Diploma Unit 2 – Feline Anatomy and Physiology

After delving into the history of cats, this next unit focuses on the physical components of felines and the structures of their body. Some key body parts are explained such as the cranial and proximal but then the unit examines the different cells, tissues, and structural elements which make the cat function such as the cell nucleus and vesicles. The key tissues of the animal are then explored such as the epithelium along with the locomotory system which looks at joints and ligaments. The unit then goes on to explore the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and blood cells along with other important systems to show how the body systems interact as a whole.

Level 3 Feline Studies Diploma Unit 3 – Feline Neurophysiology and the Sensory Systems

Continuing from unit two, this unit looks at how information is transmitted around the body starting with homeostasis and the nervous system of felines and then delving into neurons and their different classifications. The cells found within the nervous system are then studied with particular emphasis on how these cells can communicate with each other. This unit then draws to a close by looking at the different senses that a cat has and how they can be altered and adapted to help with survival.

Level 3 Feline Studies Diploma Unit 4 – Feline Nutrition

The nutrition of a feline is very important and is made up of a balance between different nutrients. Food is needed in order for a cat to be healthy, but cats can have individual requirements. The different categories of nutrients such as proteins and vitamins will be studied within this unit along with how cats feed and the evolution in this area over the years. Tooth structure and digestion will also be covered along with other digestive organs to determine the function of each part of the system. Feeding recommendations will also be covered within this unit for different stages within a cat’s life as well as some of the key terminology associated with nutrition such as Dry Mass Basis. Finally, the evolution of cat food will be considered and the debates around historical and modern examples.

Level 3 Feline Studies Diploma Unit 5 – Feline Reproduction

The reproduction strategy of cats is to produce as many kittens as they can in the hope that some will survive to adulthood. This unit will cover the reproduction anatomy of the female and male cat and the seasonality of the breeding process. This unit then leads into the mating process of cats and how pregnancy develops. Students will learn how to care for the female cat during this time and how to prepare for the birth and different stages of the labor process. Early stages of the kitten’s development will also be looked at and how to control the breeding process, for example, neutering/spaying.

Level 3 Feline Studies Diploma Unit 6 – Feline Behavioral Science

Research surrounding the behavior of felines is constantly evolving. Cats have also become more popular over the years as pets, therefore it is important to understand their behavior and the reasons for it. This unit covers the social behavior of cats with humans and other animals. Social interaction between cats will be discussed as well as the marking of territories. How a cat communicates, for example with their head position, will be looked at and how these communications can indicate different emotions. It will also discuss kittens’ behavior through different stages of development and its growth and attachment to its mother. Behavior issues such as soiling will be looked at to allow the students to gain a greater understanding of these common issues and how they can be treated.

Level 3 Feline Studies Diploma Unit 7 – Genetics

Building on one of the previous units on reproduction, this unit examines key terminology associated with the genetic material of cats such as mutations and cells. Definitions around the process of inheritance are also covered to give a basic understanding of the concepts before students move into the genetic make-up and characteristics of cats. Male and female inheritance is studied along with different colors, patterns, and shades and how they occur along with different mutations that can happen.

Level 3 Feline Studies Diploma Unit 8 – Feline Health

This unit primarily covers the health and illnesses associated with cats. Some main diseases are covered within this unit such as Upper Respiratory Tract Disease and Rabies. Some vaccinations and types of vaccinations are also looked at as well as parasites that can affect a cat such as ringworm. Other non-infectious diseases such as cancer will be studied in detail coupled with key treatments such as surgery and drugs. This unit closes by looking at diseases which are evident primarily in older cats to give an overview of some of the health issues that can occur throughout a cat’s life.

Level 3 Feline Studies Diploma Unit 9 – Feline Husbandry

The health and welfare of an animal are paramount, therefore understanding and developing feline husbandry measures are very important especially in instances where there are a large number of cats to care for. This unit starts by looking at feral cats and animal welfare associated with them. This leads onto the control strategy for cats, for example, Trap-Neuter-Release programs that are implemented and how disease within these feral communities of cats can be reduced and prevented. This unit then explores how to care for feral cats, tame them or return them to their original lifestyle. British welfare groups are then studied and their schemes such as euthanasia and compared to Australia and their schemes. This unit draws to a close by exploring cat kennels, their design, and how they overcome illness. Some key welfare charities are also mentioned to highlight their aims and objectives.

Level 3 Feline Studies Diploma Unit 10 – Rules and Regulations

There are many rules and regulations surrounding the health and welfare of animals and in order to protect them from harm. Rules around dealing with animal cruelty are firstly explored in this unit as well as the legislation surrounding the abandonment of cats. Legislation around theft, animal boarding establishments, pet shops, and waste management have also been considered. Any developments in legislation and legislation in other countries will also be studied to draw an overall conclusion to this diploma in Feline Studies.