Image courtesy University of Helsinki and Kaisa Eskola 

The University of Helsinki, in partnership with Wisdom Panel™ and others, has recently released a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) entitled “Me and My Cat”. The course takes students on an educational journey through the evolution of cats as companions to humans, covering their origin, the domestication process and creation of modern breeds with unique genetic makeup, behaviour and appearance. Particular emphasis is given to the latest research on cat behaviour and personality, their variability across breeds, and the methods used to measure them. 

The course explores cat behaviour and the cognitive and environmental factors that influence it. Students learn how genetics, life experiences, and the environment shape a cat’s behaviour, and how to apply this knowledge to improve their cat’s well-being and strengthen their bond with them. The most common problematic behaviours in cats, their causes, and effective management methods are also covered. 

Students also gain deeper insights into not only their cat's, but also their own personality and behaviour by taking interactive research surveys as a part of the course. They receive personalized reports about their own and their cat’s personality and behavioural traits, which helps them to understand their cat and its unique needs as well as their relationship with them. The reporting also enables comparison of their cat’s behavioural traits to other cats of the same and other breeds. The collected information ultimately has promise to help improve the physical and mental well-being of both cats and people.  

After completing the course, students have the chance to conduct Wisdom Panel’s™ comprehensive MyCatDNA™ genetic test on their own cat. The test provides valuable information about their cat’s genetic predispositions to certain health conditions, as well as information on its hereditary traits such as coat color, coat type, and blood type. 

No prior knowledge is required for taking the course. It’s available free of charge through the University of Helsinki MOOC center.