- Butterfly Network has joined the FelineVMA’s Cat Friendly Programs as the only ultrasound company sponsor.
- Handheld Butterfly iQ3 Vet ultrasound technology allows scans to be performed directly in exam rooms, reducing stress for cats and caregivers.
- Nearly half of U.S. pet cats did not visit a veterinarian in 2016, highlighting ongoing challenges in feline healthcare access and utilization.
- CATalyst Council estimates a $34 billion market opportunity if feline healthcare utilization matched that of dogs.
- The partnership supports efforts to improve feline patient experiences and increase compliance with veterinary care recommendations.
Butterfly Network has announced a sponsorship agreement with the Feline Veterinary Medical Association’s (FelineVMA) Cat Friendly Programs, becoming the only ultrasound company currently supporting the initiative.
The Cat Friendly Practice® Program was established by FelineVMA to improve veterinary care experiences for cats by reducing stress for feline patients, caregivers, and veterinary teams. The program promotes environmental and handling practices designed specifically for feline needs.
Bringing Ultrasound to the Exam Room
Butterfly says its handheld Butterfly iQ3 Vet ultrasound system can help practices maintain Cat Friendly standards by allowing imaging procedures to be performed directly in exam rooms rather than requiring cats to be transported throughout the hospital for diagnostic testing.
The company’s Ultrasound-on-Chip™ technology powers the Butterfly iQ3 Vet, a single-probe, whole-body imaging device designed for use across multiple animal species. Compared with traditional cart-based ultrasound systems, the portable platform enables veterinarians to conduct scans in familiar, lower-stress settings.
“Cats and their caregivers deserve veterinary care that prioritizes both medical excellence and emotional wellbeing,” said Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, Veterinary Clinical Director at Butterfly Network. “Butterfly’s ability to bring ultrasound directly into the exam room helps create a calmer, more transparent experience that can strengthen trust and improve long-term compliance with care recommendations.”
Addressing the Feline Care Gap
According to data cited by Butterfly, approximately 62 million cats are owned as pets in the United States, yet 46% of owned cats did not receive veterinary care in 2016, compared with 17% of dogs.
The company also highlighted recent CATalyst Council projections suggesting feline veterinary care represents a significant growth opportunity for veterinary practices. The organization estimates a $34 billion total addressable market if feline healthcare utilization and treatment intensity were to reach levels comparable to those seen in canine patients.
CATalyst Council reports that the gap currently represents approximately $21 billion in unrealized veterinary revenue and notes that cats are becoming an increasingly important contributor to practice stability amid broader industry visit-volume challenges.
Third-Generation Veterinary Ultrasound Platform
Butterfly iQ3 Vet is the third generation of the company’s veterinary ultrasound platform. The device includes updated imaging capabilities, procedural guidance tools, and hardware enhancements designed to support diagnostic workflows across a range of species and clinical settings.
The sponsorship reflects a shared focus between Butterfly Network and FelineVMA on improving access to feline healthcare while reducing barriers that may discourage cat owners from seeking routine veterinary care.
Information sourced from a Butterfly Network press release.
