Feline behaviour

This session includes information on the African wildcat, comparing the species with domestic cats. We also consider the effects of genetics, the environment and medical factors on feline behaviour.

Finally, we look at cat communication and how to interpret feline behaviour, including body language and vocalisations.

Book a talk
  • Ethology
  • Genetic impacts on behaviour
  • Learning and impacts of previous experiences
  • Relationship between environment and behaviour
  • Impacts of medical conditions on behaviour
  • Cat communication

Level 1

  • Assist with the care of animals
  • Assist with the movement and handling of small animals

Level 2

  • Introduction to the principles and practices of animal behaviour and handling

Level 3

  • Practical animal husbandry
  • Animals in boarding establishments
  • Animal behaviour

Level 4

  • Animal behaviour in society
  • Evolution and adaptations

Level 1 

  • Assist with maintaining the health and wellbeing of animals
  • Assist with the care of animals
  • Assist with the movement, handling and accommodation of animals
  • Assist with feeding and watering
  • Assist with the preparation and maintenance of animal accommodation
  • Assist with handling and restraint of animals
  • Animals in the wild and in society

Level 2

  • Introduction to the principles and practices of animal behaviour and handling

Level 3

  • Understand and promote animal health
  • Manage animal accommodation
  • Understand and interpret animal behaviour and communication
  • Understand animal welfare and breed development
  • Undertake kennel and cattery management
  • Undertake animal training
  • Animal behaviour
  • Animal welfare
  • Companion animal handling and first aid
  • Small animal husbandry
  • Specialist animal care – small mammals
  • Applied companion animal behaviour

What learners have taken away from this session

I know a cat's instinctual needs and that kittens are affected prenatally by their mother’s emotions.
I learned about communication methods cats use and cleared up some misconceptions on what I thought some behaviours meant which was useful.
Learnt quite a lot about cats' different behaviour patterns, how they act when unwell and that some cats purr when in pain.
I found the information about kittens having different fathers and how they have different traits really interesting!