Welfare Science

Cat Welfare Science Future Vision

A future vision for cat welfare draws on emerging science in pain recognition, positive welfare indicators and veterinary access to outline achievable improvements over the next decade.

Key Facts

Validated digital pain recognition tools for cats will improve treatment rates significantly
Home blood glucose monitoring and telemedicine will transform chronic disease management
Genomic screening will identify cats at risk of heritable disease before clinical signs appear
Expanding access to veterinary care in low-income communities will address welfare inequity
Positive welfare indicators for cats are being developed that move beyond absence of suffering

Welfare Considerations

Cat welfare science is advancing rapidly, with new tools for pain recognition, disease monitoring and positive welfare assessment transforming what is achievable. Translating science into practice requires investment and accessibility.

What You Can Do

Support research organisations advancing cat welfare science and clinical application
Advocate for veterinary care access programmes that reach low-income pet owners
Engage with cat welfare organisations implementing evidence-based positive welfare programmes