The love for cats unites residents of different countries and continents, while some breed them, while others keep them in comfortable conditions, groom and cherish them, or admire the mustaches from a distance. There is a term to denote the professional activities of specialists who deal with cats: felinologist, and the science of cats is felinology.
From the article you will learn what a cat lover is called scientifically, is there a scientific definition for this profession, who is a felinologist, what does he do, what qualities should he have.
History of felinology
Felinology is the science of cats, the history of which began in the 19th century. In 1871, Harrison Ware decided to become a pioneer and organize an exhibition of purebred cats, which became the first event of its kind. It was thanks to the efforts of this man that the first breed standards later appeared. In 1887, Ware became president of the National Cat Club in Great Britain. The clubs that arose later merged into the British organization of cat lovers - GCCF.
In the USSR, clubs for cat admirers appeared almost 100 years later, namely in 1986. One of them was the “Felimur” club, and on its basis the Leningrad cat lovers club “Kotofey” arose.
In September 1986, cat fan clubs Soyuz, Felis, and Sirius began operating in Moscow. Since 1987, felinology has spread widely in other regions of the USSR.
In 1989, the “Soviet Felinological Federation” was created, which was later renamed the “Selection Felinological Federation”. Eldar Razroev became the first president of the SFF. During 1989-1993. SFF members collected and processed information, laid down traditions of maintaining breeding documentation and standardizing aboriginal cat breeds. The competence of the SFF also included such functions as conducting examinations and issuing expert certificates, organizing intercontinental cat shows, and creating a book of breed standards.
After the collapse of the USSR, clubs from the Baltics, Belarus and Ukraine left the SFF. In 1991, SFF was accepted into the World Cat Federation.
Reference. In April 1992, a judge from Russia participated for the first time at the World Cat Show.
[edit] Links
- CATS-PORTAL - all about cats, wild and domestic
- Zooclub portal
| Felinology | Anatomy • Genetics • Intelligence • Nose • Tail • Language • Calico cat |
| Diseases | Asthma • Rabies • Vaccination • FIV • Feline urolithiasis • Lens luxation • Deafness • Calicivirosis • Skin diseases • Leukemia • Microsporia • Onychectomy • Panleukopenia • Peritonitis • Hepatic lipidosis • Nutrition • Rhinotracheitis • Sterilization • Tendonectomy • Toxoplasmosis • Urological syndrome • Chlamydia • Runny nose • Poisoning • Excrement |
| Relationships with a person | In Ancient Egypt • Famous cats (FamousNiki, Grumpy Cat, Dorotheus, Swallowed New Year's Rain, Sailor, Hermitage) • Outbred cat • Koshatina • Cats in art • Stomp of cats • Black cat • Lolcat • Cathunters |
| Felinological organizations | CFA • FIFe • TICA • WACC • WCF • MFA |
| Cat breeds |
Field of activity of a felinologist
The term felinologist consists of two parts: lat. felinus, which means "cat" and logos - teaching, word. The name of the profession speaks for itself; a felinologist is a specialist who has knowledge in the field of cat physiology and breeding. At the same time, felinology is a science that studies cats, their anatomy and manners.
Despite the fact that cats have always lived next to people, breeding work began only in the 19th century. Experts of that time were engaged in determining breed standards taking into account their appearance and temperament. These standards were used during the first world cat exhibition, held in the capital of Foggy Albin in 1871. The event was organized by Harrison Weir, founder of the National Cat Lovers Club.
WCF - World Cat Federation unites 370 organizations. Its jurisdiction includes such tasks as developing breed standards, issuing certificates, and registering nurseries.
List of current federations and associations:
- ASSOLUX International.
- CFA.
- CFF.
- FIFe.
- ICU.
- TICA.
- WACC.
- ICEF.
- MFA.
- RFF.
Interesting things on the site:
Top 15 calmest cat breeds
White cat with different eyes - a breed or a mutation?
Hierarchy of feline systems
The experts of the cat world are led by the World Cat Congress. including felinological systems. The systems include commissions (for example, exhibition ones) that are responsible for checking smaller units - breeding clubs. Breeders, who in turn are managers of nurseries, register in breeding clubs.
So, the hierarchy in the world of felinology can be represented as follows:
- World Felinological Congress - includes felinological systems. Responsible for collaboration between organizations on important cat welfare issues. This also applies to the legislative level;
- Feline systems and associations index cats by breed and color (assign an index), determine the principles of selection and judging, register nurseries, and develop rules for assessing breeds. Each organization has a list of other organizations whose lineages and judges it recognizes;
- Commissions - monitor compliance with the rules of the system;
- Breeding clubs - issue certificates to nurseries, register litters of kittens, prepare pedigrees, and also organize exhibitions and advise on breeding;
- Catteries and breeders are registered owners with at least one cat capable of producing offspring. When breeding, they are guided by system standards.
As a rule, a nursery or breeder registers his professional activities in the club. However, there are systems where participation in the club is not mandatory. Such organizations have direct membership of cat owners (for example, TICA, ASSOLUX). Responsibility for breeding in this case lies entirely with the breeder. Therefore, participation in such systems is recommended only to responsible owners. Clubs can decide for themselves which system they want to participate in. It is also possible to refuse to join organizations. In this case, exhibitions will be held according to the standards of the system whose experts will be invited to judge.
Subtypes of profession
There are several subtypes of the felinologist profession:
- Breeder - breeds cat breeds, cares about the pedigree of animals, participates in exhibitions as an assistant judge.
- The director of a nursery or felinological center does the same thing as a breeder, but more globally.
- An expert felinologist is a cat specialist with a higher education who knows everything about the anatomy of baleen cats, takes part in laboratory research, conducts training courses, heads nurseries or opens clubs.
- Judge - evaluates cats at shows according to modern standards, has a WCF license for professional activities.
The tasks of a felinologist, depending on their position in the specialists:
- breeding and sale of purebred kittens;
- grooming;
- preparing animals for participation in exhibitions;
- selection of individuals for breeding work;
- conducting research in the laboratory;
- development and testing of medicines, vitamins, care products, feed;
- providing consultations and training for newcomers;
- organization of nurseries;
- participation in judicial commissions;
- assessment of the character and behavior of cats;
- identifying individuals that do not meet breed standards.
What is the name of the science of cats and what does it do? Felinologist: who is this? Cat science title
The behavior of cats is not easy to study due to their lesser attachment to humans compared to dogs - they are rather reluctant to participate in experiments. However, we do know a few things about how cats were domesticated, how feline society works, and whether our pets make evil plans.
Source
How to turn your passion for cats into a profession and what will you have to do? What are the features of the felinologist profession and what personal qualities do you need to have to achieve success in felinology? You can learn about all this within this article.
What personal qualities does he have?
Key qualities of a felinologist: love for animals, determination, perseverance and attention to detail. Only with such a set of personal qualities can one begin professional training. Also, a felinologist must have an excellent memory, grasp information on the fly, and be able to work with large amounts of information.
Keeping cats requires a lot of time and responsibility. For a practicing felinologist, the relevance of this requirement increases several times. The breeder must be careful and scrupulous, because maintaining order in a house where a whole family of cats lives is a lot of work.
Honesty, the ability to notice details, punctuality, and an analytical mind are qualities that are important for the judicial profession. At exhibitions you need to be able to communicate with different people, maintain subordination, and have a sense of tact.
British Shorthair
This is one of the oldest English breeds, whose history dates back two thousand years. Their ancestors lived side by side with the ancient Romans, who valued them for their well-developed hunting instinct and incredible endurance. Over time, they found their way to Northern Europe and Great Britain. English breeders became seriously interested in these animals and began to work closely on their breeding. In 1871, an official breed standard was developed.
British Shorthairs are medium-sized cats whose weight does not exceed 8 kg. Thanks to their massive compact body and large rounded head, they give the impression of large cats. The entire body of a typical Briton is covered with elastic hair, under which a thick undercoat is hidden. As for the color, it can be almost anything.
The British Shorthair is one of the best cat breeds for apartments. These are very flexible, affectionate and relatively calm creatures that do not require complex care or special nutrition. They are not prone to damaging furniture and meowing excessively, and thanks to their extreme cleanliness, they quickly become accustomed to the litter box.
Salary
A specialist who has graduated from a university has the right to work in a laboratory, head a club or nursery, teach courses, and consult.
A felinologist without a higher education, but with a certificate of completion of specialized courses, can become a breeder. He can realize his professional qualities in a nursery or work as an expert felinologist.
The average salary in Russia is 85,000-90,000 rubles. In Moscow, felinologists earn from 50,000 to 150,000 rubles. Felinologist vacancies can be found on specialized websites.
What does a dog handler do?
There are three areas of dog breeding: service (military, police, guard, shepherd, sled dog, patronage, etc.), hunting (fishing and sports) and decorative. Dog handlers usually specialize in one of these areas.
A dog handler can breed dogs and focus on the quality of appearance and health. He monitors whether the puppies meet the breed standards or, on the contrary, tries to breed a new breed, trying to achieve some special qualities
Working in service dog kennels, dog handlers breed, raise and train guide dogs for the blind, rescue dogs or service-search dogs (depending on the profile of the kennel).
Dog trainers train dogs: instill obedience and teach commands. Such specialists work in kennels, at kennel clubs or privately.
Dog training goals
Training goals may vary. And it is not only dogs of the so-called service breeds such as shepherd dogs or Labradors who perform service.
For example, a toy spaniel-type dog can be trained to look for harmful mold in homes. Or train him as a therapy dog. Canis therapy - also called dog therapy or therapeutic canine therapy - is a good assistant in raising children suffering from Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other neurological ailments.
In 1961, American psychiatrist Levinson found that communication with dogs improves coordination of movements, develops emotionality, memory, etc.
Abroad, in some hospitals, dog therapy is even used to bring patients out of comas: shaggy therapists are specially brought to the intensive care unit, where they communicate with patients.
In Russia, unfortunately, this area is not very developed, although there are already specialists in canis therapy. For example, in Moscow there is a program where dogs are trained in a special course for therapy dogs.
In a hotel or shelter, the main task of a dog handler is to create comfortable conditions for his guests.
In shelters, in addition, dog handlers organize treatment for dogs and, if possible, place them in good hands.
But what comes to mind first when you hear the word “dog handler”? Of course, the image of a brave guy with a sniffer dog on a leash.
Indeed, dog handlers perform a very important service in law enforcement agencies.
Here the dog handler and the dog are a single team, the success of which depends on the skills of both. Therefore, training is aimed at special canine skills.
The police use dogs to search for explosives and drugs, to track down criminals, and to maintain public order. At the Ministry of Emergency Situations, dogs help in rescue operations: they look for people under rubble, in hard-to-reach and deserted places. In customs and border departments, animals help specialists fight smuggling.
Where do they study to become a felinologist?
Before choosing a university or training courses, you need to decide on the direction of work. A person who keeps a purebred cat and has the appropriate documents for it, improves knowledge, receives new data from open sources, can become a breeder. If desired, he can enroll in felinologist courses in order to deepen his knowledge and further develop in the chosen direction.
Those who set themselves the goal of becoming a judge should prepare in a more serious way, namely, by spending several years studying different breeds of cats and delving into science. A prerequisite for obtaining a WCF refereeing certificate is passing special courses. The opportunity to evaluate rare cat breeds is given to those who have undergone separate training and have a certificate.
An expert felinologist can be someone who has a higher education in the field of veterinary medicine or animal engineering. Training in such specialties is carried out in many universities in Russia. The best ones:
- State Agricultural Academy in Kostroma;
- Ryazan State Agrotechnological University named after. P. A. Kostycheva;
- State Agricultural Academy in Tver;
- Russian State Agrarian University - Moscow Agricultural Academy named after K. A. Timiryazev.
Responsibilities
Felinologists are big cat lovers who have managed to turn their passion into their life’s work. The profession is represented in several areas: expert felinologists, breeders, nursery managers, judge felinologists.
An expert felinologist is a true cat expert. He can easily determine whether an animal belongs to a particular breed. A specialist is often approached to identify the most “promising” kitten from a breeding point of view.
To become a felinologist judge, you must obtain the appropriate license, which is issued after completing paid courses. The judge must have an excellent knowledge of the breed standards developed by the World Cat Federation (WCF). This document contains detailed information about the characteristics of the head, paws, neck, tail, body, coat and color. A point scale for evaluation with a detailed explanation is also given here.
Breeders and managers of nurseries are most often owners of purebred cats. These are specialists in breeding and selection of animals.
Advantages and disadvantages of the profession
You can become a true professional in your field if you are interested in what you do. The profession of felinologist is chosen by people who truly love cats. Specialists with a good knowledge base and practical skills are highly valued. They are the ones they go to for help and consultations. Successful professional activities are evidenced by the diplomas and certificates that their “wards” receive at exhibitions.
Each subsequent victory increases earnings, since the cost of cats with a confirmed pedigree increases after receiving a diploma. The income of breeders is also influenced by the breed chosen for breeding, the ability to sell their services, as well as the number of cats in their care. The average monthly profit is about 50,000 rubles.
A felinologist is not limited by a strict schedule (with the exception of laboratory assistants), so the profession can become both the main and additional source of income.
Another advantage of working as a felinologist is the opportunity to travel to different countries, meet interesting people, make useful contacts, learn from the experience of other specialists and share your experiences, and take part in international exhibitions.
The profession also has a number of disadvantages:
- caring for cats requires time, moral and physical costs;
- financial investments in training will be required;
- The breeder's income largely depends on the cat breeds;
- a narrow field for action, since the sales market is very specific, and demand does not always equal supply;
- high competition sometimes eliminates the desire to work in this field;
- commercial success depends on fashion trends, which change frequently, so you need to adapt to them so as not to “burn out.”
Who else studies cats?
Who is this pastry chef? what he does and what he does. who is a pastry chef
Another specialist in the behavior of animals, including domestic cats, is called a zoopsychologist. A professional in this field understands how mental processes occur in an animal, how it perceives the world around it, and how its intelligence develops.
Often, the services of an animal psychologist are used when they want to find out the nature of an anomaly in an animal’s behavior: aggression, fear. After all, the reasons for this can be both diseases of the nervous system and a reaction to stress. An animal psychologist is able to understand a situation that the owner is powerless to understand.
Such specialists deal not only with domestic animals, but also with wild animals. They work in scientific laboratories, clubs, and provide private consultations.
To learn a profession, you can enroll in a university, for example, the Agricultural Academy named after. Timiryazev, or another institution where psychology is taught, as a rule, there is also a separate department of zoopsychology. At Moscow State University, at the Faculty of Psychology, there is a laboratory of zoopsychology. Not only practical research is conducted, but lectures are also given to students.
Almost a third of people who have pets keep cats. In order to be able to choose the right pet, care for the pet and train it, many begin to get acquainted with the science called felinology. From Latin this word is translated as “the science of cats.” This section of zoology studies the anatomical structure, features of breeding and keeping cats of various breeds. By studying felinology, the owner of the animal will be able to learn more about the properties of the breed: health characteristics, some character traits and the intricacies of caring for a pet.
