- The CATalyst 2026 State of the Cat Report estimates the U.S. cat population at about 76 million animals.
- Only about one in three cats receives annual veterinary care, compared with roughly seven in ten dogs.
- The gap represents an estimated $34 billion in annual addressable feline veterinary revenue.
- Feline visits increased about 2% between 2023 and 2025, while canine visits declined roughly 8%.
- More than two-thirds of cat owners say they would seek more veterinary care if they believed it would extend their cat’s life.
CATalyst Council has released early findings from the CATalyst 2026 State of the Cat Report, the largest feline-focused household survey conducted in the United States.
Based on responses from more than 60,000 households surveyed by Kynetec and Forward Group, the report provides new insights into feline ownership, veterinary utilization, and opportunities for veterinary practices to expand feline care services.
The survey estimates the domestic cat population in the United States at approximately 76 million animals, accounting for about 45 percent of all cats and dogs living in American homes. The findings also show that 90 percent of cat owners report having a very strong emotional bond with their cat.
A significant care gap in feline medicine
Despite strong emotional attachment between owners and their cats, the survey highlights a major gap in veterinary utilization.
Only about one in three cats receives annual veterinary care from a traditional veterinary practice, compared with roughly seven in ten dogs. This disparity creates a substantial opportunity for veterinary clinics.
According to CATalyst Council’s companion analysis in the Feline Veterinary Market Insights Report, Volume V, the unrealized feline opportunity equals approximately $663,000 per practice under current pricing and standard practice models. That figure includes an estimated $497,000 associated with closing the medicalization gap and an additional $166,000 from narrowing the care intensity gap between feline and canine visits.
Across the United States, the total addressable feline veterinary market is estimated at approximately $34 billion annually, while about $12.7 billion is currently captured.
Feline visits rising as canine visits decline
While the broader companion-animal veterinary market has experienced declining visit volumes, feline visits have moved in the opposite direction.
Between 2023 and 2025, feline veterinary visits increased about 2 percent cumulatively. During the same period, canine visits declined approximately 8 percent.
Adoption trends may reinforce this shift. Kitten adoption rates remain about 9 to 10 percent above historical baselines, while puppy adoptions have dropped roughly 27 to 28 percent compared with baseline levels. These trends suggest feline patients may become an increasingly important growth driver for veterinary practices.
What would bring cat owners to the veterinarian more often
The survey also asked cat owners who do not regularly bring their cat to the veterinarian what factors would change their behavior. Several key motivators emerged.
Belief in outcomes ranked as the most important factor. Many owners indicated they would seek more veterinary care if they believed visits would help extend their cat’s life.
Cost was another major consideration. Respondents said they would be more likely to schedule visits if prices were lower or if preventive care options such as wellness plans, tiered pricing, and transparent fee structures were available.
Understanding the preventive benefits of veterinary visits also influences behavior. Many respondents said knowing that exams could help prevent expensive health problems later would motivate them to seek care.
Convenience was another factor, with owners citing weekend hours, house calls, and shorter wait times as potential motivators.
Stress associated with veterinary visits also remains a barrier. Owners noted that improved carrier strategies, low-stress clinic environments, and better handling techniques could help make visits easier for both cats and their owners.
Knowledge gaps about feline health
The survey also identified a gap between owner confidence and veterinary reality. Many cat owners believe they would recognize illness quickly in their pets and consider themselves well informed about feline health.
Veterinary professionals note that cats often mask signs of illness or pain until conditions are more advanced. Misconceptions persist among owners, including the belief that indoor cats do not require routine veterinary visits or that cats can recover from illness without intervention.
Despite these gaps, veterinarians remain the most trusted source of feline health information. The survey found that 87 percent of cat owners turn to their veterinarian for guidance, and nearly half say they do so frequently.
This suggests that face-to-face veterinary consultations remain a critical opportunity to educate owners about preventive care, subtle signs of illness, and the importance of routine veterinary visits.
Information sourced from the organization’s report and announcement.
