Cat’s Got Your Job! The Rising Demand of Feline Care Needs

The landscape of veterinary medicine is evolving, with feline care emerging as a significant growth area. For veterinary students, this shift presents a timely opportunity to specialize in feline medicine and meet the increasing demand for cat-specific veterinary services. This post explores the data supporting this trend, educational pathways to specialize in feline care, post-graduation steps to enter the field, and tips for crafting a resume that highlights feline veterinary expertise.

The Rise of Feline Veterinary Care

Recent data underscores a significant shift in the veterinary landscape, with feline care emerging as a robust growth sector. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the U.S. cat population increased from 61 million in 2020 to 73.8 million in 2024, reflecting a notable rise in cat ownership.

This surge in feline companions is mirrored in veterinary visits. The CATalyst Council's 2025 Market Insights Report highlights that while overall veterinary visits have declined, feline clinical visits have grown year-over-year in 2023 and 2024, deviating from historical norms.

Financial trends further emphasize this growth. In 2023, average household spending on veterinary care was $620 for dogs and $407 for cats. By 2024, spending on dogs decreased by 7% to $580, while spending on cats rose by 6% to $433.

These trends are influenced by several factors:

• Urban Living and Lifestyle Changes: The return-to-office movement and denser urban living conditions favor cat ownership, as cats are often more adaptable to smaller living spaces and require less outdoor access.

• Industry Investment: Leading pet industry companies are prioritizing investments in mergers and acquisitions, product development, and retail strategies that cater specifically to the feline market.

  
  

For veterinary students, these developments signal a promising opportunity to specialize in feline care, aligning their careers with a growing and resilient segment of the veterinary industry.

Educational Pathways to Feline Specialization

To align your veterinary education with the growing demand for feline care, consider focusing on the following areas:

• Feline Medicine and Surgery: Enroll in electives or rotations that concentrate on feline-specific medical and surgical procedures.

• Behavioral Studies: Understanding feline behavior is crucial for effective handling and treatment.

• Preventive Care: Emphasize courses that cover vaccination protocols, nutrition, and routine health screenings tailored to cats.

• Feline-Friendly Practice Principles: Learn about creating a stress-free environment for cats in clinical settings.

Engaging in externships or internships at cat-exclusive clinics or those recognized as Cat-Friendly Practices can provide hands-on experience and enhance your resume.

Post-Graduation Steps to Enter Feline Veterinary Practice

After graduation, take proactive steps to establish your career in feline veterinary care:

1. Join Professional Organizations: Membership in groups like the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) can provide access to resources, continuing education, and networking opportunities.

2. Attend Feline-Focused Conferences: Participate in events and workshops that concentrate on feline health to stay updated on the latest advancements.

3. Pursue Certification: Consider obtaining certifications in feline medicine to demonstrate your commitment and expertise.

4. Network with Feline Practitioners: Connect with veterinarians who specialize in feline care to gain insights and potential mentorship.

5. Stay Informed: Regularly read journals and publications that focus on feline health to keep abreast of emerging trends and research.

   
   

Crafting a Resume for Feline Veterinary Positions

When applying for positions in feline veterinary care, tailor your resume to highlight relevant experiences and skills:

• Objective Statement: Clearly express your interest in feline medicine and your career goals in this specialty.

• Education: Detail coursework and rotations that focused on feline health.

• Clinical Experience: Include internships, externships, or volunteer work at cat-focused clinics.

• Certifications and Memberships: List any feline-specific certifications and memberships in professional organizations.

• Skills: Highlight competencies such as feline handling techniques, knowledge of feline diseases, and experience with cat-specific diagnostic tools.

• Continuing Education: Mention any workshops or seminars attended that pertain to feline health.

The growing emphasis on feline veterinary care offers a promising avenue for veterinary students to specialize and meet the unique needs of cat patients. By focusing your education, gaining relevant experience, and effectively presenting your qualifications, you can position yourself at the forefront of this expanding field.

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