Leading feline charity International Cat Care (iCatCare) is launching a new programme on 5th December to help people working with unowned cats and is kicking this off with a free, certified course.

iCatCare has spent years working with and learning from the organisations and individuals helping the estimated 300 million unowned cats that exist worldwide. This number already accounts for more than half the predicted global population of domestic cats and is rising year on year. In recognising this as one of the greatest current threats to feline welfare, International Cat Care has made it the focus of their new initiative, Cat Friendly Solutions for Unowned Cats (CFSOC).

To launch the programme, iCatCare has created a free, certified introductory course called ‘Bringing Cat Friendly Solutions for Unowned Cats to Life’. Through the emotional and uplifting stories of three very different cats, users will learn the principles of CFSOC. With interactive storytelling and opportunities to test your knowledge as you progress, it’s an accessible and enjoyable way to learn about unowned cats and the issues surrounding them.

At the core of the CFSOC programme is a virtual library of high-quality advice and information created using the latest research and expert knowledge, giving guidance on all aspects of working with unowned cats. It’s freely available to everyone, from established professionals, volunteers and organisations, to those who are interested in the subject or just starting out.

Another key element of CFSOC is the community. iCatCare aims to help those working with unowned cats by connecting likeminded people in a welcoming and open environment. Members will be able to share knowledge, ideas, issues and experiences, and foster relationships with others all over the world which will lead to collaborative working for those working in similar areas.

Vicky Halls, Cat Friendly Homing Project Manager at iCatCare and CFSOC lead, said

‘We strongly believe that collaboration, mutual support and care are needed for us to provide all cats with the best possible life experience. Be loud and proud about what you have achieved already but, for the sake of cats, aspire, with the support of others, to evolve from great to even better, as even little changes can make a difference to the species we all care about so much’

Join the movement that’s evolving the way we work with unowned cats. Visit https://bit.ly/2KH4FYP for more information about CFSOC and to take the course when it becomes available on 5th December.