Introduction: Personally, this disparity between dog and cat attendances at veterinary clinics has been obvious for a long time. In my personal view the reason why dogs are booked into vet clinics more often than cats is because there is a closer bond between dog and person – IN GENERAL – than there is between cat and person because for many cat owners cats are seen as independent creatures. Also, it is reasonable to suggest that dogs are – IN GENERAL – less healthy than cats because of breeding issues. There are far more purebred dogs than purebred cats partly because they have been domesticated for far longer than cats. Purebreeding is selective breeding which enhances the prospect of deliterious recessive genes coming to the fore and being manifested in health issues. Note: the article was researched and written by ChatGPT. Why? Because I can no longer justify giving my time in the way I was before AI to write articles as AI and Google algos have shattered traffic to many/most independent content websites.
In a landmark move aimed at reshaping global perceptions of feline welfare, Hill’s Pet Nutrition has released the inaugural World of the Cat Report for 2025. Drawing on insights from veterinarians, scientists, and pet owners across more than 10 countries, the report offers a sobering yet urgently needed look into the state of feline health and care — and how it lags behind that of dogs in several key areas.
One of the most striking revelations in the report is that cats, despite being the second most popular pet globally, receive significantly less veterinary attention than dogs. This disparity begins early: only 40% of cats are taken to a veterinarian in their first year, compared to 80% of puppies. The numbers drop even further as cats age, due largely to misconceptions that felines are more self-sufficient and less prone to illness.
However, veterinary experts argue that this belief is dangerously outdated. The report outlines how cats are exceptionally skilled at masking pain and illness, which means serious conditions like chronic kidney disease, dental issues, and diabetes often go undiagnosed until they are advanced. By the time symptoms become visible to owners, the disease is often well established, requiring more intensive and costly treatments — or in some cases, leading to premature death.
Dr. Karen Shenoy, Chief Veterinary Officer at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, emphasized that, “Cats have long been underserved in clinical practice. Our research shows that both owners and professionals need better tools, education, and access to make feline health a priority.”
The World of the Cat Report also underscores the scarcity of research and development funding dedicated to feline medicine. While the past two decades have seen a surge in dog-specific therapies and preventive care, cats have not benefited from the same investment. This has resulted in a limited range of medications specifically formulated for felines, forcing vets to rely on off-label drugs designed for dogs or even humans.
In response to these findings, Hill’s is calling for a “Feline Health Renaissance” — a coordinated effort among pet food manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, veterinarians, and academic researchers to close the gap. Recommendations include enhanced veterinary training in feline-specific diagnostics, broader public awareness campaigns, and a push for more targeted research funding.
Importantly, the report also shines a light on the emotional disconnect many cat owners feel when interacting with veterinary services. Cats are often stressed by car travel, waiting rooms, and unfamiliar environments, leading many owners to avoid visits unless absolutely necessary. The report suggests implementing cat-friendly practices — such as mobile veterinary clinics, home visits, and feline-only hours at clinics — to make veterinary care more accessible and less stressful.
With cats living longer lives thanks to improved nutrition and indoor living, their health needs are more complex than ever. The World of the Cat Report serves as both a wake-up call and a roadmap for a future where cats receive the care and attention they rightfully deserve. For the world’s most enigmatic companions, it’s time the standards of care finally caught up.
