Work with Cats: Introduction to Jobs Involving Cats and How to Get Started

January 9, 2024

Because you love cats, you want to work with them and be involved in jobs related to cats, not just as a pet owner!

Many cat lovers may share this sentiment.

There are many jobs related to cats, and some of them do not require qualifications or experience.

In this article, we will explain jobs related to cats and how to pursue them.

1. Jobs that Care for Cats
∟ 1-1. Veterinarian, Nurse
∟ 1-2. Groomer
∟ 1-3. Pet Hotel, Pet Sitter
∟ 1-4. Animal Shelter

2. Jobs that Connect Cats and People
∟ 2-1. Pet Shop
∟ 2-2. Breeder

3. Jobs Working with Cats
∟ 3-1. Cat Cafe
∟ 3-2. Zoo
∟ 3-3. Animal Production

Summary

1. Jobs that Care for Cats

First, let's introduce jobs that take care of cats and ensure their health and beauty.

It is a responsible job to take care of lives, but it is a rewarding job where you can directly interact with cats and make them happy.

We will discuss "Veterinarians and Nurses," "Groomers," "Pet Hotels and Pet Sitters," and "Animal Shelters."

1-1. Veterinarians and Nurses

When you think of "working with cats," the first thing that comes to mind may be working as a veterinarian or nurse in an animal hospital. It is an essential job to help cats with illnesses or injuries, administer vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, and protect the health and lives of cats.

To become a veterinarian, you need a national license, similar to human doctors. The entrance requirements for veterinary medicine programs are quite high. What's important is gaining experience in the field while continuously learning the latest in animal healthcare.

On the other hand, you can become a nurse at an animal hospital without a license.

1-2. Groomers

If working in an animal hospital is like being a "doctor" or "nurse" for cats, then groomers are like "beauticians" for cats.

Groomers are responsible for tasks such as cutting and styling a cat's fur, brushing, shampooing to make the cat look beautiful, as well as nail trimming, ear cleaning, health checks, and more.

Unlike human hairstylists, there is no national license for groomers; it is a private certification. Therefore, you can work at a pet salon and learn grooming skills on the job.

However, since it is a job that requires immediate skills, it is better to study knowledge and skills at a specialized school. Graduates of these schools can also obtain private certifications.

1-3. Pet Hotels and Pet Sitters

Pet hotels and pet sitters are jobs where you take care of cats on behalf of their owners.

Pet hotels are lodging facilities for cats and dogs, and pet sitters visit the owner's home to take care of the pets.

You will be responsible for feeding, playing, and keeping the cats company.

To work at a pet hotel, you do not need special qualifications, but you should like animals and be able to provide them with care and attention with love.

Pet sitters are often independent contractors, and many of them have taken pet care courses and obtained certifications. To become a pet sitter, you can take a course to learn about animal behavior, pet first aid, and other necessary knowledge.

Many people who have experience as a pet owner become pet sitters.

It is a job that allows you to work with cats in a home environment, so it is suitable for those who want to have a close relationship with cats.

1-4. Animal Shelter

Animal shelters are facilities that take in and care for abandoned or stray animals.

There are many cats and dogs in need of a warm home, and working at an animal shelter is a job that saves these animals and gives them a second chance at life.

Animal shelters have various roles, including cleaning and feeding animals, administering medication, providing socialization, and finding new homes for the animals.

To work at an animal shelter, you do not need special qualifications, but it is essential to have a strong sense of responsibility and love for animals.

Volunteering at an animal shelter is also a great way to gain experience and get started in this field.

2. Jobs that Connect Cats and People

Next, let's introduce jobs that connect cats and people.

These jobs involve activities such as selling cats, providing information, and creating opportunities for people to interact with cats.

We will discuss "Pet Shops" and "Breeders."

2-1. Pet Shop

Pet shops are retail stores that sell cats, dogs, small animals, fish, and pet supplies.

Some pet shops specialize in selling only cats, while others offer a variety of pets.

Working at a pet shop involves interacting with customers, providing information about cats, and ensuring the health and well-being of the animals in the store.

While there are no specific qualifications required to work at a pet shop, having knowledge about cats and pet care is essential. Experience as a cat owner can be a valuable asset in this job.

2-2. Breeder

Breeders are individuals or businesses that specialize in breeding cats of specific breeds.

They are responsible for ensuring the health and well-being of the breeding cats and their kittens, as well as finding suitable homes for the kittens.

Becoming a breeder usually involves starting with one or more breeding cats of a particular breed, gaining experience in breeding, and establishing a reputation in the breeding community.

While there are no specific educational requirements to become a breeder, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of cat genetics, breeding practices, and responsible breeding ethics.

3. Jobs Working with Cats

Finally, let's introduce jobs where you can work with cats in unique settings or industries.

These jobs may not be as common as the ones mentioned earlier, but they offer exciting opportunities to be around cats.

We will discuss "Cat Cafes," "Zoos," and "Animal Production."

3-1. Cat Cafe

A cat cafe is a unique establishment where customers can enjoy beverages and snacks while spending time with cats.

Working at a cat cafe involves taking care of the resident cats, ensuring they are comfortable, and interacting with customers to provide a pleasant experience.

While there are no specific qualifications required to work at a cat cafe, having a love for cats and excellent customer service skills are essential.

3-2. Zoo

In zoos, there are many cats with unique charms different from house cats, such as the fluffy and adorable Pallas's cat and the regal caracal.

The zookeepers are the ones who take care of these zoo cats.

Zookeepers prepare and feed the animals, check their health, clean the animal enclosures and cages, fill out care logs, plan and manage events, and handle public relations, taking care of the overall operations of the zoo.

While there are no mandatory qualifications, having certifications like "veterinarian," "pet animal nurse," or "pet animal keeper" can be beneficial.

Additionally, having certifications like "zookeeper" or "curator" would be advantageous.

3-2. Animal Production

Animal production involves managing animals that appear on television, in magazines, and at events.

It is not just about taking care of the animals; it also includes training them for performances, managing their schedules, and providing transportation.

You could think of it as being an animal-specific producer or manager.

However, unlike humans, animals do not always perform as expected.

Especially cats, which are sensitive to changes in their environment and tend to be independent, require careful mental care and proper guidance.

Therefore, it is crucial to understand the ecology and personality of the "actors" you are responsible for and to build a solid trust relationship with them on a daily basis.

In addition to this, managers need to coordinate with clients, so communication skills and the ability to manage schedules are essential.

While there are no required qualifications, having certifications that demonstrate your ability to manage animals can be advantageous.