AAI Methodology -

Felinographic

Prepared by:

Nezávislý chovatelsklý klub (Independent Breeders Club)

Havlíčkova 590/5

293 01 Mladá Boleslav

Content:

The importance of the presence of pets for human health

Division of zootherapy

Felinographic

The importance of the presence of domestic animals for human health

Man, a creature however unique in the evolution of all animal species, has never ceased to be a part of nature. Animals have an important place in our lives. The role of prey or food has been replaced by the urgent need for a friend who listens and does not judge.

The positive influence of being in the presence of and in contact with an animal has been used therapeutically with proven results. Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI ) has a tradition of more than forty years in the USA (in theCzech Republic it has existed for more than twenty years). AAI has been at the forefront of the interest of professionals, especially those working in health care, education and social service settings where patients or residents are seniors, people with disabilities, children with combined disabilities or learning problems, as well as healthy children who are at risk of emotional problems or for whom it is important to establish a healthy relationship with animals and nature.

A live animal is often a person's most trusted and sometimes only friend. The relationship between animal and human is always open, honest and without ulterior motives. The need to care for an animal friend creates a necessary sense of neediness for humans and contributes to the creation of motivation for a better quality of life. It enriches the emotional life through the experience of a reciprocal relationship of love. It replaces the often missing family relationships, either in the case of a lack of emotional warmth in families or in the case of real loneliness, for example after the death of a partner.

From the point of view of the Polyvagal Theory of Dr. Steven W. Porges, the relationship between man and animal can induce the neuroception of safety and activation of the ventral vagal pathway and its optimal interaction with the sympathetic, parasympathetic and dorsal vagal pathways depending on the activities performed, which positively affects the function of the brain, heart, lungs and other organs and supports the processes of establishing social relationships and learning. The induction of these positive emotions contributes significantly to the success of other therapies. Zootherapy thus becomes part of a comprehensive treatment.

The importance of tactile stimulation during contact with a live animal in the form of stroking, cuddling and, where appropriate, behavioural stimulation is not negligible. Even the mere sight of happy animals playing or resting peacefully has a calming effect on the one hand, and on the other hand it awakens the person's interest in his surroundings and breaks him out of his usual apathy and disinterest. It has been found that in the presence of friendly animals, blood pressure is lowered and the heart rate slows down. Contact with animals helps to regenerate strength, psychological relaxation and the expression of feelings and induces positive emotions. Animals often revive positive memories of life for the sick or elderly, thus preserving the temporal continuity between past and present. It gives the disabled or ill a voice in caring for the animals, for example by feeding them, providing them with a drink, or just by giving advice and emotional involvement and interest in their lives.

Scientific studies confirm the fact that the presence of animals has a positive effect on the staff of facilities for the elderly, the long-term sick or cancer patients. The presence of animals helps to prevent the emotional exhaustion of healthcare workers ('burnout syndrome') when constantly confronted with illness and death. The animal has the role of a catalyst for interpersonal relationships.

AAI distribution

Zootherapy can be divided into two basic areas of activity - animal-assisted therapy and animal-assisted therapy:

AAT (Animal Assisted Therapy) - therapy in the presence of an animal, where the animal is an integral part of the therapeutic process. The therapy is carried out by professional staff with the help of a selected animal. The result is objectively observable (e.g. provoking movement, increasing vocabulary, etc.). The activity is documented and continuously evaluated, recorded in the patient/client chart.

AAA (Animal Assistend Activites) -activity in the presence of an animal

Passive form: for example, placing an aquarium or a cage with a bird in a common room where this presence creates a pleasant environment. The positive role is already in the presence of the animal.

The interactive form, which can be further divided into:

• Permanent placement of the animal in the facility. However, it raises problems with the care of the animal, with the animal having one owner, one relational person with whom it establishes a strong relationship of trust, etc.
• Visiting, where the animal comes to the facility on a specific day and time. Here, there is a strong emphasis on good cooperation and communication between the staff, the visiting team and the clients.
•  
•  

Felinotherapy

This is supportive therapy or activation in the presence of the cats themselves, aimed at managing somatic and psychological disorders, working with stress, anxiety and coping with everyday situations, including caring for their own cats and ensuring their welfare.

Felinographic

Felinographic is a new subfield of felinotherapy. The word Felinographic originated as a compilation of the words felinotherapy and graphic design. The word graphic comes from the Greek graphein, which means to write or draw. The method is based on a combination of felinotherapy methodology, elements of Neuro-Therapeutic Arts (NTA), therapeutic writing, graphotherapy and mindfulness. Neuroart Therapy (NTA) is a therapeutic method used for holistic personal development, working with stress, anxiety and trauma. It is based on Neurographics, whose creator is Professor Pavel Piskarjov, PhD, architect, doctor of philosophy and psychologist, who created this method in 2014 and continues to develop it with his colleagues at the Psychology of Creativity Institute. Therapeutic writing, like graphotherapy, is a component of art therapy. Felinographic was created in the late spring of 2024 and is still developing. It is for all cat owners, breeders and handlers who want to use the gift of being with their cats and their own minds to further self-development.

Neurography and Neuroart Therapy (NTA)

Neurography and Neuroart are modern therapeutic methods that combine art and neuroscience to achieve emotional and psychological healing. The principles of these methods involve connecting sensations and feelings from the body and its organs to deeper levels of human consciousness through a creative process.

Procedures include drawing curved lines (called neurolines) that symbolize neural connections, connecting these lines into harmonious shapes, then rounding the sharp angles of the edges and incorporating geometric archetypal shapes into the overall composition. So-called archetyping is the coloring and filling in of the drawing according to the established rules of neurography. This is followed by the creation of field lines, symbolic lines depicting the continuous flow of the life-giving energy of the universe, and the highlighting of patterns arising from the drawing that have a specific meaning for the artist.

The creative process helps to integrate positive emotions and promotes a sense of wholeness. At Neuroart, similar principles are applied to the creation of abstract art that reflects and transforms the client's inner world.

These methods are used for personal development, stress management and improved psychological well-being. They operate at a deep level of consciousness and subconsciousness, allowing for effective therapeutic change.

Felinographic - Incorporating your own cats into the process

The combination of Felinotherapy and therapeutic Neuroart brings a unique synergy that enhances the therapeutic effects of both methods. Felinotherapy uses the natural interaction with cats whose presence, playfulness and especially purring creates a calming environment for clients. Contact with the cat's fur and body provides tactile stimulation that promotes relaxation and tension release.

The combination with Neuroart allows clients to immerse themselves even more deeply in the creative process. When drawing or painting in the company of a cat, there is greater emotional release and stabilization. The positive energy the cats bring is transferred into the artwork and enhances the therapeutic effect. Clients are thus better able to relax, reduce anxiety and increase their psychological well-being.

This process also has a positive impact on the cats themselves. Regular and deeper contact with their owners improves their well-being as they are more often the centre of attention, which increases their mental and physical well-being. This creates a harmonious relationship that benefits both parties.

The Felinographic process

1. Environmental preparation

For the online meeting, create a quiet place that is free of distractions and where you can work comfortably with the Felinographic materials and your cat.

For live meetings, make sure that the space accommodates the free movement of the cats, has plenty of light, and a comfortable place for everyone involved.

2. A short mindfulness meditation

Begin the session with a short mindfulness meditation, focusing on the breath, relaxing the body and allowing thoughts to flow freely, which prepares the mind for the creative process.

3.Determining the theme of creation

Choose a topic to work on. The theme should resonate with the current needs of the creator.

4. Activating neural connections

Spend two minutes writing words associated with the topic. The goal is to write at least 18 words that will arise naturally.

5. Creating

We start drawing or painting as instructed. We concentrate on the sensations in the body and mind, writing them down as we go along in what is called neurotracking, which we will return to later.

6. Breaks to interact with the cats

During the creation process we may take small breaks to play with the cats, pet them, practice touching, calling, practice one-touch clicker behaviors (5 repetitions), or offer food puzzles to the cats. These activities serve to relax, take the mind off things and further deepen relaxation.

7. Completion and final relaxation

We end the process by completing the artwork. After the completion, there is a final relaxation and a game with the cats, during which we enjoy a well-deserved rest and the joy of creating.

AAI Methodology Supplement - Further Information

Cat breeds used in AAI (general overview)

The list of breeds used in the AAI is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation on what breeds to include in the AAI. Each breed has its own distinctive behaviours which may support the objectives set out in the AAI. More important than breed affiliation, however, is the strong relationship of trust between the handler and their cat and the deep bond that unites them.

Domestic cats

These are cats without a pedigree that do not have their own standard. These cats can be long-haired, semi-long-haired or short-haired. However, they are usually cats that resemble a normal European cat in appearance. They have the advantage of being relatively easy to care for and easy to groom. However, they are somewhat more temperamental than their noble relatives.

Javanese cats

They were bred in the 1960s in California. They are actually full-coloured long-haired Siamese cats. The care of the coat is absolutely unpretentious, because these cats have a medium-length, silky coat, which almost does not require combing and brushing, does not shed. Javanese cats are slender, elegant, on high legs and their head is distinctly triangular with rather large ears. This may be the reason why they are not so much preferred by both breeders and the AAI, as their head has a somewhat "mousey" expression in contrast to the "baby" face of Persian cats. They are, however, cats with a character halfway between a cat and a dog, extremely intelligent, totally devoted to people. It is not a problem to get them to fetch, walk on a leash or play a little wilder games. As a rule, they choose only one person from the family, whom they recognize as an equal partner and love unconditionally. The others they more or less tolerate. Javanese cats have considerable demands on the quality of food (Purina proplain, Hills, Royal Canin, etc.) and also on warmth. These demands are due to the metabolism and the resulting body structure of these cats.

Maine Coon cats

The original American national breed. These cats were the only breed of noble cats shown as working cats at shows. It is a robust breed with a semi-long, water-repellent coat renowned for its unforgivingness towards rodents. The composition of their coat is the same as that of Persian cats, only the hair is not of the same length, growing in tufts, and therefore Maine cats do not give the impression of such a richness of coat as Persian cats. They belong to the natural breeds. They mature at four years of age.

They are very intelligent and friendly to people. Their head is shaped like a broad wedge with a more angular chin. They are more temperamental than Persian cats.

Norwegian Forest

The Norwegian Forest Cat is one of the so-called natural breeds, just like the Maine Coon or Siberian cat. Norwegian Forest Cats, although they are still a rather uncommon breed outside their country of origin, certainly deserve our attention not only for their appearance. It is especially their nature that makes them excellent, unpretentious and modest companions. They are strong but gentle, friendly and very intelligent cats. They love company and therefore it would be a big mistake to get a Norwegian Forest Cat as an only cat. Companionship is a must for her. They get along very well with dogs, for example.

Persian cats

They are famous for their long, thick coat, where the undercoat is as long as the cover coat. The face of the Persian cat resembles that of a child with its round, wide-open eyes. It is an ideal example of the so-called "Child Scheme" of Professor Konrad Lorenz.

Persian cats are extremely friendly to people, they usually like their peace, they are less mobile than, for example, the above-mentioned Siberian cats. Sometimes their demeanour is almost phlegmatic. They mature at 10 - 12 months.

Cats of the extreme types may have difficulty breathing in enclosed rooms and during high summer temperatures.

Ragdoll

Is a cat known as a "rag doll". It is a semi-long-haired cat with Siamese markings, i.e. blue eyes, darker face mask, ears, paws and tail.

Ragdolls were bred in the 1960s in Southern California and are known for their calm, completely devoted nature to people, which has led them to be called the children of the cat world. And since they are also - and rightfully - called the clowns of the cat world, they are the perfect cats for AAI. The care of their coat is absolutely easy compared to Persian cats, only requiring occasional brushing during the molt. Ragdolls are known to have reduced muscle tone - however, this may not occur in all individuals of the breed. When relaxed and content, their legs, head and tail literally "hang" like the legs and arms of a cloth toy. They mature at 4 years of age.

Ragdolls are very attached to their human family. Its loss can have a devastating effect on the animal's character and immune system.

Siberian cats and their variant Nevskaya maskaradnaya ( Siberian with badges)

Native to Russia, they are semi-long-haired and belong to the natural breeds. Males reach 8 - 10 kg, but female cats weighing around 11 kg are not rare. The care of the coat of these cats is comparable to that of Ragdolls, although it is coarser in consistency and repels water. Their relatives include the Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest, Turkish Angora and Turkish Van. In character, these cats are completely friendly to humans, even-tempered and undemanding in terms of coat care, food, and breeding conditions. They are very independent. They are quite temperamental and mature at about 10 - 18 months.

Their saliva reportedly does not contain allergens, so flying fur does not cause allergic reactions. However, a serious laboratory examination has not been carried out.

Veterinary aspects

Our pet cats are vaccinated annually against parvovirus, herpesvirus and calcivirus. Further vaccinations depend on the disease situation and on the advice of the veterinarian. Deworming is carried out regularly every quarter to six months ( depending on the type of feeding and possible infection with external parasites) with different preparations to avoid the development of resistance. If you raise your kitten for NS, deworm it every three weeks until it is 3 months old and change the preparations.

Raising cats

It is determined by a good relationship and building a strong bond between owner and cat. For this reason it is not possible to generalise. However, it must be a matter of course that hygiene habits are observed.

(defecation in the designated place, feeding in the designated place and from the designated utensils). The cat should be led to trust its human partner completely. Setting behavioural boundaries can only be done by means that provide positive stimulation (rewarding with a treat, petting) or by means that are intimidating at the time (slapping a packet of tissues, slapping the palm of the hand on the table, blowing on the cat).

Whatever happens, we never punish the cat. Cats are very sensitive, they do not forgive inappropriate human behaviour and remember it for a long time. It could break the relationship permanently. For this reason, the cat owner is responsible for ensuring that the cat does not experience inappropriate behavior.

Humans attach the cat to themselves by an emotional bond that develops gradually. It consists of close contact with the cat, playing and training with it, going for walks, feeding it from the hand, touching it together and providing protection and security. The owner thus becomes an extension of the initial environment of the mother's womb, then the mother cat's body, the environment of the apartment - it represents a safe place. The cat needs to feel that even if she eventually goes with her human partner into a foreign environment (such as a veterinary surgery), this human partner is part of her original territory. This is an extremely important understanding of the owner's role. The owner must respect the cat's developmental stages.

At the same time, it is advisable to have at least two cats living in the household, preferably a mother and daughter or two siblings or a breeding pair. Cohabitation with a good dog or other domestic animals is also appropriate. Only in this way can the full development of all the innate abilities of cats be achieved.

In Ml. Boleslav 23. 8. 2024