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Feline Activities Methodology – Face-to-face feline therapy in institutions and families

Feline Activities Methodology –

Face-to-face feline therapy in institutions and families

Prepared by:

Independent Breeders Club

Havlíčkova 590/5

293 01 Mladá Boleslav

Introduction

Feline Activities is a form of zootherapy involving interaction between humans and cats for the purpose of activation, health promotion, or psychosocial intervention. Due to the specific needs of cats and the nature of their communication, it is necessary to approach their selection, breeding, training, and direct involvement in AAI with regard to welfare, stress regulation ability, and relationship with the handler.

This methodology is based on internationally recognized AAI (Animal Assisted Interventions) principles and regulates the conditions and recommendations for felinotherapy—i.e., zootherapy involving cats—in institutions and households. It takes into account the standards applicable in organizations such as IAHAIO, Pet Partners, etc., and is adapted to the specifics of the Czech Republic.

The methodology focuses primarily on the work of volunteer teams and includes requirements for cats and handlers, safety and hygiene conditions, and an overview of the different types of felinotherapy activities.

1. International classification of AAI interventions

According to international terminology, felinotherapy is classified as AAI (Animal Assisted Interventions), which we divide into:

- AAA – Animal Assisted Activities

- AAT – Animal Assisted Therapy (therapy involving animals)

- AAE – Animal Assisted Education (education involving animals)

- AACR – Animal Assisted Crisis Response (crisis intervention)

Feline therapy in the Czech Republic most often takes place within the framework of AAA, AAT, and AAE.

2. Minimum standards for felinotherapy practice

2.1. Handler

Minimum age of 18
No criminal record (an extract from the criminal register must be submitted; exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis if the record relates, for example, to a traffic accident unrelated to working with people)
Completion of basic training, which includes:
Cat breeding and welfare
Basics of veterinary issues and prevention
First aid in human medicine and for cats
Cat ethology and communication
Basics of positive training
General basics of felinotherapy and specifics according to the target group
Basics of communication, ethics, and GDPR

Supervised training in contracted facilities or private practice for a period of 6 months
Training may be provided by a professional organization or entity engaged in felinotherapy or zootherapy (AAI) in the Czech Republic or abroad

2.2.Cat

Cat age min. 1 year (at least 6 months in the handler's household)
Safe breeding conditions
Testing of character traits and suitability for felinotherapy
Mandatory annual veterinary examinations and regular vaccinations according to the basic vaccination schedule (calicivirus, panleukopenia, herpesvirus), rabies according to current veterinary regulations
Ethical approach: non-invasive training and care
Own handler with whom the cat has a strong relationship
Hygiene habits, adaptation to the environment
Record of intervention: video/photo/notes
Supervised training in contracted facilities or private practice for 6 months

2. 3. Testing and supervision

Fe-BARQ test supplemented by own ethological observations
Working with AI (video analysis, handler reflection support)
Inclusion of a three-level testing scheme or its equivalent in the supervisory assessment, regular evaluation after one year or earlier as needed

Assessment of the cat's primary affective responses (e.g., playfulness vs. inhibition)

2. 4. Three-level team testing model

The methodology introduces a system of continuous testing and team reflection on three levels:

Level 1 – SIBAM model (Somatic – Image – Behavior – Affect – Meaning, Dr. Peter Levine):

- The cat's physical response (S), visual perceptions (I), behavior (B), emotions (A), and the meaning of the situation for both humans and animals (M) are monitored.

Level 2 – Polyvagal theory (Dr. Stephen Porges):

- Emphasis on reading signals from the nervous system (ventral vs. dorsal vagus, sympathetic nervous system)

- The cat as a "living barometer" of the client's safety and condition

Level 3 – Affective neuroscience (Dr. Jaak Panksepp):

- Evaluation of the activation of primary emotional systems: e.g., CARE, PLAY, SEEKING, FEAR

Each team is evaluated repeatedly on these three levels (e.g., once a year or after a change in the work context).

2.5. Possibilities of video analysis in felinotherapy

Video analysis is becoming a valuable tool in testing, supervision, and further professional development of felinotherapy teams. It allows for slow-motion, repeated, and accurate observation of subtle nonverbal signals in cats, handlers, and clients. In accordance with the principles of ethical, safe, and relational felinotherapy, video recordings can be used in the following areas:

2.5.1. Testing and selection of cats

Observing the body language of cats in different contexts (new environment, contact with a stranger, unexpected sound), identifying calming signals and stress management strategies, comparing behavior in response to different types of stimuli (calm child, senior citizen, noisy environment), assessing the degree of autonomy and interaction preferences.

2.5.2. Supervision and self-reflection of the handler

Awareness of one's own body posture, breathing, voice, recognition of moments of loss of attention, overload, or unclear communication, working with felt sense and internal reactions to the behavior of the cat or client.

2.5.3. Monitoring the development of the relationship and maturity of the team

Capturing progress in behavior and trust, identifying recurring situations that lead to stress or rejection, supporting an individual approach and adapting activities.

2.5.4. Education and sharing within the professional community

Use anonymized recordings for educational purposes, analyze recordings during supervision meetings (e.g., using methodological support or an external observer).

Recommendation:

The recording should be made with the knowledge and consent of all participants (including the client, if possible).
The camera can be static (e.g., a cell phone on a tripod); it is important to ensure a good shot of both the cat and the handler, and ideally also sound.
The video can be short (e.g., 3-5 minutes), but it is important to focus on one specific moment or interaction.

Digital support and tools

Video analysis is carried out in collaboration with the professional AI assistant ChatGPT (OpenAI), which provides not only linguistic but also methodological and ethological advice. ChatGPT can be used as a support tool for reflection and behavior analysis—for example:

creating a transcript of observations (SIBAM, Polyvagal Theory, affective systems),
designing questions for self-reflection or supervision,
creating training plans or educational materials based on the video.

Although AI cannot replace human empathy and experience, it can be a valuable digital partner in the learning and growth process of a therapeutic team.

2. 6. Developmental stages of a therapy cat

1. Kitten (0–6 months) – primary bonding, socialization

2. Young age (6–12 months) – play, observation, simple training

3. Adolescence (12–48 months) – temperament formation, first safe contacts

4. Maturity (4–6 years) – stability, higher resilience, involvement in therapy

5. Peak (6+ years) – deep bonding, anticipation, specialized work

Development is dynamic – testing must be repeated and reflective.

2. 7. Safety and hygiene conditions

- Before visiting the facility, it is recommended to perform basic hygiene on the cat (coat care, claw trimming)

- Suitable, disinfectable carrier or transport stroller, space for shelter during the activity, availability of drinking water and a drinking bowl for the cat, blanket or other bedding, sufficient toys according to the planned activity, designated rest areas

2. 8. Ethical principles

- Felinotherapy is always voluntary – for both the client and the animal

- The cat has the right to refuse the activity

- The cat always has a choice

- The client should be informed of the possibility of contact, which is conducted sensitively and with respect

- The welfare of both the cat and the human is essential (see separate chapters on the website)

2.9. Relationship to existing legislation

2.9.1. Act No. 246/1992 Coll., on the protection of animals against cruelty

Purpose: To protect animals as living creatures capable of feeling pain and suffering from cruelty, damage to their health, and unjustified killing.
Key areas: Definition of cruelty, breeders' obligations, prohibition of certain practices, inspection powers.
Update: The Act has been amended, e.g. by Act No. 501/2020 Coll., which strengthened the protection of animals in breeding and prohibited the promotion of cruelty.

2.9. 2. Act No. 166/1999 Coll., on veterinary care (Veterinary Act)

Purpose: To set requirements for animal breeding and health, veterinary care, and the powers of the State Veterinary Administration.
Key areas: Veterinary certificates, vaccinations, animal records, animal transport, disease prevention.
Update: The Act was amended, e.g., by Act No. 246/2022 Coll., which modified the conditions for veterinary care.

2.9. 3. Personal Data Protection (GDPR)

Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR): General Data Protection Regulation, which sets out rules for the processing of personal data in the EU.
Act No. 110/2019 Coll., on the processing of personal data: Adaptation Act, which supplements and clarifies the rules set out in the GDPR in the Czech legal environment.
Key areas: Rights of data subjects, obligations of controllers and processors, protection of clients' personal data in institutions.

2.9.4. Act No. 359/2012 Coll., on the protection of animals during public performances and animal gatherings

Purpose: Regulates the rules for the involvement of animals in public events, performances, exhibitions, and therapies.
Key areas: Definition of gathering and public performance, notification of the event to the competent veterinary authority, conditions for the protection of animals (water, shade, handling, etc.).

Summary

This methodology supports the professional and ethical framework of felinotherapy. It emphasizes repeated evaluation, developmental changes in animals and humans, and the connection between modern neuroscientific knowledge and practice.

It is intended for volunteer and professional teams operating in the Czech Republic.

Prepared according to current knowledge of felinotherapy, including outputs from Czech and international practice.

In Mladá Boleslav, July 1, 2025

Online:	1
Total:	1510
Month:	1090
Day:	57

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Feline Activities Methodology – Face-to-face feline therapy in institutions and families

Feline Activities Methodology –

Face-to-face feline therapy in institutions and families

Prepared by:

Independent Breeders Club

Havlíčkova 590/5

293 01 Mladá Boleslav

Contents:

Introduction

International Classification of AAI Interventions

Minimum Standards of Practice for Feline Activities

Summary

Introduction

The methodology focuses primarily on the work of volunteer teams and includes requirements for cats and handlers, safety and hygiene conditions, and an overview of the different types of felinotherapy activities.

1. International classification of AAI interventions

According to international terminology, felinotherapy is classified as AAI (Animal Assisted Interventions), which we divide into:

- AAA – Animal Assisted Activities

- AAT – Animal Assisted Therapy (therapy involving animals)

- AAE – Animal Assisted Education (education involving animals)

- AACR – Animal Assisted Crisis Response (crisis intervention)

Feline therapy in the Czech Republic most often takes place within the framework of AAA, AAT, and AAE.

2. Minimum standards for felinotherapy practice

2.1. Handler

Minimum age of 18

No criminal record (an extract from the criminal register must be submitted; exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis if the record relates, for example, to a traffic accident unrelated to working with people)

Completion of basic training, which includes:

Cat breeding and welfare

Basics of veterinary issues and prevention

First aid in human medicine and for cats

Cat ethology and communication

Basics of positive training

General basics of felinotherapy and specifics according to the target group

Basics of communication, ethics, and GDPR

Supervised training in contracted facilities or private practice for a period of 6 months

Training may be provided by a professional organization or entity engaged in felinotherapy or zootherapy (AAI) in the Czech Republic or abroad

2.2.Cat

Cat age min. 1 year (at least 6 months in the handler's household)

Safe breeding conditions

Testing of character traits and suitability for felinotherapy

Mandatory annual veterinary examinations and regular vaccinations according to the basic vaccination schedule (calicivirus, panleukopenia, herpesvirus), rabies according to current veterinary regulations

Ethical approach: non-invasive training and care

Own handler with whom the cat has a strong relationship

Hygiene habits, adaptation to the environment

Record of intervention: video/photo/notes

Supervised training in contracted facilities or private practice for 6 months

2. 3. Testing and supervision

Fe-BARQ test supplemented by own ethological observations

Working with AI (video analysis, handler reflection support)

Inclusion of a three-level testing scheme or its equivalent in the supervisory assessment, regular evaluation after one year or earlier as needed

Assessment of the cat's primary affective responses (e.g., playfulness vs. inhibition)

2. 4. Three-level team testing model

The methodology introduces a system of continuous testing and team reflection on three levels:

Level 1 – SIBAM model (Somatic – Image – Behavior – Affect – Meaning, Dr. Peter Levine):

- The cat's physical response (S), visual perceptions (I), behavior (B), emotions (A), and the meaning of the situation for both humans and animals (M) are monitored.

Level 2 – Polyvagal theory (Dr. Stephen Porges):

- Emphasis on reading signals from the nervous system (ventral vs. dorsal vagus, sympathetic nervous system)

- The cat as a "living barometer" of the client's safety and condition

Level 3 – Affective neuroscience (Dr. Jaak Panksepp):

- Evaluation of the activation of primary emotional systems: e.g., CARE, PLAY, SEEKING, FEAR

Each team is evaluated repeatedly on these three levels (e.g., once a year or after a change in the work context).

2.5. Possibilities of video analysis in felinotherapy

2.5.1. Testing and selection of cats

2.5.2. Supervision and self-reflection of the handler

Awareness of one's own body posture, breathing, voice, recognition of moments of loss of attention, overload, or unclear communication, working with felt sense and internal reactions to the behavior of the cat or client.

2.5.3. Monitoring the development of the relationship and maturity of the team

Capturing progress in behavior and trust, identifying recurring situations that lead to stress or rejection, supporting an individual approach and adapting activities.

2.5.4. Education and sharing within the professional community

Use anonymized recordings for educational purposes, analyze recordings during supervision meetings (e.g., using methodological support or an external observer).

Recommendation:

The recording should be made with the knowledge and consent of all participants (including the client, if possible).

The camera can be static (e.g., a cell phone on a tripod); it is important to ensure a good shot of both the cat and the handler, and ideally also sound.

The video can be short (e.g., 3-5 minutes), but it is important to focus on one specific moment or interaction.

Digital support and tools

Video analysis is carried out in collaboration with the professional AI assistant ChatGPT (OpenAI), which provides not only linguistic but also methodological and ethological advice. ChatGPT can be used as a support tool for reflection and behavior analysis—for example:

creating a transcript of observations (SIBAM, Polyvagal Theory, affective systems),

designing questions for self-reflection or supervision,

creating training plans or educational materials based on the video.

Although AI cannot replace human empathy and experience, it can be a valuable digital partner in the learning and growth process of a therapeutic team.

2. 6. Developmental stages of a therapy cat