Bitesize training: cat breeding, extreme breeds and wild hybrids

Alternative date:
2 October

Overview

Cat breeding is licensed in Scotland under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021, and whilst this is not the case in the rest of the UK, this is likely to change in the near future.

This bitesize event will provide you with an overview of cat breeding and increase your knowledge generally of cat husbandry.

The first part of this training session will focus on The Basics of Cat Breeding followed by Extreme Breeds & Wild Cat Hybrids. For each topic there will be a presentation and a Q&A session.

In The Basics of Cat Breeding we will delve into:

• The legislation in Scotland
• The cat reproductive cycle
• Planned breeding including genetic testing
• Unplanned breeding (around three-quarters of litters are unplanned)
• Accommodation and basic hygiene (including accommodation for “stud toms”)
• Healthcare of the queen and kittens
• Diet for the queen and kittens
• Socialisation

Extreme Breeds & Wild Cat Hybrids will explore:

• What is extreme conformation in cats? Examples and an exploration of the negative impacts on welfare (e.g. folded ears and short legs)
• Why do people want extreme breeds?
• What are wild cat hybrids?
• What are the welfare issues for the parents and kittens?
• What are the implications on the safety of people, other cats, wildlife and animals?

Objectives

By attending this bitesize event you will gain a basic understanding of:

• Why licensing of cat breeding is desirable across the UK
• Feline reproduction
• Planned and unplanned breeding
• Basic husbandry of the parents and offspring
• Extreme cat breeds and why they lead to poor welfare
• Which wild cats are used to produce hybrid cats for the commercial market and the welfare consequences

Who should attend

• Environmental Health Officers
• Animal Welfare Officers
• Animal Wardens
• Public Health Officers
• Technical Assistants

CPD: 2 hours 30 minutes