A powerful survival instinct that cats have is the ability to hide pain. As both predators and prey, cats evolved to mask signs of illness or injury to avoid being seen as vulnerable. In the wild, this meant safety. In clinical practice today, it often means late diagnoses and missed opportunities for early care. Cats are subtle when they’re unwell, and this contributes to one of the most persistent challenges in veterinary medicine: feline under-medicalization.

Although an estimated 74 million domesticated cats are in the US only 40%receive annual veterinary care, compared to 82% of dogs.

 According to the CATalyst Council, the current feline veterinary market is valued at $12 billion; however, if cat utilization matched that of dogs, the market could expand to $32 billion, representing an untapped $20 billion opportunity.

 Encouragingly, feline visits and revenue have grown even as other segments have plateaued. Yet detecting what cats instinctively hide continues to be the greatest barrier.

Illness in cats rarely begins with dramatic signs. Instead, it starts with small behavioral shifts:

Withdrawal or increased nighttime activity

Because cats tend to suppress these signs, especially in stressful environments like veterinary clinics, they often go unnoticed. This creates a species-specific blind spot in veterinary medicine.

Aligning with feline instincts to close the care gap

The medicalization gap isn’t just a matter of caregiver hesitation or access; it’s rooted in feline biology. Cats have evolved to hide signs of vulnerability. To close the gap, veterinary medicine must find ways to work 

This is where artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools come in. By observing cats continuously in their natural, stress-free environment, new technologies are surfacing subtle early changes that humans alone often miss. These tools don’t force cats to communicate; they interpret what cats are already expressing through behavior.

One innovation in this space is Moggie, a behavior-tracking wearable explicitly designed for cats. Moggie monitors core feline behaviors, including walking, jumping, resting, grooming, and play, by using AI to detect deviations from each cat’s individual baseline. It helps surface meaningful behavioral changes that could indicate early illness or discomfort.

This technology is passive, non-invasive, and designed for continuous use in the cat’s natural habitat, where stress levels are low and instinctual behaviors are most pronounced.

Early patterns from caregivers and clinics using AI-driven behavior tools have shown promise:

Decreased jumping flagged early-stage arthritis

Fragmented sleep and pacing pointed toward hyperthyroidism

Reduced grooming revealed underlying dental pain

These insights don’t replace veterinary exams; they complement them, giving caregivers and clinicians richer, continuous behavioral context between visits.

By equipping caregivers with objective insights and reducing reliance on subjective observation alone, AI-powered tools can:

Strengthen caregiver-clinic communication

This approach aligns directly with the CATalyst Council’s call for proactive, tech-enabled, and cat-centric models of care that meet cats on their terms, not just in exam rooms.

Cats will always hide pain, but that doesn’t mean we have to miss it. With AI, veterinary medicine is learning to detect the subtle signals cats have been conveying to us all along.

American Veterinary Medical Association. U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics. American Veterinary Medical Association. Published 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics

2025 Hill’s Pet Nutrition World of the cat report. Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Accessed July 2, 2025. 

https://na.hillsvna.com/en_US/resources-2/view/244

CATalyst Council Releases First 2025 Market Insights Report: Feline Veterinary Care Emerges as Industry Growth Driver. News release. CATalyst Council. April 30, 2025. Accessed July 2, 2025. 

https://catalystcouncil.org/catalyst-council-releases-first-2025-market-insights-report-feline-veterinary-care-emerges-as-industry-growth-driver/

Garrison G. The Feline Factor. Vet Advantage. Published May 2025. Accessed July 2, 2025. 

https://vet-advantage.com/vet-advantage/the-feline-factor/

Articles

When it comes to feline health, listen when silence speaks

From stealth to signals: How artificial intelligence is transforming feline medicine

A 2013 nobel prize laureate has joined a molecular diagnostic company’s board of directors. Meanwhile, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has appointed a long-time member as its new assistant executive vice president in place of David E. Granstrom’s, DVM, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology), who retired from office this April. Additionally, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine has a new professor of veterinary orthopedics who bring a One Health approach to her research.

Continue reading to learn more about each of these individuals.

James Rothman, PhD, board of directors, Alveo Technologies

James Rothman, PhD, board of directors, Alveo Technologies. (Image courtesy of Alveo Technologies)

Alveo Technologies, a molecular diagnostics company, appointed James Rothman, PhD, to its board of directors this past spring. Rothman won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2013. He and 2 fellow laureates were awarded for “their discoveries of machinery regulating vesicle traffic, a major transport system in cells.”

 Rothman is also the founder of the Nanobiology Institute at Yale University in Connecticut.

“Dr Rothman is a world-renowned scientist whose expertise will be an asset to our board as we strive to reshape molecular diagnostics in the spirit of a One Health approach by enabling rapid pathogen detection and decision making at the point of need to drive actionable insights and achieve better outcomes,” Shaun Holt, CEO of Alveo, said in an organizational release.

 “His understanding of the academic markets will also be key as we continue to build partnership programs in this area, as well as in industry, to drive innovation.”

Currently, Rothman is the sterling professor of cell biology at Yale and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His work on vesicle trafficking and membrane fusion has earned him multiple accolades, including the King Faisal International Prize for Science, the Gairdner Foundation International Award, the Lounsbery Award of the National Academy of Sciences, the Heineken Foundation Prize of the Netherlands Academy of Sciences, the Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize of Columbia University, the Lasker Basic Science Award, and the Kavli Prize in Neuroscience.

Kent McClure, DVM, JD, assistant executive vice president, AVMA

Kent McClure, DVM, JD, assistant executive vice president, AVMA. (Image courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association)

Kent McClure, DVM, JD, chief advocacy officer for the AVMA, was elected as the organization’s new assistant executive vice president. McClure first joined the AVMA in 2017 as chief government relations officer.

For more than 10 years, McClure has also been a member of the AVMA Trust Board of Trustees. During his tenure at the AVMA, McClure has overseen the organization’s advocacy efforts, addressing issues such as noneconomic damages for pet loss, scope of practice, telemedicine, and xylazine at federal and state levels as well as in the courtroom.

“I’m honored to continue to serve and advocate for the veterinary profession in this expanded capacity. I am deeply appreciative of the ongoing support I have received from the board and AVMA’s CEO and executive vice president, Dr Janet Donlin,” said McClure in an AVMA news release.

Heidi Reesnik, VMD, PhD, DACVS-LA, professor, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

Heidi Reesnik, VMD, PhD, DACVS-LA. (Image courtesy of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine)

The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine announced a new professor of veterinary orthopedics: Heidi Reesnik, VMD, PhD, DACVS-LA. In her new position, Reesnik will oversee clinical appointment with the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital’s Equine Surgery and Lameness Service and will have a research laboratory in the school’s J.D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Laboratory.

Reesnik specializes in the pathophysiology and treatment of musculoskeletal disease, including osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, and fracture. According to UC Davis, her team aims to advance the development of One Health therapeutic design and strategies focused on restoring cartilage health, improving comfort, and prolonging joint longevity and patient mobility for human and animal patients.

“I’ve already met with researchers at the medical school to discuss how we can work together in researching similarities between horses, dogs, and humans. Collectively, we can learn more about the commonalities of joint disease in terms of identifying biomarkers, monitoring disease progression, and guiding targeted treatments,” said Reesnik in a university report.

Alveo Technologies appoints Nobel laureate, Dr James Rothman, to its board of directors. News release. Alveo Technologies, Inc. April 8, 2025. Accessed July 1, 2025. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250408790200/en/Alveo-Technologies-Appoints-Nobel-Laureate-Dr.-James-Rothman-to-its-Board-of-Directors

McClure promoted to AVMA executive position. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. May 5, 2025. Accessed July 1, 2025. 

https://www.avma.org/news/mcclure-promoted-avma-executive-position?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-news

Warren R. UC Davis welcomes equine surgeon and orthopedic researcher Dr Heidi Reesink. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. April 10, 2025. Accessed July 1, 2025. 

https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/uc-davis-welcomes-equine-surgeon-and-orthopedic-researcher-dr-heidi-reesink

New leadership moves, recognition, and achievement

Paws and profits: Diagnostics company appoints Nobel laureate to its board, and more

In the United States, more pets are lost on July 4th than any other time of the year. Loud noises from firework displays can cause anxiety or stress in animals, prompting them to run away or hide.

According to data from Shelter Animals Count, the week of July 4th consistently sees the highest surge in stray dog intakes at shelters nationwide.

In fact, July 5th was the single busiest day for stray dog intakes from 2021 through 2023, with 2024 following the same pattern.

This surge in stray dogs follows an earlier influx of stray cats between late May and early June,

 placing additional strain on shelters operating at or near capacity. “...Shelters see a significant increase in lost dogs around the Fourth of July, making it one of the busiest times of the year,” Tori Fugate, director of communications at Shelter Animals Count, said in an organizational release.

“[The data] underscores the importance of asking the community for their support during this time to help reunite lost pets with their families quickly and reduce strain on shelter resources.”

Staying informed and prepared can help keep pets safe during this holiday season. From managing noise anxiety to water and heat risks to be aware of, the following articles offer guidance for this Fourth of July weekend:

Keeping pets safe this 4th of July weekend

 Guidance on microchipping pets, combating anxiety, blocking escape routes, and creating a plan in case of an emergency and for keeping pets safe.

 Learn more about the risks of heat strokes, sunburn, barbecues, fireworks, and precautions to take with guests, with special insight from Amber Karwacki, DVM, partner doctor at Heart + Paw.

July 4th pet safety: Lakes, boating, and fireworks

 With many families heading to lakes or the coast this weekend, this article offers insight from Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine on:

Why pets should never drink stagnant water

Stray dog intakes spike after July 4th, new data from Shelter Animals Count confirms—Shelter Animals Count. News release. Shelter Animals Count. June 23, 2025. Accessed July 1, 2025. 

https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/stray-dog-intakes-spike-after-july-4th-new-data-from-shelter-animals-count-confirms/#:~:text=Analysis%2C%20SAC%20News-,Stray%20Dog%20Intakes%20Spike%20After%20July%204th%2C%20New%20Data%20from,seasonal%20spike%20and%20respond%20effectively

The Fourth of July causes one of the highest surges in missing pets in the US

Must-reads for keeping pets safe this July 4th

For decades, people have joked that dogs look and act like their owners. This idea, long considered anecdotal, now has scientific backing. A systematic review of 15 studies explored the evidence for physical and personality similarities between dogs and their human companions. The results support 2 major hypotheses: people choose dogs that look like them, and over time, dogs and owners grow similar in personality.

In terms of physical appearance, the studies consistently show that humans can match dog-owner pairs based on looks. One experiment even found that participants correctly matched owners and dogs using only their eye regions.

Researchers also identified matching features such as body weight and hair or ear length, especially between female owners and their pets. These patterns suggest that people often choose dogs who resemble them. This selection may result from psychological effects like the Mere Exposure Effect, where people prefer what feels familiar; or a Preference for Self-Similarity, which draws individuals to traits that mirror their own.

When examining personality traits, researchers found even stronger correlations. Dogs and owners often share characteristics such as extraversion and neuroticism. Many studies confirmed these personality overlaps. Notably, highly neurotic owners tended to have dogs that also showed signs of anxiety or mood instability. While some researchers argue that this similarity arises from initial selection, others believe it develops over time through shared experiences and emotional co-regulation.

Researchers have proposed several mechanisms for the development of internal similarities. Emotional convergence happens when close companions gradually align their emotional responses. For example, a neurotic owner may behave inconsistently, prompting the dog to act cautiously or anxiously. Co-regulation also plays a role. Here, the dog and owner continuously shape each other’s emotional states and behaviors. Some studies showed that the owner’s emotional instability influenced the dog’s obedience, while others found that the dog’s anxiety affected the owner’s mood.

Observational learning may further explain personality similarities. Dogs observe their owners’ behavior and mimic certain emotional and social cues. For instance, dogs of highly extraverted owners have more chances to watch social interactions and may adopt more outgoing behaviors. Over time, reinforcement strengthens these traits, as owners reward behaviors that reflect their own tendencies, sometimes without realizing it.

Future research needs to explore these dynamics further. Longitudinal studies could track how personality similarities evolve over time, according to the systematic review.

 Scientists should also consider who selects the dog in each household, whether the dog is purebred or mixed breed, and how gender influences owner-dog similarity. Investigating narcissism might shed light on why people choose dogs that mirror their appearance. Additionally, analyzing live interactions or video footage could reveal more about the subtle behavioral parallels between humans and their pets.

In conclusion, this review supports the claim that dogs resemble their owners in both appearance and personality. People often select dogs that look like them, and as they live together, their personalities grow more alike. Whether through choice, co-regulation, or emotional convergence, dogs and humans form deeply connected and similar pairs. The next step is to examine what these similarities mean for their happiness, functionality, and compatibility as companions, according to the authors of the review.

 is a 2026 PharmD candidate studying veterinary pharmacy at the University of Connecticut in Storrs.

Bender Y, Roth F, Schweinberger S, Witte S, Brauer J. Like owner, like dog: a systematic review about similarities in dog-human dyads. 

. 2025;233:112884. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2024.112884

A systematic review of several studies offers insight.

Do dogs really resemble their owners? 

Diverse suite of veterinary research funded

The Australian Companion Animal Health Foundation  (ACAHF) which works to improve pet health by funding veterinary research has awarded a milestone AUD $100,000 in grant funding across 10 recipients.

Garth McGilvray, AM, BVSc, FAICD, foundation chairperson explained exclusively to 

 that the foundation is very excited to be funding a diverse range of projects which will enhance the clinical capability of veterinarians in practice.

“2025 has been a momentous year for the Australian Companion Animal Health Foundation. In addition to a major bequest from a veterinarian and donations from pet owners, there has been a strong return from the Foundation's investment portfolio. On top of this, we also received a large number of high-quality research applications from veterinary researchers. Consequently, the Foundation has for the first time in its 36yrs been able to distribute just on AUD $100,000 dollars to researchers into companion animal medicine in Australia,” said McGilvray.

Garth McGilvray, AM, BVSc, FAICD, chair of the Australian Companion Animal Health Foundation (image courtesy of Australian Companion Animal Health Foundation)

“The projects being funded range from assessing the development of antimicrobial resistance in dogs, elucidating the role of interleukins in the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis, to ongoing research into important cat diseases.”

Christine Griebsch, DrMedVet, DECVIM-CA, from the University of Sydney received the ‘Roger Clarke Memorial Grant’ for her research project titled, ‘Comparison of two Leptospira spp. antibody point-of-care testing methods in healthy dogs after vaccination against leptospirosis and its implications for diagnosis of naturally occurring leptospirosis.’

Peter Atkinson, BSc, DVM, from the University of Adelaide received a grant for a ‘Revision of the clinical guidelines for canine heartworm prevention in Australia against best current evidence’, whilst Corrin Boyd, BSc, BVMS, MVCS, DACVECC, PhD, from Murdoch University received 2 grants, for his research into ‘Development of Antimicrobial Resistance in Dogs Administered Erythromycin as a Gastrointestinal Prokinetic’, and research into the ‘Association between Potassium Chloride Administration, Hyperchloraemia, and Acute Kidney Injury in Dogs’.

The Foundation’s funding rounds occur once a year with applications assessed and ranked by an expert research committee.Selected research is primarily focused on gaining a better understanding of a disorder, with the aim of improving long term health outcomes and better treatment and prevention options to companion animals.

Anyone interested in more information about the ACAHF's research grant program should visit the foundation’s website.

Nature Needs More, an Australian non-profit organization that works on tackling the key systemic enablers of the illegal wildlife trade, released a new report, 

The Exotic Pet Trade – An Unnecessary Luxury In Need Of Regulation

. Cameron Murray, BSc BVMS, director of Nature Needs More, is one of the reports co-authors and explained to 

“I would hope this report leads to meaningful change in how the exotic pet trade is managed. Starting with an honest assessment of what is appropriate to be owned and then looking at the process through the whole supply chain,” said Murray.

“Additionally, I would hope to inspire the veterinary profession to be part of the solution with regard to recognizing and addressing the risks that lie within the trade. It is a real opportunity for our profession to lead on behalf of the animals in this case.”

Murray’s interest in rhino conservation led him to investigate the wildlife trade more widely, and explained that as a veterinarian he was interested to see the issues surrounding the exotic Pet Trade examined carefully.

“It is time to put the interests of animals first and see the real and potential risks that the trade presents. Looking past the biodiversity loss risk, then from a veterinary point of view the welfare and biosecurity concerns alone should be enough for the profession to support the move to a precautionary principle management approach. I will continue to advocate that the profession in Australia and globally should be more active in driving positive change in this trade,” said Murray.

“It seems there is a real inertia in the willingness to recognise the failings of and so change the mindset of the last 50 years of conservation. Systems don’t necessarily need to be thrown out and recreated but rather need to be reappraised and modernized. The exotic Pet Trade would seem to be a good test case for this, a trade that is not essential could be turned on it’s head and managed with the animals interests at heart while mitigating a range of risks associated with it.”

The full report is available on the Nature News More website.

Updates on grant funding to aid veterinary research; and a report into the exotic pet trade.

Veterinary scene down under: Funding grants for research, plus a new report investigating the exotic pet trade

Everyday ophthalmology with Jennifer Sheahan

Vet Watch Episode 3

, we dive into the essentials of veterinary ophthalmology with Jennifer Sheahan, DVM, DACVO; and Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM. The pair discusses tonometry—what it is and why it’s important—along with practical tips and tricks for accurately measuring eye pressure. You’ll also learn expert techniques for using fluorescein stain and get clear guidance on when and how to perform direct vs indirect retinal exams as a general practioner or emergency veterinarian. 

The discussion also goes in-depth on the management of both primary and secondary glaucoma, with the goal of providing the knowledge and confidence necessary to handle these cases in practice. 

 “You love what you do by getting good at what you do and by practicing.... And you know that it comes quickly. It's as simple as, 'Oh, I need to get good at checking the eye pressures so it's more efficient and faster.' Just perfecting your trade. I think we're very lucky in the field that we're in...[it's] so beautiful, helping animals and stuff like that. So I'm always trying to learn as well.”

A link to the educational materials mentioned in the episode can be found here: 

Jennifer Sheahan, DVM, DACVO, was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma. She graduated UC Irvine with majors in Biology and Criminology in 2003. She attended veterinary school at Oklahoma State University, graduating in 2011. Following veterinary school, she completed a 1-year rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship at Ohio State University followed by a 3-year residency in comparative ophthalmology at Animal Eye Care. She has a particular interest in ophthalmic pharmacology as well as dry eye disorders and retinal diseases. In her free time, she enjoys photography, running, traveling, and spending time with family.

Videos

Learn real-world strategies from Jennifer Sheahan, DVM, DACVO, to help master essential eye exams, manage emergencies, and elevate your ophthalmology skills in everyday practice.