Is the Future of Veterinary Medicine... Feline? New Report Says Cats Are Quietly Taking Over the Industry
A new report from the CATalyst Council suggests that while much of the veterinary industry is grappling with declining visit numbers, the feline sector is experiencing unexpected growth—potentially reshaping the future of veterinary care in the U.S.
Released this month, the 2025 CATalyst Feline Market Insights Report (Volume 1) offers a comprehensive, data-driven look at feline healthcare trends and emerging opportunities in veterinary practice. It marks the first installment in what will be a quarterly reporting series by CATalyst Council, a national organization focused on advancing feline health.
Cats Defy Market Downturns
According to the report, feline veterinary visits and practice revenue have been steadily increasing since early 2023. This upward trend bucks the broader industry pattern: over the past two years, overall veterinary clinical visits—primarily driven by dogs—have declined, in part due to inflation, post-pandemic spending shifts, and workforce challenges.
“Feline veterinary care is proving to be more resilient in the face of economic pressure,” said Kristin Wuhrman, Vice Chair of CATalyst Council. “Cat ownership is rising, and the data shows there's a major opportunity to reshape how we approach feline healthcare delivery.”
Key Takeaways from the Report
Feline visits are up, while overall clinical visits are trending down.
Cats now represent a growing share of U.S. pet ownership, fueled by pandemic-era adoption and lifestyle shifts.
Urban living, smaller homes, and return-to-office trends favor feline companions over dogs.
Industry stakeholders are investing more heavily in cat-centric products, services, and acquisitions.
Feline-specific needs around preventive care, caregiver engagement, and clinic workflows remain largely unmet—a whitespace opportunity for innovation.
Strategic Guidance for the Industry
Drawing from aggregated practice-level data and pet owner behavior, the report emphasizes that the feline market is no longer a niche—it’s a growth engine. CATalyst Council Chair Dr. Anne Ward noted that cats have “distinct psychological and medical care needs” and that a tailored approach is essential for delivering better outcomes.
“This report gives the veterinary industry the market data needed to act decisively,” Ward said. “It’s time to stop treating feline care as an afterthought and start building systems designed specifically for cats and the people who care for them.”
A New Era for Feline Care?
For veterinary teams, product developers, investors, and strategists, the message is clear: cats are not only here to stay—they're driving measurable industry growth. CATalyst Council’s quarterly insights are designed to inform high-level decisions and spark innovation in feline-focused service models, clinical protocols, and market strategies.
While full reports are exclusive to CATalyst Council sponsors, high-level insights and key findings will be shared throughout the year via press releases and LinkedIn to promote wider engagement across the profession.
For more information, or to explore sponsorship opportunities, visit www.catalystcouncil.org.
