Companion Animals

Companion Cat Welfare Science 2026

A review of advances in companion cat welfare science in 2026 and their implications for practice.

Key Facts

Monoclonal antibody therapies for feline osteoarthritis pain have transformed treatment options
The Feline Grimace Scale is now widely used in research and increasingly in clinical practice
FIP antiviral treatment access has improved globally through generic production
Cat welfare research is increasingly moving from disease to positive welfare and flourishing
Citizen science programs are generating large-scale cat behavioral data

Welfare Considerations

Cat welfare science in 2026 is advancing on multiple fronts from pain treatment to positive welfare measurement. Translating these advances into routine veterinary practice and owner knowledge remains the primary challenge for improving real-world cat welfare.

What You Can Do

Stay informed about advances in cat welfare science through veterinary resources
Advocate for evidence-based cat welfare in veterinary practice standards
Support cat welfare research through organizations conducting and funding feline welfare science