Date of next classes
| Classes offered |
| Feline behavior | TTouch | Kindergarten class for kittens |
| Date of next classes |
| Feline Behavior and TTouh 1* : Follow the dates of upcoming classes *This course is a prerequisite for the advanced course: TTouch and Feline Meridian System which will be available in 2008 Kindergarten class for kittens : The next course will be available in 2008. Note: The cost of the course, including materials is $ 75. However, a discount of $ 25 will be applied upon presentation of a certificate of adoption from a recognized shelter. |
| Feline behavior and TTouch |
) |  | Understand feline behavior |
| Factors which influence behavior | |
| Rules to respect to avoid litter box problems | |
| How to manage some aggression problems | |
| How to alleviate some behaviors judged to be compulsive | |
| Introduction to TTouch: the touches most often used with cats and why | |
| Demonstration |
 |
|
| These classes are formed according to the requests received, some examples include: | |||
| Everything you need to know before adopting a second cat | ) | |
| Socialize your new adult cat | ||
| Introducing a new cat (kitten) to your resident cat | ||
| Train your cat to use a scratching post, how to choose the best places to install them | ||
| How to deal with aggression problems | ||
| Feline play techniques to stimulate your cat’s brain | ||
| Transition of cats from outside to inside | ||
| How to avoid separation anxiety | ||
| Choice of cat litter for cats having a specific elimination problem | ||
| How to walk a cat using a harness (while looking at the good and the bad sides of this option) | ||
|
|
) | | During the first part of the class, we make an introduction to TTouch in explaining the touches most often used with cats. |
| Why should TTouch be integrated in a cat’s routine | |
| Revision of how to relieve some health problems using TTouch Detailed demonstration with a cat | |
| During the second part participants practice in depth the touches and personalize them according to their cats’ needs (relieving a health problem or correcting a behavior problem) Date of next TTouch classes in depth and playing techniques: Follow the dates of upcoming classes and coming |
|
|
| Based on the class «Kitty Kindy» developed by the Australian veterinarian behaviorist, Dr. Kersti Seksel and the version Kitty-K of Steve Dale,(Pet World) kindergarten classes for kittens are now offered by Communication Féline. This class is slightly modified to incorporate TTouch techniques. |
| Why a kindergarten class for kittens? |
| The principal cause of mortality with companion animals comes generally from a behavior problem. Adorable kittens, full of life are the first to get adopted but also the first to be abandoned once they reach adulthood and they develop a behavior problem. Puppy owners don’t think twice before choosing a good kindergarten class, while kitten owners, think that by having chosen a kitten it will be easier to make it quickly become part of the family. This is without thinking that training will be necessary to behave correctly in the home. |
| Then, why are adult cats and this, for the most part, terrified when the time comes to make them go in a carrier to go to the veterinarian, or to take a car ride, without mentioning the stress they go through when strangers come to the house. Take also the case of the cats who can’t abide having their claws trimmed, or their teeth cleaned. Veterinarian visits represent a nightmare for the cat, his/her owner and the veterinarian also. | ) |
| The kitten kindergarten class envisages to train the kitten to learn and for his/her owner to get accustomed to the use of behavior techniques. This class will allow the kitten to avoid a non desirable behavior from his part in the years to come. In short, this class will prevent dramas, of abandonment or euthanasia! |
OBJECTIVES OF THE CLASS | |||
 | To boost the kitten’s confidence | ||
| Get the kitten used to traveling in its carrier and visiting the veterinarian | ||
| | Show the owners how to trim the kitten’s claws | ||
| | The importance of choosing well a scratching post and how to make one yourself |  | |
| | Answer questions about behavior | ||
| | The location of the litter boxes | ||
| | Motivate the kitten to use its claws in the right place and how to discourage it to do it in forbidden places | ||
| | Discourage the kitten to avoid forbidden places | ||
| | Feline play: the importance to play with the kitten, recommended toys and why the kitten must not play with your hands | ||
| | For those interested: how to choose a safe harness and how to walk your cat on a harness | ||
| How to use a «clicker»: how to correct a non desirable behavior and teach the kitten a few basic commands | ||
| | TTouch: Learn the basic touches, especially in the case of unweaned kittens and why TTouch should be a part of your relationship with the kitten | ||
PROGRAM | ||||||
| Kitten kindergarten class is given during two weekends. Each class lasts 2 hours. Upcoming course dates for kindergarten kittens: Follow the dates of upcoming classes | ||||||
| First week : | ||||||
| Introduction: Importance of this class | |||||
| Basic training concerning the use and location of the litter boxes | |||||
| What is an unweaned kitten and how to discourage it to lick or bite your neck, electrical cords or your hands | |||||
| TTouch: short basic introduction to TTouch and the touches suggested for kittens | |||||
| Each participant must practice the suggested touches with their kitten | |||||
| | Demonstration so you know how to trim the kitten’s claws and how to brush his/her teeth using the TTouch technique | |||||
| | All kittens play and interact with one another: The participants will make an observation of the feline language while the kittens are in action. | |||||
| Cuddling break: each kitten will be held in each participant arms (every kitten will receive TTouch and cuddles) | |||||
| | Clicker demonstration: the basics of operant conditioning and how to teach the kitten new tricks | |||||
| | Questions and answers period | |||||
| Handing out homework to do during the week | |||||
| Second week : | ||||||
| Questions and answers period | |||||
| Each participant will show what his kitten has learned during the week | |||||
| | For those interested: how to choose a safe harness and how to walk the kitten on a harness | |||||
| The basic and the importance of a good nutrition for the kitten | |||||
| Food and water bowls to favour and to avoid | |||||
| Revision and correction of the practiced touches from the first class | |||||
| The importance of brushing kitten and a demonstration | |||||
| How to give a pill to the kitten | |||||
| | Recommended toys and play techniques to stimulate the kitten’s brain: We show the owners here how to play with the kitten and why our hands and our fingers must not be offered to play with | |||||
| | How to choose a scratching post, where to put it and how to motivate your kitten to use it. The participants will have a good idea of how to build a homemade scratching post | |||||
| Kitten meets his friends again: all of the kittens play in a group once more |  | ||||
| | Cuddling break identical as in the first class | |||||
| | Questions and answers period | |||||
| | Handing out diplomas | |||||
| ) | ) |
| Compulsory rules for the class |
| Your kitten must have had a veterinarian consultation before the enrolment. A health certificate will need to be signed by your veterinarian. All kittens must have had the basic vaccines at least 10 days before the first class. |
| Supplies to bring for each class |
| A safe carrier to bring your kitten to class |
| A brush, nail clipper (they can’t be shared) |
| A towel or a blanket because we will often work on the floor |
| Supplies provided by Communication Féline |
| Disposable individual litter boxes (if needed) |
| One clicker per cat enrolled |
| Various toys to play with during class |
|
)