Cats Claim Record Share of Veterinary Visits as Feline Market Momentum Builds

New CATalyst Council Report Shows Three-Year Growth Streak, Highest Q3 Feline Market Share on Record

ANNAPOLIS, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The feline veterinary market is reaching an inflection point, according to newly released data from CATalyst Council showing cats now represent 23 percent of all clinical visits--the highest third-quarter proportion ever recorded. CATalyst Council Feline Veterinary Market Insights: Volume IV reveals that while overall companion-animal clinical visits have declined year over year since 2022, feline clinical visits continue their upward trajectory, extending a three-year pattern of growth that is reshaping the veterinary landscape.

The numbers tell a compelling story: In Q3 2025, feline clinical visits increased 2%, outpacing all-species visit growth for the third consecutive year. This sustained momentum--combined with kitten adoptions that remain above pre-COVID levels even as puppy adoptions decline--signals a fundamental shift in companion-animal medicine.

"We're seeing sustained momentum, not just a moment," said Kristin Wuhrman, Vice Chair of CATalyst Council. "The continued rise in feline visits tells a clear story: cats are shaping the future of companion-animal medicine. Their needs, behaviors, and subtle health cues demand thoughtful, species-specific care. Practices that lean into understanding cats more deeply will lead this next chapter."

The strategic implications are significant. CATalyst Council projects the U.S. feline veterinary market has the potential to grow 2.5 times to $32 billion if feline medicalization matched that of dogs--representing one of the most substantial growth opportunities in companion-animal healthcare.

Four Critical Trends Driving Feline Market Growth

CATalyst Council Feline Veterinary Market Insights: Volume IV identifies key patterns behind the feline surge:

• Growth across the care continuum: Both wellness and non-wellness feline visits are increasing, demonstrating expansion in preventive care and illness-related treatment alike.
• Demographic advantage: Kitten adoptions remain above pre-COVID levels while puppy adoptions continue to decline, positioning the feline segment for sustained growth.
• Inflation pressures: Veterinary services inflation continues to outpace the Consumer Price Index, affecting pet affordability and underscoring the need for accessible care models.
• Technology as an accelerator: Innovation in behavioral data, AI-enabled home monitoring, and diagnostics is emerging as a critical enabler for earlier detection and preventive feline care--with potential to accelerate feline medicalization beyond other species.

"This data reinforces something we've observed for decades in feline medicine: when you remove barriers to care and make visits easier for cats and their people, utilization goes up," said Jane Brunt, DVM, Executive Director of CATalyst Council. "As more practices embrace feline-friendly approaches, we're watching the gap narrow and outcomes improve. This is good news for cats, caregivers, and the profession."

A Market That Matters

The report's findings carry strategic weight for the entire veterinary industry. Supported by aggregated data from U.S. veterinary practices across multiple sources, the analysis shows that cats are increasingly contributing to practice stability at a time when overall visit volumes face headwinds.

"With feline visits rising while overall visits plateau, the long-term outlook for veterinary growth will increasingly depend on how effectively we serve cats and their families," said Jon Ayers, Chair of the CATalyst Council Market Insights Committee. "The data is clear, and the opportunity is significant."

"Feline medicine has reached an inflection point," added Anne Ward, DVM, Chair of CATalyst Council. "The growing engagement from veterinary professionals, industry partners, and caregivers reflects a shared commitment to elevating care for cats. This report highlights both the progress we've made and the work still ahead, and CATalyst Council is proud to help drive that momentum across the profession."

Looking Ahead: Landmark Pet Ownership Study

CATalyst Council Feline Veterinary Market Insights: Volume IV also previews CATalyst Council's forthcoming 40,000-household U.S. pet ownership survey, developed in partnership with Forward Group and Kynetec. The study--now approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB)--will provide the most comprehensive understanding of U.S. pet ownership and veterinary utilization since the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings will inform the 2026 CATalyst State of the Cat Report, which will be released early next year.

To receive updates or inquire about the benefits of sponsorship, please visit catalystcouncil.org and follow Catalyst Council on LinkedIn.

About CATalyst Council

CATalyst Council is a national 501(c)(3) dedicated to advancing feline health and elevating the human-feline bond. The organization convenes veterinary leaders, industry partners, and researchers to deliver evidence-based resources, encourage community collaboration, and ensure all companion cats receive lifelong care.