Felinoterapie, NCHK

Theory of Felinotherapy
NCHK on-line course 
 

Session 7 : Practical Felinotherapy
Part 1

History of Felinotherapy
   In the Czech Republic we have been using the term FELINOTHERAPY since 2002. At that time it has also already taken an organized form. Since 2002 it has become one of the main activities of the Independent Breeders Club - NCHK, which was founded in 1995 as an organization dedicated to the breeding and protection of noble and domestic cats. It was registered with the Ministry of the Interior in 1998. In 2002, its activities were expanded to include cats in social work and education. A Code of Practice for Visiting Teams, Methodology and Standards of Practice were developed. In April 2002, the first ever visit with cats took place at Centre 88 in Mladá Boleslav. The first target group was mentally handicapped people aged approximately 10 - 30 years. Already this first visit proved that working with cats in this area makes sense and can enrich the lives of all involved. The above mentioned visit involved cats of the breed : Persian (male) and Ragdoll (two cats) as caterers. The cats reacted very calmly to the clients and welcomed the contact. It was confirmed that the animal caterers do not evaluate the client according to their appearance, but only according to their behaviour and attitude.
  Other facilities that allowed the implementation of the visiting service were the Home for the Elderly in Mladá Boleslav and the Home for the Elderly Modrý Kámen in Mnichovo Hradiště. The senior citizens' home in Mladá Boleslav is currently the longest-running facility in the Czech Republic in terms of felinotherapy. Currently, NCHK has several contracted facilities in Bohemia and Moravia.
       In 2009, the Independent Breeders Club helped to introduce felinotherapy to the Slovak Republic. The target group is seniors and children with autism spectrum disorders.
In 2023 NCHK helped to introduce felinotherapy to Ukraine, target group is war orphans.

Felinotherapy in the Czech and Slovak Republics
   Paradoxically, in the Czech Republic and since 2009 also in the Slovak Republic, canister therapy and felinotherapy have separated from each other and developed further as separate fields of AAI. In Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia, only since 2004, in some types of activities, especially educational and activation activities, we are gradually seeing their joint (more effective) use again, even in combined teams.  The specific inclusion of different cat breeds as we know them from the Czech Republic is also not common abroad. The terminology of felinotherapy may vary depending on the country in which it is practised.

Choosing a cat for felinotherapy

Veterinary conditions
For cats practicing felinotherapy, the conditions set out in the NCHK Cat Protection Regulations for public displays and shows apply. Vaccination against parvovirus, calicivirus and herpesvirus once a year is compulsory. Vaccination against rabies, chlamydia, FeLV and FIV is recommended and depends on the decision of the handler and veterinarian. A veterinarian's certificate of eligibility is mandatory.
For breeds for which there are genetic tests for hereditary diseases, it is advisable to carry them out in order not to endanger the animal's welfare. 
 In the case of animals taken over from shelters, after undergoing veterinary examinations and the necessary quarantine (according to the instructions of the attending veterinarian), the necessary tests for toxoplasmosis or other diseases according to the current disease situation (FeLV, FIV), there is no objection to their inclusion if the results of the FeLV and FIV tests are negative. A positive test result should be discussed with a veterinarian and the test should be repeated after a certain period of time in a specialised laboratory. The positivity of the above test does not put the client at risk, but the cat, as it is an infectious disease of cats not transmissible to humans, i.e. it is not a zoonosis. The problem is that any stress or increased stress can cause an outbreak of the acute phase of a previously latent disease and prematurely end the cat's life. Therefore, from a welfare point of view, it is not advisable to use cats with repeated positive tests for FeLV and FIV.
  Deworming twice a year and a veterinary examination at least once a year to check the general health of the cat is mandatory.
  The use of a certain type of litter or litter box is generally not required (the use of double photomixes, grids is also possible), but the cleanliness of the cat and the exercise of the need to the designated place is a condition.
  The method of feeding cats working in the NCHK is not specified. In general, it should be a feeding method that suits the cat, promotes its good health and does not cause digestive problems. In principle, there is no objection to feeding raw, overcooked beef or horse meat; other meats should be cooked. If raw meat is fed, deworming should be carried out more frequently (4 times a year).

 
  
Some breeds included in the AAI
(The list is only indicative, the strong relationship of trust established between the handler and the cat is more important than the cat's breed affiliation in the course of the AAI. Certain breeds have distinctive characteristics that may support the intended activation/therapy within AAI, but each cat is an individual and its behaviour may differ from the normal breed-specific course.)
Visiting teams are always made up of a handler-cat pair, and one handler may work with multiple cats. However, it is advisable that when working with multiple cats on a single visit, an assistant is available to help in the event of unforeseen circumstances that may arise (needing to help a client, client being unwell, etc.).
  The advantage of including a cat of a certain pelmen in felinotherapy is the possibility of estimating their personality traits, care requirements, body type and food and space requirements. Knowledge of genetic diseases and the possibility of testing them in cats of certain breeds is also important. If a domestic cat is selected for the visiting service, we do not have this predictive capability.

Domestic cats
These are cats without a pedigree that do not have their own standard. Nothing is usually known about the origin of these cats. They can have all types of fur. However, they are usually cats that resemble a common European cat in appearance. They have the advantage of being relatively easy to acquire, easy and inexpensive to buy and relatively easy to care for. However, they are somewhat more temperamental than their noble relatives and usually reach maturity before the age of one year.

Maine Coon Cats
The American national breed, currently the largest cat breed in the world. These cats were exhibited as working cats in the late 19th century. They are a sturdy breed with semi-long, water-repellent fur, renowned for their hunting skills, which humans used to fight small and larger rodents that threatened food supplies. Their coat composition is the same as that of Persian cats, only the fur does not reach the same length, growing in tufts, and therefore Maine cats do not give the impression of such a rich coat as Persian cats. They are a natural breed, the hind legs being somewhat longer than the front. The coat is subject to seasonal shedding, tends to be shorter in the summer and it is not rare for it to shed its otherwise abundant collar. In winter, on the other hand, the coat is abundant. Nevertheless, the care of the coat of Maine cats is not particularly demanding, only the collar, the areas under the front and hind legs and the so-called knickers, i.e. the hair on the hind legs, require more care.
Maine Coon cats mature at four years of age, sleep slowly and their diet should be balanced to ensure optimal development. A meat diet is usually a necessity, as well as a varied overall diet with regard to fibre and sufficient calcium - always in consultation with a veterinarian - during the growth period. This breed is known to have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), spinal muscular atrophy and renal degeneration distinct from polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Both HCM, SMA and PKD can be tested by genetic tests. A sonographic examination of the heart every year or two is recommended, despite a negative genetic test result. These examinations are carried out at a specialised centre. When choosing a Maine kitten, it is a good idea to pay attention to the lines from which the kitten comes, as this can also serve to predict the possible occurrence of heart disease despite a negative result of the genetic test.
 They are playful into old age, some like to fetch. Very interesting is the use of the front paws, which cats use like humans use their hands. They can use them to pass objects and sometimes catch small insects or toys by "clapping". Some Maine Coon cats may be polydactyl (multi-toed).
Maine Coon cats are very intelligent and friendly with people.  Their head is shaped like a wide wedge with large, full cheeks and a more angular chin. They are more lively than Persian or Norwegian Forest cats. They reach a large weight, which can cause some difficulties for different target groups. Their vocal expressions are very mild, with a soft, 'chirpy' voice in proportion to their body size. They love physical contact, but do not like to have their personal space restricted, e.g. a tight hug in the arms. They like to make friends with dogs.

Norwegian Forest Cats
The Norwegian national breed with a rich, thick, water-repellent coat. It is one of the semi-long-haired, natural breeds. They are thought to share common ancestry with Maine Coon cats. They mature at about two years of age.
These cats still live as pets in Scandinavian households and farms. They are undemanding, smaller than Maine Coon cats, and very balanced and hardy in character. However, this breed also has specific diseases. These include heart and kidney disease, pancreatic insufficiency (there is no genetic test for any of these diseases yet) and GSD IV, which can be genetically tested for.
Norwegian Forest Cats love contact with humans, although they also like to keep their distance. They are not as territorial as Maine Coon cats. Moving to foreign territories (destination facilities) does not cause them any problems.  They make friends with dogs very easily. They are playful into old age. Their downward climbing manner is very interesting - they always climb head first with their front legs extended forward. Sometimes they sleep like this.
Coat care is relatively easy, only the hind legs and collar may have tufts of matted fur during the molting season. In summer, their coats are considerably shorter. 
Food requirements are the same as Maine Coon cats, except that bites must be smaller due to the shape of the muzzle. It is advisable to feed them cooked fish at least twice a week.

Persian cats
Formerly one of the most widely bred noble cats. Their popularity has declined due to the preference for extreme types with extremely short noses, which cause problems with eating and breathing, lower eyelid drooping and deformed tear ducts. Cats of these extreme types should not be preferred either for breeding or for felinotherapy because of the aforementioned problems, especially with breathing, e.g. in summer and in relatively overheated closed rooms Cats with a longer muzzle should be preferred for felinotherapy. They are renowned for their thick, bulky coats, where the undercoat is as long as the cover coat. The face of the Persian cat resembles that of a child with its round, wide-open eyes. It is an ideal example of the so-called "Lorenz child scheme".
Persian cats are friendly to people, well trainable, usually like their peace and are less mobile than the so-called natural breeds or Siamese (Oriental) cats. Sometimes their demeanour is almost phlegmatic. They mature at 10 - 12 months. They are very stress sensitive cats, so when integrating them into AAI we have to be able to work very effectively with their stress levels and always provide them with enough resources in the facility and at home.
The food requirements are quite high considering the coat and skull shape. 

Ragdoll - Ragamuffin
Is a semi-longhaired cat known as a "rag doll" due to the ability of some individuals to relax their muscles considerably, e.g. when picked up or when sleeping. It is one of the largest cat breeds. While the ragdoll is a cat with Siamese markings with or without white and with blue eyes, ragamuffins can come in any coloration, including solid colors with no emphasis on the placement of white. An excellent, friendly disposition is essential.
Ragdolls were bred in the 1960s in Southern California. It is therefore an artificial breed. They are renowned for their calm, people-oriented nature, which has led them to be called the children of the cat world.  And since they are also - quite rightly - called the clowns of the cat world, they are usually very suitable for felinotherapy. However, it cannot be said that they are the most suitable breed for felinotherapy. The care of the coat is comparable to that of natural breeds, even in the molt period. They mature at four years of age.
The Ragdoll also needs a varied, balanced diet appropriate for the long period of adolescence. 
Ragdolls are very attached to both human and animal family. The loss of this can have a devastating effect on the animal's character and immune system. They are cats that like to be friends with dogs, but it is optimal if they can live together with other ragdolls in a family community. They are very social animals with strong family ties and a stratified, changing hierarchy.
Typical diseases of this breed are HCM, one type of which can be diagnosed by genetic testing, and renal degeneration. Despite the availability of a genetic test, sonographic examination every one to two years is advisable, and careful research of the lines from which they are descended is also worthwhile before acquiring a ragdoll or ragamuffin because of the presence of HCM on a genetic basis other than that which can be genetically tested.   

Siamese cats
One of the oldest breeds, native to Southeast Asia. Grooming is absolutely easy, as these cats have short, close-fitting coats that require only routine brushing and combing. Siamese cats are slender, elegant, high-legged and their head is distinctly triangular, with rather large ears. This may be the reason why they are not so favoured by both breeders and zookeepers, as their head has a somewhat "mousey" look in contrast to the childlike round or oval face of Persian cats. They are cats with a dog-like personality, extremely intelligent and totally devoted to their people. It is not a problem to get them to fetch, walk on a leash or play a little wilder games. As a rule, they choose only one person from the family, whom they recognize as an equal partner and love unconditionally. The others they more or less tolerate. Siamese cats have considerable demands on the quality of their food. There are even foods designed exclusively for this breed. They also have considerable demands for warmth, these demands are due to the metabolism and body structure of the breed. Siamese cats are very communicative, their voice is distinctive and resembles the cry of a baby.

Siberian cats and the Nevskaya maskaradnaya
Russian national breed, which is divided into two sister breeds by some organizations. It is a natural breed with great heterozygosity, like the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Maine Coon. The males in particular reach 8-10 kg, and cats (females) weighing around 11 kg are not rare. The coat care of these cats is comparable to that of Ragdolls and Maine Coons, although it is of a coarser consistency and repels water compared to Ragdolls. They are people-friendly, even-tempered and easy to groom. They are highly independent and quite temperamental, reaching maturity at approximately 10-18 months, with Nevskaya Maskaradnaya cats maturing earlier. 
  The saliva of some lines of Siberian cats is said to contain much lower levels of allergens than that of other breeds, so that flying hair does not cause allergic reactions. However, no demonstrable evidence has yet been presented. Cats from some breeding lines may be predisposed to HCM, but this trait cannot yet be genetically tested.

Breeding cats for the visiting service
The question of how to raise a cat for felinoid therapy cannot be answered unequivocally.  Different types of activities with the cat and types of target groups place different demands on the cat. The basic prerequisite for working with a cat in felinotherapy is the creation and maintenance of a strong emotional bond between the human (team leader) and the cat. Although this bond is usually formed spontaneously on the basis of mutual affection and the associated release of certain types of neurotransmitters, especially oxytocin and serotonin, into the bloodstream of both cat and human, its sustained maintenance must be purposefully encouraged. However, this affection may not arise immediately upon the cat's arrival in the owner's home. The cat should be given time to become familiar with the new environment and to shed any shyness.
  The relationship must be based on complete trust in each other. Setting behavioural boundaries is also helpful, as this gives the cat the necessary confidence.  Setting behavioural boundaries should only be done by means of positive stimulation /rewarding with a treat, petting.
  Cats are very sensitive, they do not tolerate inappropriate human behaviour (hitting a cat) and remember it for a long time. This could lead to a permanent breach of trust.  For this reason, the handler is responsible for making sure that the cat does not experience hitting or other inappropriate behavior even with the client. If inappropriate behaviour by the client does occur, the cat should be reassured immediately and given the sense of security to which it is accustomed.
   If the basic premise of mutual affection is met, we should spend as much time with the cat as possible. This should be filled with playing together, cuddling, possibly going for walks or visiting relatives and friends, travelling together, hand feeding, touching together and providing protection and security. The cat must feel that if it goes with its human partner into a strange environment, this human partner is part of its original territory. The cat also builds a bond with other humans when visiting the target facilities and has been described as directly requiring visits to certain clients. Cognitive games and clicker training together are excellent for deepening communication with the cat. This establishes and encourages good two-way dialogue.
  Raising a kitten from your own brood is an advantage, the kitten should be allowed as much contact as possible with its mother or father and siblings until at least 12-13 weeks of age. However, fostering from kittenhood is not an absolute necessity and the method of gradually building a quality bond works the same for animals adopted into the team as adults. The original good socialization of the cat is a prerequisite. Incorporating an adult cat into a visiting team can also help the cat to become more comfortable with the new environment, so that the stress of possibly losing its original home and breaking contact with its relationship person is not destructive to it. This can help older cats in particular to return to a full life. Clients, especially seniors, tend to find an older, calmer animal more acceptable than a more temperamental kitten.
  The strong bond that binds cat and human is also a moral obligation of the human to such a cat. When a cat is no longer able to participate in felinotherapy for health reasons or because of its age, it should be remembered that it desires physical contact with its human and that the lack of it can be a hardship.
The handler must respect the cat's developmental stages and for this reason the first contact with a strange environment is only allowed from 4 months of age.
Also, pregnant cats should only be included in teams if they require visits to the target facilities and are not causing them any harm. They should no longer be allowed in the facility during the last fortnight of pregnancy, and the same applies to nursing cats. In the case of senior cats, it depends on their condition and health. As long as the visits are a pleasure for them and do not exhaust their bodies, they should take part. Cats suffering from communicable diseases and zoonoses must be excluded from visits. In the case of genetic diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the decision should be made on the basis of an examination at a specialist veterinary clinic. However, if it is a mild form and the cat enjoys the visits, they can contribute to the mental well-being of the affected cat due to the release of neurotransmitters into its bloodstream, stimulation of the vagal pathway of the heart and, in certain cases, stabilisation of its health.
  At the same time, it is advisable to have at least two cats living in the handler's household, or a representative of another animal species, such as a dog. Only in this way can the full development of all the innate abilities of cats be achieved.
  Necessary tasks include basic hygiene in a designated area, wearing a harness and walking the cat at least partially on a leash. For safety reasons, a harness is sometimes necessary. It allows to prevent the cat from escaping in time, to take it out of the reach of clients who treat the cat inappropriately. Wearing a harness has a slightly paralysing effect as the cat is aware that it is being controlled. Leash guidance and directional correction should always be done gently and patiently. For this reason, it is always advisable for children or adults with combined defects to lead the cat under the supervision of the team leader, with the client holding the leash and the team leader holding the leash under the client's hand and correcting the cat's guidance. It is also possible to use two leashes. If the cat does not want to walk, we do not force it to walk. In a calm, secure environment, the cat can be afraid, especially during AAPA - play activities with the support and assistance of the animal - without a leash. But everyone's safety, including the cat's, is always a priority.
Walking a cat on a leash should be tried gradually in different environments. The handler must pay attention to the surroundings, for example, approaching dogs, cars, children on bicycles or roller skates and anything that can easily startle the cat and cause it to panic. Only a good knowledge of the animal's own reactions will allow you to know how far to go, when a walk is a pleasure for the animal and when it is too stressful.
Of course, transporting the cat in a carrier, stroller, car or public transport is also a good idea.  Some cats find it difficult to tolerate transport over longer distances. For cats that enjoy and benefit from participating in the felinotherapy process, the handler or coordinator should find a destination facility that does not require such a commute and therefore does not place unnecessary stress on the cat. Otherwise, an otherwise suitable cat for felinotherapy may develop a dislike for the activity.

Documentation
A record or video recording (or photo documentation) is taken of each visit, particularly with regard to the interactions of the clients and handler with the cat and the cat's behaviour in different situations. Especially the video recording is very important for the further development of the methodology. The consent of the target facility and compliance with GDPR rules are required for the video recording.

Protection of animals during the visiting service, welfare
A single visit to the target facility should not exceed 60 minutes. In principle, it is possible to carry out two visits in one day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It depends on the characteristics and temperament of the cat. It is essential that the cat is allowed to rest for at least two hours between visits.
Felines spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping. It is important to bear in mind the easy fatigability of the cat, which is not capable of expending as much energy as a dog.  A cat that falls asleep in a busy environment may indicate that the amount of stimuli acting on it is too distracting and it will withdraw into its own world of sleep and security. The handler should terminate such visits as soon as possible and allow the cat time to recover. He is responsible for ensuring that the cat is not overexerted. The handler must understand the body language of the cat with whom he/she is working as a team.