International Felinotherapy Association (IFA)

Principles of International Education and Certification

(Feline Activities / HAI / HAB)

1. Basic Framework

The IFA educational system in the field of Feline Activities respects the general minimum recommendations of the IAHAIO White Paper 2022.

International Felinotherapy Association (IFA) establishes an educational and certification system for the field of:

Feline Activities

in the context of:

• Human–Animal Interaction (HAI)
• Human–Animal Bond (HAB)

Feline Activities are not a healthcare or social service and do not constitute a therapeutic intervention within the meaning of the applicable legislation of the Czech Republic or the legislation of countries in which IFA member entities operate.

Within this document, the term “handler” refers to a person working with a cat who is responsible for the animal’s welfare, safety and the course of the interaction. The handler does not necessarily have to be the legal owner of the cat. In a home environment, this role may be fulfilled by the owner or caregiver.

The system is based on:

• animal and human welfare,
• voluntary interaction,
• a species-specific approach to cats,
• continuity of the human–cat relationship,
• documentation, reflection and supervision,
• an evidence-informed approach.

Professional Framework

International Professional and Research Frameworks

• IAHAIO
• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
• Karen Pryor Academy

Theoretical and Scientific Foundations

• affective neuroscience (Jaak Panksepp)
• polyvagal theory (Stephen Porges)
• Somatic Experiencing®

Methodological and Assessment Tools

• Fe-BARQ
• SIBAM
• video analysis including SPA
• feline ethology

2. Structure of the System

IFA establishes an open and modular educational system based on the integration of:

• internal IFA education,
• external international courses,
• practical experience and video analysis.

3. Duration of Education

Standard duration of education:

12–24 months

Reasons:

• respect for working with cats,
• opportunity for ongoing learning and integration of knowledge,
• reduction of pressure on participants and animals,
• support for long-term reflection and supervision.

4. Educational Pathways

A. Home Feline Activities (HFA)

Designed for activities in the home environment.

Scope:
20–30 hours

Outcome:
IFA certificate of completion

Validity:
3 years

Continuing Education:
minimum of 8 hours of Continuing Education (CE) recommended every 2 years.

B. Feline Activities Practitioner (FAP)

Scope:
minimum 70 hours

Structure:

• minimum 20 hours of instruction,
• minimum 25 hours of practical experience,
• minimum 25 hours of self-study.

Outcome:
IFA certificate

Validity:
2 years

Continuing Education:
minimum of 8 hours of Continuing Education (CE) recommended every 2 years.

5. Internal IFA Education

Internal IFA education is provided by the Independent Breeders Club (NCHK) in cooperation with the International Felinotherapy Association (IFA).

The curriculum includes in particular:

• Feline Activities methodology,
• work with the handler–cat dyad,
• SIBAM,
• the polyvagal framework,
• foundations of Somatic Experiencing®,
• haptic-sensory and exteroceptive regulation
  (touch, oral stimulation, multisensory integration),
• video analysis,
• interpretation of Fe-BARQ,
• ethics and safety.

6. External Education (Integrated)

IFA utilizes international educational platforms and professional resources, for example:

• university courses
  (e.g. University of Edinburgh – welfare and behaviour),
• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC),
• Coursera,
• Udemy,
• Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy,
• other relevant educational programs
  (e.g. ethology, training, welfare, nervous system regulation).

6.1 Course Recognition Criteria

A course must meet the following criteria:

• relevance to the field
  (behaviour, welfare, regulation, training),
• minimum duration
  (generally from approximately 1.5 hours; shorter courses may be accepted if highly professionally relevant),
• verifiable outcome
  (certificate or proof of completion).

6.2 Categories of Courses

• IFA recommended courses,
• recognized courses approved by the IFA General Assembly.

Principle of the System

IFA continuously publishes recommended courses.

Upon proof of completion, courses may be credited toward education requirements.

IFA may provide Czech-language interpretation or professional supplementary guidance.

7. Practice and Video Standard

From one intervention session (45–60 minutes):

• minimum of 5 videos,
• recommended video length: approximately 60 seconds.

Recommended content:

• orientation,
• active phase,
• change,
• stress/load,
• return to calm.

The selection of videos is performed by the handler. Assessment focuses on the ability to select a relevant behavioural segment and provide its basic interpretation.

8. Supervision

Recommended frequency:

• once every 14 days,
• minimum once per month.

Forms:

• online consultations,
• video analysis,
• case studies.

9. Final Examination

Content:

• theoretical examination,
• video portfolio,
• case study,
• oral defense/presentation.

10. Certification (Outcome)

The certificate includes:

• handler’s name,
• cat’s name,
• certification level (HFA / FAP),
• field: Feline Activities / HAI / HAB,
• date of issue,
• validity period,
• supervision regime,
• registration number.

Registration Number

Format:

IFA-[year]-[level]-[number]

Example:

IFA-2026-L1-0012

11. Meaning of Certification

Certification:

• confirms fulfillment of educational and practical requirements,
• defines the scope of practice,
• establishes a supervision framework,
• does not determine the value of the cat,
• is not a one-time “stamp,”
• represents a tool for quality, safety and responsibility.

Certification is always linked to a specific handler–cat dyad and is non-transferable.

12. Legislative Framework

For the Czech Republic:

• Act No. 246/1992 Coll.
• Act No. 166/1999 Coll.
• GDPR (EU 2016/679)
• Act No. 110/2019 Coll.

Interpretation of the Legislative Framework

The above legal regulations form a basic guiding framework for the implementation of Feline Activities in the Czech Republic. Their purpose is to ensure animal welfare, participant safety and responsible handling of personal data. Specific application is always adapted to the type of environment, nature of the activity and legislation of the respective country.

Act No. 246/1992 Coll., on the Protection of Animals Against Cruelty

Defines the basic principles of animal welfare. In the context of Feline Activities, this particularly includes:

• respecting the natural needs of the cat,
• prohibition of overloading, stressing or forcing interaction,
• emphasis on voluntary participation and the possibility to leave the situation.

Act No. 166/1999 Coll., Veterinary Act

Regulates conditions for animal health protection and disease prevention. In practice, this means:

• responsibility for the cat’s health condition,
• compliance with hygiene measures during contact with people,
• consideration of environmental specifics
  (home, community, institution).

GDPR (EU 2016/679)

Establishes rules for the protection of personal data. Within Feline Activities, it particularly applies to:

• processing of participants’ personal data,
• creation and storage of photographs and video recordings,
• the necessity of informed consent for data processing.

Act No. 110/2019 Coll., on Personal Data Processing

Complements GDPR within the Czech legal environment. It specifies:

• conditions for personal data processing in practice,
• responsibility for data security,
• rules for storage and possible sharing of data.

Summary

The legislative framework does not determine a specific methodology of work but establishes the boundaries within which Feline Activities operate. The fundamental principle is the protection of cat welfare, participant safety and respect for privacy.

Specific practice is always governed by the type of environment, participants’ consent and the legal framework of the given country.

13. System Management

Requirements concerning education, instructors and certification are approved by the IFA General Assembly.

14. Conclusion

IFA creates:

• an open educational system,
• a system connected with international resources,
• a framework based on welfare, relationship and responsibility,
• a model adapted to real-life practice with cats.