Companion Animals

Companion Animal Welfare and Feline Welfare Research Final

A final overview of feline welfare research priorities and progress, looking ahead to the science needs of 2027.

Key Facts

Chronic pain recognition and management remains the highest priority feline welfare research need
FIC prevention through environmental management is an established but under-implemented intervention
CKD management advances including new phosphate binders are improving quality of life
Cognitive dysfunction treatment options require further research and clinical trial investment
Feline welfare measurement and indicator validation is advancing rapidly through citizen science

Welfare Considerations

Feline welfare research is advancing on multiple fronts. Continuing to prioritise and fund the most important research needs will deliver the evidence for the next generation of welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Support feline welfare research through donations to veterinary research charities
Engage with emerging feline welfare research through reputable science communication
Advocate for feline welfare research funding in public research council consultations