Cats Lead Growth In US Veterinary Visits, Shaping Future Care

Published on November 20, 2025

The past few years have recorded considerable expansion in the United States feline veterinary market, with cats also representing 23 percent of all veterinary clinical visits for the cohort in question, the most recorded in a third quarter of a fiscal year. This expansion, comprising continued changes in the veterinary field, particularly in companion-animal healthcare, is captured by government-related organizations and is the newest recorded data.

The continued 2 percent increases in feline clinical visits for 2025’s third quarter captures a potential cat-centric expansion for the veterinary field. With the data reporting a plateau in overall pet visits, the increasing demand for feline healthcare will easily shape the long term forecast of veterinary services.

Rising Popularity of Cats in the Veterinary Sector

The U.S. feline veterinary market has enjoyed a steady upward trajectory over the past three years, with consistent increases in feline visits outpacing other species. Recent reports indicate that kitten adoptions remain higher than pre-COVID levels, while puppy adoptions are declining, which has helped bolster the growth of the feline segment in the veterinary industry. As more pet owners adopt cats and seek veterinary care, the demand for specialized feline services has never been greater.

As more practices implement feline-friendly approaches and cater to the unique needs of cats, the frequency of visits has steadily risen. This growth not only reflects changes in pet adoption patterns but also highlights a shift in how veterinary services are perceived and utilized by pet owners. Cats, known for their more subtle health cues and distinct behavioural patterns, require careful and species-specific care. This evolving focus on cats signals a transformation in the way companion-animal healthcare is delivered.

Critical Drivers of Feline Veterinary Market Growth

The continued rise of the feline veterinary market can be attributed to several key factors, including:

1. Growth Across the Care Continuum
   Both wellness and non-wellness feline visits have shown growth, reflecting an expansion in both preventive care and illness-related treatments. This growth underscores the importance of comprehensive care strategies that address both the long-term health and immediate medical needs of cats.
2. Demographic Advantage
   The surge in kitten adoptions, combined with the declining trend of puppy adoptions, positions the feline market for sustained growth in the years ahead. As more people choose cats as pets, the demand for veterinary care, including preventive services and routine visits, is expected to continue increasing.
3. Inflation Pressures
   Rising inflation in veterinary services has outpaced the Consumer Price Index, making pet care less affordable for some pet owners. This shift has underscored the need for accessible care models that can better meet the needs of both pets and their owners, especially for cats who may face higher veterinary care costs due to their complex health needs.
4. Technological Advancements
   The rise of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence-driven diagnostic tools, behavioural data analytics, and home monitoring systems, is accelerating the potential for earlier detection and prevention of feline health issues. These innovations are making it easier for veterinary professionals to address health concerns before they become severe, further driving the demand for veterinary services.

Strategic Implications for the Veterinary Industry

The sustained growth in feline veterinary visits has significant implications for the entire veterinary sector. Government reports suggest that the US feline veterinary market has the potential to grow 2.5 times its current size, reaching a projected value of 32 billion dollars if feline medicalisation were to match that of dogs. This represents one of the most substantial growth opportunities in the pet healthcare sector, positioning cats as central to the industry’s future.

For veterinary practices, embracing feline-friendly care models and focusing on feline-specific health needs is key to capitalising on this growth. By understanding and addressing the unique demands of cats, veterinary professionals can help ensure better outcomes for their patients and foster long-term relationships with pet owners.

The Path Forward for Feline Veterinary Care

The data from government agencies underscores the importance of continued innovation and investment in the feline healthcare space. With more veterinary practices recognising the need to offer specialised care for cats, the veterinary industry is poised for a transformation that could lead to better health outcomes for cats and greater opportunities for pet owners.

The rise of the feline veterinary market reflects broader shifts in the companion-animal care landscape. With cats driving much of the growth in veterinary visits and medical services, the future of companion-animal healthcare will increasingly depend on how well the industry adapts to meet the evolving needs of these beloved pets.

Overview

The US pet healthcare industry is entering a new phase with a focus on technology along with specialised care and increased adoption rates as more and more people require feline veterinary care. With this in mind, the focus will mostly be on cats as they will lead the industry with technology and specialised care in veterinary medicine. The growing demand in the veterinary pet industry and the potential for advancement in the feline market will be beneficial for veterinary professionals and cat owners.