If you are one of the hundreds of thousands of children or learners who want to work with animals one day, then you might also be aware that career guidance on this subject is extremely limited. And this is a global phenomenon that even the United Nations is trying to address. The internet doesn’t always help either. Search engines such as Google, where a search for “different jobs in working with cats” gives you almost nothing of value to help you plan your career path, except for the usual stuff.
So, how do you find out about all of the various careers that you can choose from?
Well, One Zoo Tree is compiling the world’s first fully digital career guidance system for those who want to work with animals. And to show you what can be found when looking into specific careers, here is The Ultimate Guide to Jobs Working with Cats!
Introduction
Working with cats can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for those who have a passion for these graceful and enigmatic creatures. Whether you aspire to become a veterinarian, an animal behaviorist, or a wildlife conservationist, there are numerous career paths that involve working closely with cats. This guide will explore various careers, skills required, and steps to prepare for a career working with cats.
Cat Facts
Cats are members of the family Felidae, which encompasses a diverse array of species, from the majestic lions and tigers to the elusive wildcats and the beloved domestic cat. Within the Felidae family, domestic cats are classified under the genus Felis and the species Felis catus. This classification highlights their close evolutionary relationship with other Feline species while also emphasising their unique characteristics as a domesticated animal.
Appearance and Anatomy
Cats are renowned for their sleek and agile bodies, adorned with soft fur in a myriad of colours and patterns. Their sharp retractable claws and keen senses, including exceptional hearing and night vision, are adaptations honed through centuries of evolution as efficient hunters. A cat’s anatomy is finely tuned for stalking and capturing Prey, with a flexible spine that allows for fluid movement and a set of specialised teeth designed for tearing flesh.
Habitat and Distribution
Cats have successfully colonized diverse habitats across the globe, from dense jungles to arid deserts and urban landscapes. Domestic cats, believed to have originated from the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), have spread far and wide thanks to their close association with humans. Wild cat species, such as the majestic tiger, the elusive snow leopard, and the agile cheetah, inhabit a range of ecosystems, each uniquely adapted to their specific environmental niche.
Behaviour
Cats exhibit a wide range of behaviours, shaped by their evolutionary history and domestication. While known for their independent nature, cats also form strong bonds with their human companions, displaying affection through purring, kneading, and head-butting. Their territorial instincts are evident in behaviours such as scent marking and defending their territory from intruders. Cats are also meticulous groomers, spending a significant portion of their day grooming themselves to maintain hygiene and regulate body temperature. Additionally, cats communicate through a variety of vocalisations, body language, and scent marking, allowing them to convey their needs, emotions, and intentions to others.
You can learn more basic cat facts by visiting our free short courses:
All our beginner-to-advanced-level courses are open to visitors and do not require you to sign in or be a member
Working with Cats
Working with cats opens up a diverse array of career opportunities, each offering unique experiences and challenges. From providing medical care and rehabilitation to studying their behaviour and advocating for their welfare, there are numerous avenues for individuals passionate about feline companionship and conservation.
Veterinarians specialising in feline medicine play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of cats. They diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, from routine vaccinations and preventive care to complex surgical procedures and emergency interventions. Feline veterinarians may work in private clinics, animal hospitals, or specialised practices focusing exclusively on cat care.
Animal behaviourists study the behaviour of cats and other animals to better understand their motivations, instincts, and social dynamics. They may work with pet owners to address behavioural issues such as aggression, anxiety, or compulsive behaviours through behaviour modification techniques and training programmes. Animal behaviourists may also conduct research to contribute to our understanding of feline behaviour and welfare.
Animal shelter workers provide essential care and support for cats awaiting adoption or in need of temporary housing. They feed, clean, and socialise with cats, ensuring their physical and emotional well-being while also facilitating adoptions and matching cats with suitable homes. Shelter workers may also assist with medical treatments, behaviour assessments, and community outreach programmes aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership.
Animal trainers use positive reinforcement techniques to teach cats new behaviours and skills, ranging from basic obedience commands to complex performance routines. They may work in various settings, including entertainment industry productions, educational programmes, and service animal training centres. Animal trainers play a crucial role in enhancing the bond between cats and their human companions while also promoting mental stimulation and physical exercise.
These are just a few examples of careers involving cats, each offering opportunities for individuals with a passion for feline welfare, behaviour, and conservation. Whether providing medical care to sick and injured cats, conducting research to advance our understanding of feline behaviour, or advocating for the protection of wild cat species, working with cats offers a fulfilling and meaningful career path for those dedicated to the well-being of these magnificent creatures.
There are actually 12 different career categories in OZT, of which most will allow you to work with domesticated cats. Some only require behavioural observation of the animal to replicate them in some way, such as in art, design, media, photography, and publication. Other categories require physical interaction, such as careers in animal care, health, protection, and conservation.
Have a look at all of the cat careers
Skills And Equipment
Skills and Knowledge required to work with Cats
Working with cats requires a combination of specialised skills, knowledge, and personal qualities to ensure the well-being of these beloved animals and success in various career paths involving feline care and conservation.
Animal Handling Skills:
Proficiency in safely and gently handling cats is essential for individuals working in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and other settings where direct interaction with cats is common. This includes techniques for restraining cats during medical examinations, administering treatments, and transporting them safely. Understanding feline behaviour cues and responding appropriately to their body language is crucial for minimising stress and ensuring the safety of both cats and handlers.
Medical Knowledge:
A solid foundation in veterinary medicine and animal health is necessary for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other professionals involved in providing medical care to cats. This includes understanding cat anatomy, physiology, common health issues, and treatment protocols. Additionally, familiarity with diagnostic techniques, surgical procedures, and pharmaceuticals used in feline medicine is essential for delivering high-quality veterinary care.
Communication Skills:
Effective communication skills are essential for professionals working with cats to collaborate with colleagues, educate pet owners, and advocate for feline welfare. Clear and empathetic communication with clients about their cat’s health, treatment options, and preventive care recommendations fosters trust and compliance with veterinary recommendations. Communication skills are also valuable for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, conducting behaviour consultations, and delivering educational presentations to promote responsible cat ownership.
Problem-Solving Abilities:
Working with cats often involves encountering unexpected challenges and situations that require quick thinking and problem-solving skills. Whether diagnosing and treating complex medical cases, addressing behaviour problems, or implementing wildlife conservation initiatives, professionals in cat-related careers must be able to assess situations, develop effective solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances. Critical thinking skills and the ability to analyse information and evaluate options are invaluable for navigating the diverse challenges encountered when working with cats.
Empathy and Compassion:
Empathy and compassion are fundamental qualities for anyone working with cats, whether in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or wildlife conservation setting. Understanding and responding to the emotional needs of cats and their human caregivers with empathy and compassion fosters trust, strengthens bonds, and enhances the quality of care provided. Empathy also extends to wild cat species, as conservation efforts aimed at protecting their habitats and populations require a deep appreciation for their intrinsic value and ecological significance.
By cultivating these skills and knowledge areas, individuals interested in working with cats can enhance their effectiveness, professionalism, and satisfaction in various career paths involving feline care, behavior, and conservation. Continuously expanding one’s expertise and staying abreast of advances in feline medicine, behavior science, and wildlife conservation further strengthens the foundation for a successful and rewarding career working with cats.
Tools or Equipment used in working with Cats
Professionals working with cats rely on a variety of tools and equipment to provide high-quality care, ensure safety, and facilitate effective communication with clients and colleagues. From veterinary instruments and grooming supplies to enrichment toys and training aids, these tools play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of cats and supporting the diverse activities involved in working with them.
Veterinary Equipment:
Veterinary clinics and hospitals are equipped with a range of specialised tools and equipment used in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of feline health conditions. This includes diagnostic instruments such as stethoscopes, otoscopes, and ophthalmoscopes for examining cats’ vital signs and internal organs. Surgical instruments, including scalpels, forceps, and surgical drapes, are used in various surgical procedures, from routine spaying and neutering to complex soft tissue and orthopaedic surgeries. Additionally, medical supplies such as vaccines, medications, and intravenous fluids are essential for providing preventive care, managing acute and chronic illnesses, and supporting cats’ recovery from injuries and surgeries.
Grooming Supplies:
Grooming is an essential aspect of feline care, promoting skin and coat health, reducing shedding, and preventing matting and skin problems. Grooming supplies for cats include brushes, combs, and grooming gloves designed to remove loose fur, detangle knots, and distribute natural oils throughout the coat. Cat-specific shampoos and conditioners formulated to maintain the pH balance of feline skin and coat are used to cleanse and moisturise, while nail trimmers and styptic powder are employed for safely trimming cats’ claws and managing nail-related issues.
Enrichment Toys:
Enrichment toys and devices are used to stimulate cats mentally and physically, providing opportunities for play, exploration, and exercise. Interactive toys such as puzzle feeders, treat dispensers, and laser pointers engage cats’ natural hunting instincts and encourage problem-solving behaviours. Environmental enrichment items such as scratching posts, climbing trees, and hiding spots offer cats outlets for natural behaviours, reducing stress and boredom in indoor environments. Additionally, toys that incorporate auditory, visual, and tactile stimuli, such as feather wands, crinkle balls, and catnip toys, provide sensory enrichment and enhance cats’ overall well-being.
Training Aids:
Training aids are utilized by animal trainers and behaviorists to teach cats new behaviors, modify existing ones, and address behavior problems. Positive reinforcement tools such as clickers, which emit a distinct sound when pressed, are used to mark desired behaviours and facilitate communication between trainers and cats. Treats, such as small pieces of cooked chicken or commercial cat treats, serve as rewards for desired behaviours and motivate cats to participate in training sessions. Target sticks, used to guide cats’ movements and shape behaviours, provide a visual cue for cats to follow and facilitate training exercises such as targeting, shaping, and shaping.
By utilising these tools and equipment, professionals working with cats can provide comprehensive care, enrichment, and training opportunities that support cats’ physical health, mental stimulation, and emotional well-being. Additionally, these tools enhance communication, collaboration, and effectiveness in various cat-related settings, from veterinary clinics and animal shelters to behaviour consultation sessions and wildlife conservation initiatives.
How can YOU prepare for a career working with Cats?
Here are a few important steps to remember on the path to securing a job where you can work with Cats:
- Reflect on your values, interests, and strengths. These important characteristics can show you which categories of careers to look into
- Research different careers. Don’t just settle on a career because it sounds good. Research as much as possible before you make a decision.
- Explore your options. Look at what you would like to do after school. Do you want to study further or start your own business? Where do you want to study?
- Seek guidance from trusted sources. Use trusted sites, such as OZT, and talk to people who know about career guidance or who have expertise in certain fields.
- Make a decision and take action. Once you have a general idea, start looking at gaining experience handling animals. DON’T WAIT UNTIL AFTER COMPLETING SCHOOL!
The above steps can all be planned and completed while still in school!
These steps are explained in more detail in our free short courses, called:
Important!
One Zoo Tree is a FREE resource for children and students of all ages who want to work with animals. Our primary objective is to ensure that our members have ALL of the data available to ensure that they can make practical career choices. To achieve this, we have put together a career database (the leading database of its kind in the world) with over 500 comprehensive career profiles. We have also designed thousands of free short courses to help members prepare for a future career.
Use the site for in-depth career research, or join our online Community to interact with other members around the world as well as gain access to loads of extra career tools and information!
