Feline Focus – Five Welfare Needs

Feline Focus – five welfare needs

Cats and boxes Feline fact file 1 – place to live To learn all about cats and boxes from Why do cats love boxes? Simon’s Cat you can ______scan the QR code or click here: Why do ______cats love boxes?! - ______Simon's Cat ______Draw your favourite Simon’s Cat box ______from the video.

How would you make box enrichment for a cat? 1. 2. 3. 4.

What are the features of a perfect sleeping spot?

______List some examples of perfect ______sleeping places. ________________________How many hours do Design a perfect cat sleeping _____ ______cats sleep each day? spot. ____________Do cats sleep in just ____________one spot? ____________Cats and sleeping Do cats dream? How do ______places ______we know? ______To learn all about cats ______and their sleeping places ______from Simon’s Cat you ______can scan the QR code or ______click here: Why do cats ______sleep in unusual places?!

______- Simon's Cat ______2

Clever cats – Purrfect Landlords Our Advocacy team speaks up for cats and campaigns for change across the UK. The team work with and influence politicians and decision makers to create a better world for cats. All advocacy campaigns are driven by issues of cat welfare. Find out more about Cats Protection's campaign work here or by scanning the QR code.

Many people in the UK do not own their own home and instead live in rented accommodation. This means that a landlord owns the property and tenants pay money as rent to live there. One of Cats Protection’s current campaigns is our Purrfect Landlords campaign. It’s common for tenants to have to sign blanket ‘no pets’ policies which prevent them from having a cat but with more and more people now renting, this means landlords are missing out on a large number of responsible cat owning tenants who would treat properties as a valued home. You can find out more about this here or by scanning the QR code. Imagine you are part of Cats Protection’s Advocacy team and you have the opportunity to present to Parliament on the benefits of cat ownership and why people should be able to keep pets in rented properties. Put together a presentation containing the facts you have found to convince Parliament to make changes to these rules. When planning your presentation remember to think about the following:

 think about your audience and what they might need to know to convince them to change to a more pet-friendly rental policy  what are the benefits of cat ownership for tenants?  what are the benefits of allowing cats for landlords?  what reasons or concerns might landlords have which cause them to ban cats? How could these be overcome?  think about what you have learned about cats and their place to live – what is required to care for a cat? How can an owner prevent them scratching furniture etc?

Don’t forget to share your videos and presentations with the hashtag #FelineFocus.

The cat’s meow Feline fact file 2 – behaviour To learn all about meowing from Simon’s Why do cats meow and do What are the three ways cats Cat you can scan the they only have one? communicate? QR code or click here: Learn to speak cat - ______1.______Simon's Cat ______2.______

Draw a scared cat ______3.______(consider body language). ______Describe reasons for these noises. ______1. Growl______2. Hiss______3. Purr______

Define ‘crepuscular’. Cat body language ______To learn all about cat body language from _ Simon’s Cat you can What is the first thing to Design a perfect cat toy. scan the QR code or ______do if a cat is displaying click here: Is your cat unwanted behaviour? talking to you? - ______Simon's Cat ______

Describe features of a perfect ______scratch post. ______Cat scratching ______To learn all about cats and scratching you can ______scan the QR codes or ______click this link: Scratching Write some playtime top tips. ______

______Cat play time ______List the three ways to read your To learn all about cats ______cat’s behaviour. and play from Simon’s

Cat you ca n scan the QR ______1.______code or click this link: ______2.______How t o keep cats ______entertained! - Simon's Cat ______3.______Extra research task: Research the work of the Association of Pet Behaviour______Counsellors and Animal Behaviour

and Training Council. Why is______it important to consult a registered______qualified behaviourist? ______4 ______

Clever cats – reading cat body language Look at the photos below and describe how you think the cat is feeling. Then think about if you have ever felt like this and describe an example of what made you feel that way. How do you think the cat feels in this picture? ______

How can you tell? ______

Why do you think they might feel this way? ______

How do you think the cat feels in this picture? ______

How can you tell?

______

Why do you think they might feel this way?

______

How do you think the cat feels in this picture? ______How can you tell? ______

Why do you think they might feel this way? ______

5 ______

Documentary challenge – filming a purrfect feline habitat Wildlife documentaries are becoming increasingly popular. They can help to create global change by raising awareness and understanding of animals and their habitats.

Can you think of any Have you seen programmes that documentaries that encouraged your encouraged change in interest in animals? human behaviour and the environment?

We would like you to film and narrate your own moggy documentary! The topic of the film will be “A purrfect feline habitat”. (Don’t worry if you haven’t got a pet cat – everyone can take part in this activity and cats are not needed!). You don’t need lots of equipment and can film your documentary using a mobile phone camera. Wildlife documentaries need researchers to help plan the film shoot, location and script writing. Complete the table below to help in your planning. You might like to refer to our website for more information if required: Cat behaviour.

Think about the range of natural Consider the resources that allow cats to behaviours a cat may perform. express natural behaviours in the home.

For documentary inspiration you can watch Cats Protection’s Planet Cat:

Planet Cat episode 1 Planet Cat episode 2 Planet Cat episode 3

Planet Cat episode 4 Planet Cat episode 5

Documentary narration top tips

Things to remember – DO… Things to avoid – DON’T…

Keep it simple and relaxed. Use too much information. Use everyday language and don’t overload You don’t need to tell the viewer everything the audience with too much complicated you know about cats – just pick out the information. essential information.

Use statistics unless they are really Use the present tense and an active needed. mood. Statistics may sound impressive but often This will keep the viewer involved with they are not very interesting to a viewer and what’s going on in the video clip. don’t mean very much.

Make it fun and interesting! Talk about things not in the video clip. What is unusual or exciting about your You want to use information related to the environment or clip? Why not tell the viewer video clip and what is happening. However something they don’t know? add some depth rather than simply describing what we can already view.

Edit your film! Including music along with narration can Be afraid to have silence! add drama to the scene. There are free You don’t need to narrate through the editing apps available online to help you do whole video, sometimes it is nice to let the this. You can add text to your video – don’t pictures tell the story. forget to include yourself in the credits!

Don’t forget to share your purrfect feline habitat documentary with #FelineFocus! This will help cat owners learn more about how they can encourage their cat’s natural behaviours in the home.

Now take a break and enjoy some mindfulness colouring.

During this COVID-19 pandemic it is important that we think about our cats’ welfare and wellbeing but also our own. The changes that have been made to our daily lives to ensure our safety have impacts on our mental health and those around us. Take some time to enjoy some mindfulness colouring and why not watch some of our gorgeous kittens as they go on their socialisation journey at Kittens Live at Lunch or scan the QR code.

Cat hunting Feline fact file 3 – diet To learn all about cat Maths challenge: How many Why do cats hunt even hunting from Simon’s hunting trips would an African though they are given food Cat scan the QR code wildcat need to go on each day by their owners? or click here: Does to get enough calories? your cat bring you ______“gifts”? - Simon’s Cat ______Describe three ways in which cats are adapted for hunting: Cat feeding time 1.______To learn all about cat feeding time from Simon’s Cat, scan ______the QR code or click here: 2.______Things you didn't know about ______feeding time! - Simon's Cat 3.______

Why do cats get onto the worktop? How could we avoid this? ______Cats and water ______Do cats really hate ______water? Watch Simon’s ______Cat by scanning the List three things to Design a feeding enrichment toy. QR code or click here: avoid from the video: Do cats really hate water? - Simon's Cat 1.______2.______What things do we need to think 3.______about with our cat’s bowls? ______What should you do if ______your cat’s feeding habits ______change? ______How can you make feeding What is special about the fun? Why do we do this? Turkish Van cat breed? ______Why do cats like running water? ______

______9

Body condition scoring Ideal bodyweight will vary depending on breed and age of cat. To help with assessing body condition, Cats Protection uses tools such as the PFMA Cat Size-O-Meter below. This system grades the body condition of a cat from one to five and helps us to gain an understanding of body condition and weight of the cat without excessive handling which could potentially cause stress.

There are also alternatives available such as the Purina Body Condition System which grades the body condition of a cat from one to nine. Nine graded systems are often used by vets due to the higher level of detail however systems like the Cat Size-O-Meter are ideal in settings such as Cats Protection centres as they are easy to use and anyone can use them.

It is important to keep an eye on your cat and check their weight to make sure you aren't under- or over-feeding. Preventing your cat from gaining weight is easier than helping them lose weight.

Find out more about cats and their diets at Cat diet video or scan the QR code:

Try using the Cat Size-O-Meter to decide whether these cats are overweight or healthy?

Try using the Cat Size-O-Meter to decide whether these cats are overweight or healthy.

Decision:______How did you decide this? ______Describe the body parts listed:  Tummy ______ Spine ie visible/can be felt/can’t be felt ______ Ribs ie visible/can be felt/can’t be felt ______

Decision:______How did you decide this? ______Describe the body parts listed:  Tummy ______

 Spine ie visible/can be felt/can’t be felt ______ Ribs ie visible/can be felt/can’t be felt ______

Case study – Sootie

Sootie was admitted into our National Cat Centre at the end of 2019. The team were shocked by her size; she was among the biggest cats they had seen.

Name: Sootie

Gender: Female

Age: 12 years

Breed: Domestic shorthair

Weight: 10kg How would you describe Sootie’s body condition? ______

What illnesses could Sootie be at risk of? ______

Keeping you and your cats fit and healthy during COVID-19!

Social isolation can be a bit of a bore; you can’t go outside for very long and meeting up with your friends isn’t possible either. But maybe it’s not just humans who are affected…

What are we doing differently at home that might affect the weight of our pets?

______

What are you doing to stay fit and healthy? How could we apply this to our pets?

______

What can the centre team do to help Sootie lose weight?

______

Feline fact file 4 – health

Neutering and microchipping How many kittens Vet medication is given to a cat can a female have to stop which three things? To learn all about cats and the in a year? importance of health care you 1.______can scan the QR codes or click ______here: ______Female cat care: why should I 2.______get my cat done? ______

Male cat care: why should I get 3.______my cat done? ______

____ Describe what Cats and grooming microchipping is. At what age can cats start having To learn why cats kittens? 4. clean themselves from ______Eight months ☐ Simon’s Cat you can ______scan the QR code or click here: Why do ______One year ☐ cats clean themselves

______☐ so much? - Simon's Four months ______Cat

______Draw an annotated diagram of Why is it important to neuter a either a flea or a tapeworm. ______female cat and a male cat?

____________

______________________________What is it called when two What age should cats be ______What do cats have on their cats groom each other? neutered at? ______tongue to help them groom? ______13 ______

Information materials activity Informative materials are useful for creating an awareness of a subject and for people to gain information. They can be a great way to spread a message through specific spaces or communities. For example, you might want to make a leaflet to leave at veterinary surgeries or a poster for your local Cats Protection centre. With the current situation, we thought it would be original for you to create a guide about cats and COVID-19 using an informative material of your choice. You might like to choose:  a leaflet  a poster  a digital infographic

Follow these steps and add notes to the boxes to help you plan:

1. Decide on your key messages

What’s the purpose of your cats and COVID-19 guide? What do you want people who read it to know and do? What advice can you give?

Top tip: Think about the most important key points for your reader to understand your message. 2. Include the right info

Make a mind map of the key information you might need to include for owners to be aware of.

Top tip: Understand your topic! Think about what you need to give as information to the owner. Do I have to keep my cat in during the COVID-19 pandemic? Can I still use the vet if my cat is ill? What things can I provide my cat in the home while in isolation?

You will need to find out more about what information to give. It is essential that you use only the most up to date and accurate information given by Cats Protection. You can find lots of resources available on the Cats Protection website and at the links below:

Cats Protection COVID-19 updates and top tips Cats and COVID-19 Q&As Keeping cats entertained during the current situation 3. Add the detail

What will your title be?

Top tip: The title should be brief, informative and catchy and should invite the reader to read more. If you’re stuck on a title, try finishing your leaflet and adding a title last as inspiration may come later.

Could you write an overview for your guide?

Top tips: o Overview. Create a brief, clear opening that states the objectives of the leaflet, infographic or poster. This is a creative introduction and you can use bullet points to keep things short and sweet

o Make your text easily readable. When creating a leaflet, your text will be very small so avoid long paragraphs and stick to clear fonts. Headings should stand out and be in the same style, for example you could use underlining o Keep things simple. Avoid slang or complicated sentences to keep it simple and organised. Read your sentences out load and listen back to see if you think it sounds clear and makes sense o Group similar information together. When building your leaflet, keep relevant information clear and avoid repeating information. Don’t forget to use both the front and back of your paper for maximum information sharing 4. Make it look cool!

Think about the sort of design that will appeal to your target audience – what will appeal to them and catch their attention?

How many pictures will you use?

What will your colour scheme be?

Could you create an original charity or company logo?

Top tip: Keeping a rough draft to help you with planning your design. Fill it out as a mock-up to keep your brain moving creatively. The rough draft can be used to help work the layout.

If you have a laptop or PC then you could use IT platforms like Publisher or Word to create your leaflet, poster or infographic. Why not take a look at Cats Protection’s leaflets for ideas at the following link: Cats Protection leaflets or scan the QR code?

Have a look at these examples when considering your style:

5. Check before you print/share

Ask someone to proof read your work to check spelling and accuracy. Don’t forget to ask for a second opinion!

Do they like the layout? Y/N Are the pictures clear and relevant? Y/N Is the font size big enough? Y/N

Do they have any other suggestions or recommendations?

Feline fact file 5 – space Territorial behaviour What did Sir Isaac Newton Explain who cats share their To learn all about cats

invent for cats? ancestry with. being territorial from Simon’s Cat you can ______scan the QR code or ______click here: Territorial ______behaviour! - Simon's Cat ______

In or out? Describe three ways in which cats To learn all about cats being keep other cats away from their in or out from Simon’s Cat territory.

you can scan the QR codes 1.______or click here: In or out? Why are cats so indecisive?! - 2.______

Simon's Cat 3. ______Simon’s Cat

What is the type of purr called that cats use to get attention from

their owner? Cats on the move To learn how to help cats ______settle into a new home ______from Simon’s Cat you can scan the QR code or click ______What product can help Design something a cat can use to here: Cats on the move - your cat settle? hide and sleep in. Simon's Cat ______

______What type of resources do we need ______to give to a cat in the house? ____________

What is the first thing to ______do if a cat is stressed by anothe r cat? ______________________________When a cat moves into a new Name three familiar things house, how many weeks that make a cat feel secure ______should they be kept indoors and safe.  for? ______1.______☐ Six weeks What frequency can cats hear? 2.______Two weeks ☐ 3.______hertz Three weeks ☐

Artistic influencer activity Modern culture is also heavily impacted by ‘influencers’. These individuals can help to shape how people act, feel and behave and therefore can have a large impact on their daily lives. Think about some influencers you know, these may be social media stars, politicians, celebrities, bloggers, journalists or authors. Take some time to think about the following:  what makes these people so influential?  what methods do they use to spread their messages?  what type of messages do they spread?  what characteristics make them so successful?  what things have you learned from an influencer?  how has this impacted you?

Create a mind map below to try and sum up what makes your favourite influencer so successful:

To let people know more about cats and their need for space, we would like you to be an influencer for cats. Think about all of the characteristics that make your favourite influencers so successful. Use these and your creativity to share the message that cats need their own space. Be creative and think of an exciting way to spread the word. Think about how you want to communicate your message. Some ideas that you could consider include composing either a poem, a song or a rap, designing a t-shirt with a message, hosting a Facebook Live or Instagram Live session or creating a YouTube video. Don’t forget a catchy hashtag if you want to use social media!

Influencers use a range of methods to spread their messages and often the written word and music are used as tools. Poetry can have a big impact on people and songs or raps are a great way to share messages with other people and to encourage them to remember your message – just think about how many songs you know all of the lyrics to.

For the content of your poem, song or rap you will need to think about:  why do cats need their own space?  what might happen if they don’t have their own space?  how can you make sure your cat gets their own space?  how has COVID-19 impacted cats? What considerations should we be making right now to ensure their welfare?

There are some considerations you need to make when writing a poem. You will need to think about the following:  the form – although many poems don’t have a clear identifiable form, some do such as sonnets or narrative poems. Think about what you would like your poem to look like  the structure – how do you want to structure your poem? How many stanzas will there be? How many lines will there be in each stanza? Where will you have breaks between lines and stanzas?  rhyme and rhythm – will your poem rhyme? Do you want it to follow a particular rhythm as it is read?  language – think about what words you are using – you want to have an impact! Some words and phrases can be very powerful  poetic devices – think about how you will use language eg will you use similes, metaphors and/or alliteration?

Steps for writing a song or rap:

1. Create a mind map on the topic of cats and space. Be imaginative and list everything you can think of – this will inspire your lyrics. 2. Write your chorus – this is normally the part that people remember best so make sure it focuses on your key message. 3. Start to write your lyrics for the rest of your song or rap. Use your thought shower to think of lines to include and make sure it fits with your chorus. Don’t forget the beat! 4. Split your song or rap into verses. Decide how you will break it up into sections and how often you will repeat your chorus. 5. Practice and perform. Share your song or rap with friends and family to spread the message about cats’ need for space.

Cat creations There are many ways that cat owners can meet the five feline welfare needs. At the moment many cat owners are looking for ways to make household savings. Research the cost of common cat essentials and have a go at some of the creative cost saving ideas. Welfare need Market research Creative cost saver How much do cat How to make a cat bed from a jumper beds cost? To watch the Cats Protection video guide you can scan the QR code:

Comfortable resting place Or click the link here: How to make a cat bed from a jumper How much do cat How to make a cat fishing rod toy toys cost? To watch the Cats Protection video guide you can scan the QR code:

Understanding hunting behaviour Or click the link here: How to make a cat fishing rod toy How much do cat How to make homemade meaty cat food treats treats cost? To watch the Cats Protection video guide you can scan the QR code:

Feline treats in diet Or click the link here: How to make homemade cat treats How much do cat How to make cat feeding toys feeding enrichment To watch the Cats Protection video guide you can scan the toys cost? QR code:

Presentation of food for healthy cats Or click the link here: How to make cat feeding toys How much do cat How to make a cat scratching post scratching posts To watch the Cats Protection video guide you can scan the cost? QR code:

Territorial behaviours and own space Or click the link here: How to make a cat scratching post

How much money could cat owners save by getting creative? ______Why not try making something for your own cat? Don’t forget to share your ideas, creations and any top tips online using #FelineFocus.

This pack links closely to animal welfare legislation in the UK including the Animal Welfare Act 2006, Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and Welfare of Animal Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. These laws are in place to ensure pet owners meet the five animal welfare needs. Complete the table below to discover your own welfare needs.

What could pet owners provide What has helped your welfare The five welfare needs for their cats to ensure they meet (both physically and emotionally)

the five welfare needs? during COVID-19 lockdown?

Place to live: suitable environment, including shelter and comfortable resting area.

Understand natural behaviour: providing facilities to allow them to perform normal behaviours.

Right diet: access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vitality.

Right health care: to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

Space: to have the choice to live apart from other cats and pets.

Cat crossword Test what you have learned with our cat care crossword.

Across Down

1. How old cats need to be to start 4. Type of purr having kittens 6. A way to make feeding more fun and 2. The number of kittens a queen mentally stimulating can have in one year 9. When kittens learn what is threatening or 3. When two cats groom each other non-threatening in the world around them 5. Word to describe ‘most active at

dusk and dawn’ 7. The operation that stops cats

having unwanted kittens 8. Common parasites that can also

bite humans

9. A homeless or lost cat