Feline veterinary visits and the resulting revenue have grown steadily since 2023, according to the CATalyst Feline Market Insights Report, the first in a series of quarterly updates.
According to the nonprofit CATalyst Council, the growth in feline visits means the documented and much-publicized overall decrease in companion animal visits is driven chiefly by fewer canine appointments.
“We’re seeing strong evidence that feline veterinary care is resilient in the face of inflation and other pressures on pet-owning households,” said Kristin Wuhrman, the CATalyst Council’s vice chair. “Driven in part by growing cat ownership, cats present a clear opportunity to prioritize investment in a more modern, data-informed feline care ecosystem.”
The report also showed that cat ownership is increasing among U.S. households, with the number of feline pets rising steadily since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We know more cats are being adopted, and our research showed that 19% of cat owners had never owned a cat before,” said Dr. Jane Brunt, the CATalyst Council’s executive director. “If you look at the largest aggregator of shelter software systems data, it was prior to the pandemic when the increase in cat adoptions surpassed dogs, 51% to 49%.”
This upward trend might be due to increased urbanization and more people working in offices than at home. Cats are desirable for people who want the companionship of a pet but are away for extended periods or don’t have space for a dog.
However, cats have unique caregiver needs and medical requirements.
“Cats are quite different than dogs. Their psychological and medical care needs are distinct, and their market trajectories are increasingly divergent,” said council chair Dr. Anne Ward. “This report gives the industry the market data needed to act decisively and strategically drive growth, supporting a healthier future for millions of cats and the caregivers who love them.”
The information gained from the report provides an opportunity for future research to take multiple paths.
“How do you reach those people who don’t already have a starting point with veterinary care?” Dr. Brunt asked. “We’re very interested in following the generational differences in ownership. And the number of men bringing cats to my feline practice has soared.”
The CATalyst Council analyzed aggregated historical and ongoing data from U.S. veterinary practices and pet owners to generate the report.
“Ultimately, we want our research to show more cats being valued and cared for in loving homes, living enriched lives, and most importantly, receiving the veterinary care they need to thrive,” Dr. Brunt said. “That’s what builds and strengthens the bond between cats and people and is what truly matters.”
In addition to quarterly Market Insights Reports, the organization plans to release a follow-up to the 2024 State of the Cat: Wellness and Nutrition report. The 2025 report will include information collected from surveys sent to 35,000 U.S. households.