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The Future is Feline:
Celebrating the Rise of Feline-Focused Veterinary Care

By Dr. Lisa Restine, DVM, DABVP (feline)

While an estimated 74 million cats reside in U.S. households1, only 40% receive annual veterinary care, compared to 82% of dogs.2

T

he growing popularity of cats as pets presents unique opportunities and challenges for veterinary practices and veterinarians interested in feline specialization. However, options and treatment advances are breaking down barriers to care, paving the way for a brighter future in feline medicine.

Barriers to Annual Care
To effectively manage practices and provide optimal care for feline patients, it is essential to understand and address the barriers that deter cat owners from seeking regular veterinary care. Many veterinary professionals have encountered the challenge of managing feline patients with veterinary aversion, which stems from the many inherent stressors that cats may experience during veterinary visits.

Their natural survival instincts, including heightened awareness of danger and a tendency to conceal illness, are often amplified in the unfamiliar environment of a veterinary practice, triggering fear, frustration and even pain. This stress can induce a range of physiological responses, from changes in leukogram and biochemistry results to elevated cortisol levels and altered behavior, potentially skewing test results and complicating accurate diagnosis.2

So, what steps can be taken to mitigate these stressors and improve the veterinary experience for feline patients?

While practices do not have to be “cat-only” to be “cat-friendly,” the Feline Veterinary Medical Association’s Cat Friendly Practice (CFP) program offers a structured pathway to creating a less stressful environment for feline patients and their caregivers.

Feline Specialization Opportunities
Investing in certification and specialization is a valuable strategy for veterinary practices seeking to enhance their reputation and attract feline clients. These feline distinctions recognize the effort, time, care, and passion individuals and practices have for the feline species, while also demonstrating a commitment to quality to potential clients.

Practices or individuals considering these certifications should evaluate the training time and potential benefits of increased client loyalty and revenue. Many cat-friendly strategies are practical and low-cost, such as adapting to the cat’s comfort level and performing the wellness exam on the floor, in the carrier or in the owner’s arms, which can be implemented with a simple staff training session.

The American Animal Hospital Association has 46 AAHA-accredited cat-only practices in the U.S.,3 and the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) Certified Veterinarian program offers another pathway to becoming a recognized feline specialist, with 96 ABVP Feline diplomates recognized at the end of 2024.4

While practices do not have to be “cat-only” to be “cat-friendly,” the Feline Veterinary Medical Association’s Cat Friendly Practice (CFP) program offers a structured pathway to creating a less stressful environment for feline patients and their caregivers. There are currently 880 CFPs certified by the Feline VMA, with another 355 in progress.5

Research published in The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery showed that CFP clinics experienced higher mean visits per year per patient, performed diagnostic testing at 12% more clinical visits, generated higher annual revenue per feline patient, had higher instances of patients undergoing bloodwork or urinalysis, and identified a greater number of cats with clinical findings.6

Regardless of the chosen path—CFPs, cat-only clinics or feline specialization—prioritizing the feline patient experience will ultimately break down barriers to care, save lives and educate pet owners, benefiting all stakeholders: the veterinary professional, the practice, the team and the patient.

Advancements in Anxiety Treatments
Veterinarians now have a wider range of therapeutic options for managing feline anxiety and fear associated with veterinary visits. Among them is the introduction of pregabalin, an anticonvulsant and neuropathic pain medication, which is now available as an oral solution (Bonqat®, Zoetis), specifically indicated for alleviating feline acute anxiety and fear associated with transportation and veterinary visits. Compared to gabapentin, pregabalin offers a more potent effect, allowing for lower dosing (5 mg/kg vs. 10 mg/kg).7

Non-pharmaceutical strategies are equally important, given the variability of anxiety medication regulations across states. Consider simple, non-medical tactics such as gently wrapping the cat in towels to provide deep-touch pressure and a sense of security. Educating pet parents about what to expect during the visit and maintaining a quiet environment can further enhance the experience, supporting improved compliance and increasing the likelihood of return visits.

Veterinary professionals play a crucial role in promoting feline-specific nutrition guidelines, emphasizing that cats have unique behavioral and nutritional needs.

Feline-Specific Research and Nutrition
The rapid evolution of feline medicine is transforming clinical practice, leading to improved management of conditions such as degenerative joint disease, diabetes mellitus and feline infectious peritonitis, with advancements in lab tests and treatments providing a wider array of options for prevention, diagnosis and management. In addition, new feline textbooks offer a more comprehensive and holistic research base for veterinarians, covering topics such as diagnostic imaging, dermatology, gastroenterology and endocrinology.2

While veterinary visits typically focus on vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature and pain, a fifth vital sign—nutrition—is also a key component of the feline exam. Veterinary professionals play a crucial role in promoting feline-specific nutrition guidelines, emphasizing that cats have unique behavioral and nutritional needs.

As true carnivores, cats require certain nutrients to be supplemented in their diets. For example, cats lack the ability to convert beta-carotene into vitamin A and require dietary taurine supplementation, which is not necessary in canine diets. It’s also important to consider life stage, with kittens and nursing mothers requiring more fat, protein and nutrient-dense foods, while senior cats may benefit from reduced fat intake to maintain a healthy weight.8

In terms of feeding behavior, cats tend to prefer grazing—consuming 10-20 small meals throughout the day if given the option—whereas most adult dogs prefer meal feeding. By prioritizing nutrition and understanding the unique needs of feline patients, veterinary professionals can provide more comprehensive and effective care.

The Future is Feline
The challenges and opportunities in feline veterinary medicine are clear: We must address the barriers to care, embrace innovative treatments and prioritize the unique needs of feline patients. This requires a commitment to cat-friendly strategies, a focus on feline-specific nutrition and a dedication to ongoing learning.

The future of the field hinges on continued research and learning, especially in cutting-edge advancements in feline medicine, and on the growing number of feline specialists who are dedicated to obtaining global certifications and advancing the standard of care.

By embracing these opportunities, veterinary professionals can not only improve the lives of their feline patients, but also inspire and mentor future generations of veterinarians, ensuring that all cats receive the comprehensive and compassionate care they deserve.

References:
  1. “U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics.” (2024). American Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics
  2. “World of the Cat Report 2025.” (2025). Hill’s Pet Nutrition. https://na.hillsvna.com/en_US/resources-2/view/244
  3. Singler, E. (2023, August). “The Cat-Only Practice.” AAHA Trends, https://www.aaha.org/trends-magazine/august-2023/f2-the-cat-only-practice/
  4. “Find a specialist.” (2024). American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. https://abvp.com/
  5. “Cat Friendly Practice® Program.” (2025). https://catvets.com/cat-friendly/cfp/
  6. St Denis K, Saffire A, Michael H, et. al. (2023). Cat Friendly Practice improves feline visits, resulting in increased laboratory testing and increased diagnosis of certain common feline conditions. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2023;25(11). doi:10.1177/1098612X231204199
  7. Lamminen T, Doedée A, Hyttilä-Hopponen M, Kaskinoro, J. (2022). Pharmacokinetics of single and repeated oral doses of pregabalin oral solution formulation in cats. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 45, 385–391. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvp.13061
  8. “How to Choose the Right Cat Nutrition for Your Cat.” (2017). Hill’s Pet Nutrition. https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/nutrition-feeding/choosing-the-right-cat-nutrition
Lisa Restine headshot
Dr. Lisa Restine earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Rutgers University and received her DVM degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Southern California in 2014. She achieved board certification with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in feline medicine in 2020. Dr. Restine is the professional veterinary affairs manager for felines at Hill’s Pet Nutrition and a member of the Hill’s Cat Advisory Team, where she continues to work with veterinary healthcare teams and pet parents on a global scale to educate and improve upon the health and well-being of cats.
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