FelineVMA launches free cat-friendly resource hub for vet teams

The Feline Veterinary Medical Association has launched a free Resource Center to help veterinary teams reduce feline stress, improve communication with caregivers and strengthen routine cat care. The rollout comes as cat visits grow but many cats still miss preventive care.

Why it matters: - The new Resource Center is meant to help veterinary teams lower barriers that keep cats from getting routine and preventive care. - Fewer stressful visits can improve clinical outcomes, because fearful cats are harder to examine, test and treat. - Better caregiver communication can make it easier for more cats to return for regular care.

What happened: - The Feline Veterinary Medical Association launched a free Cat Friendly Resource Center for veterinary teams. - The launch took place Sept. 25, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. - The Resource Center is built on FelineVMA’s evidence-based Cat Friendly approach. - The approach focuses on feline behavior, emotions, handling, the clinical environment and caregiver communication.

The details: - The Resource Center includes bite-sized tips, printable handouts, quick-reference materials and comprehensive guides. - It offers guidance on recognizing and describing feline emotions and behaviors. - It also covers adapting handling and examinations to the individual cat. - The materials address ways to reduce distress in waiting, examination and hospitalization areas. - The guidance includes changes that do not require renovations or major workflow shifts. - The Resource Center also addresses terminology that helps teams understand the emotions behind feline behavior. - The materials prepare caregivers for carrier use, transportation and returning home after appointments. - FelineVMA says the Resource Center is part of a broader Cat Friendly Campaign focused on education, communication, implementation tools and awareness of cats’ unique needs. - Veterinary teams can access the Resource Center at catvets.com/CatFriendly. - Practices seeking more training can pursue the role-specific Cat Friendly Certificate Program. - Veterinary practices can also seek Cat Friendly Practice® designation at catvets.com/cfp. - FelineVMA is also hosting a free webinar, “Elevate the Feline Experience: Implementing Optimal Cat Friendly Care,” on Oct. 20, 2026. - The webinar will be presented by Dr. Ashlie Saffire. - Registration is available at catvets.com/eLearning.

Between the lines: - Cat ownership and feline visits are growing, but many cats still do not get needed care. - CATalyst Council research cited by FelineVMA points to barriers tied to transport, visit stress and caregiver perceptions of feline healthcare. - A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found that Cat Friendly Practice® sites averaged more visits per feline patient each year. - Those practices also performed diagnostic testing at 12% more clinical visits. - The same study found those practices identified clinically relevant abnormal findings in more cats, which can support earlier diagnosis and treatment. - FelineVMA leaders say the biggest gain may come from seeing the visit through the cat’s perspective and making small changes that reduce fear and improve trust.

What's next: - Veterinary teams can use the new Resource Center now as a starting point for practice changes. - Teams that want more structured support can move into the Cat Friendly Certificate Program. - Practices that want formal recognition can pursue Cat Friendly Practice® designation. - The Oct. 20 webinar gives veterinary staff another entry point into the Cat Friendly approach.

The bottom line: - FelineVMA is trying to turn cat-friendly care from a concept into a practical toolkit, with the goal of making routine veterinary visits less stressful and more effective for cats.