2025 EveryCat Health Foundation/FelineVMA Scholarship Winners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 1, 2025 – In a significant move to cultivate the next generation of feline veterinary specialists, the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) and EveryCat Health Foundation today proudly announced the recipients of their prestigious 2025 scholarships. These awards are granted to exceptional veterinary students who have demonstrated a profound commitment to advancing feline health through careers in either clinical practice or clinical research. Yvonne Figueroa, a dedicated student from Oregon State University’s Class of 2026, has been honored with the Clinical Practice Scholarship, while Britta Siegenthaler, from Colorado State University’s Class of 2026, is the recipient of the Clinical Research Scholarship. This annual program underscores the joint commitment of both organizations to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and leadership within the specialized field of feline medicine, addressing the growing global demand for advanced care tailored specifically to the unique needs of cats.

The scholarships, highly competitive and sought after, are a testament to the students’ academic prowess, leadership qualities, and unwavering dedication to feline health and welfare. The selection process, meticulously carried out by volunteers from both EveryCat and FelineVMA, considered 31 submitted applications based on criteria including academic achievement, demonstrated financial need, leadership roles, and a clear commitment to and excellence in the study of feline medicine. Such initiatives are crucial in a landscape where veterinary education costs continue to rise, and specialized fields like feline medicine require dedicated support to ensure a robust pipeline of qualified professionals.

"We are delighted to congratulate our two scholarship recipients," stated Heather O’Steen, CAE, CEO of FelineVMA. "Their dedication to feline education and their commitment to connecting with others who share a passion for enhancing feline care and wellbeing is truly inspiring. These scholarships represent not just financial aid, but an investment in the future of feline health, empowering these exceptional students to elevate the standards of care for cats worldwide. We are thrilled to support them on their journey to make a lasting impact."

Profiles of Distinction: Meeting the Future of Feline Care

The 2025 scholarship recipients embody the diverse pathways available within feline veterinary medicine, each bringing a unique set of skills, experiences, and aspirations to the field. Their journeys reflect the increasing complexity and specialization required to address the intricate health needs of the feline population.

Yvonne Figueroa: Championing Cat Friendly Practices in Clinical Practice

Yvonne Figueroa, a third-year student at the Oregon State University (OSU) Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, represents the pinnacle of dedication to direct patient care. Her passion for felines is deeply personal, stemming from her role as a proud parent to three rescued cats. This personal connection fuels her professional ambition to revolutionize the veterinary experience for feline patients. Yvonne is a prominent figure within the feline community at OSU, currently serving as Vice President of the OSU FelineVMA Student Chapter. Her commitment extends beyond the campus, as she also volunteers for the EveryCat Health Foundation, actively contributing to initiatives that support feline health research and education.

Yvonne’s primary career goal is to become a board-certified feline practitioner, a specialized field that addresses the unique physiological, behavioral, and disease profiles of cats. This specialization is increasingly vital as cat ownership rises globally, and owners seek tailored, expert care. Her specific aim to improve access to specialized feline care in the Pacific Northwest highlights a critical need. Data from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) consistently shows a higher demand for general small animal practitioners, with feline specialists remaining a more niche, yet highly sought-after, segment. By advocating for Cat Friendly Practices® in the clinic, Yvonne aims to create environments that minimize stress for feline patients, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy. This approach, pioneered by FelineVMA, recognizes that cats are not simply small dogs and require distinct handling, clinic design, and medical protocols. Her dedication promises to significantly enhance the quality of life for countless feline companions in her region.

Britta Siegenthaler: Advancing Feline Health Through Research and Education

Britta Siegenthaler, originally from Ohio, is currently a third-year student at Colorado State University (CSU), focusing her formidable talents on the critical area of feline clinical research. Her academic pursuits are deeply intertwined with groundbreaking work on feline coronavirus and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a historically fatal disease that has seen revolutionary treatment advancements in recent years. Britta’s involvement in this research is vital, contributing to the ongoing effort to understand, treat, and ultimately eradicate FIP and other complex feline diseases. The development of new antiviral treatments for FIP has been one of the most significant breakthroughs in feline medicine, transforming a death sentence into a treatable condition, yet much research remains to be done regarding long-term effects, resistance, and prevention.

Beyond her research, Britta demonstrates exceptional leadership and a commitment to education. She serves as a board member for both the CSU FelineVMA Student Chapter and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), where she plays a crucial role in organizing educational events for her fellow students. Her proactive engagement with FelineVMA includes serving as a student scribe for the upcoming 2025 FelineVMA Dental Care Guidelines—a testament to her understanding of the importance of evidence-based practice—and volunteering at their conferences. Furthermore, she has earned a FelineVMA Cat Friendly Veterinarian® Certificate, signifying her deep understanding of feline-specific care protocols.

Upon graduation, Britta aspires to pursue specialty medicine in Internal Medicine or Neurology, fields where diagnostic challenges and complex treatments are commonplace. Her ultimate ambition is to work in an academic institution or referral hospital that prioritizes research and education, allowing her to make a lasting impact on feline medicine. This path aligns with the increasing need for veterinary specialists who can not only treat complex cases but also contribute to the scientific understanding that drives future medical advancements. Her home life, shared with her cats Curie and Faraday, and her freshwater aquarium, underscores a holistic appreciation for the natural world and its intricate systems.

The Driving Forces: FelineVMA and EveryCat Health Foundation

The Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) and EveryCat Health Foundation stand as twin pillars supporting the health and wellbeing of cats globally. Their collaboration on these scholarships is a powerful example of how dedicated organizations can collectively foster progress.

The FelineVMA, with a diverse membership exceeding 4,400 veterinary professionals—including veterinarians, technicians, practice managers, assistants, support staff, and students—is the leading professional organization dedicated to advancing feline health. Its mission centers on supporting veterinary professionals through high standards of practice, ongoing education, and evidence-based medicine. The FelineVMA is renowned for its "Cat Friendly" resources, which include comprehensive practice guidelines, feline-specific educational materials, and robust caregiver support. These initiatives are critical in elevating the standard of care for cats, ensuring that veterinary practices are equipped with the knowledge and tools to provide optimal, stress-free care. The "Cat Friendly Practice" program, a cornerstone of FelineVMA’s efforts, has been instrumental in transforming how veterinary clinics approach feline patients, recognizing their unique physiological and psychological needs.

The EveryCat Health Foundation, formerly known as the Winn Feline Foundation, has a rich history dating back to 1968. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and welfare of all cats through funding scientific research and education. Over its illustrious history, EveryCat has funded over $8 million in health studies, leading to significant breakthroughs in understanding and treating various feline diseases, from FIP and hyperthyroidism to chronic kidney disease and oral health issues. Their commitment to research is fundamental to advancing veterinary knowledge and providing better diagnostic tools and treatments. The foundation acts as a crucial bridge between scientific inquiry and practical application in veterinary clinics worldwide.

Jackie Ott Jaakola, Executive Director of the EveryCat Health Foundation, articulated the profound significance of these awards: "We are honored to recognize individual students whose dedication to feline health reflects both academic excellence and a deep commitment to cat health. Yvonne and Britta’s passion for feline medicine is unmistakable, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make as they advance in their careers. We thank them for their dedication, which aligns perfectly with EveryCat’s mission to fund research and foster the next generation of feline health leaders."

The Scholarship Program: A Critical Investment in Future Expertise

The joint scholarship program is more than just financial assistance; it is a strategic investment in the future of an increasingly vital veterinary specialty. Veterinary education is notoriously expensive, with average student loan debt often exceeding $150,000 upon graduation. Scholarships like these significantly alleviate this financial burden, allowing promising students to pursue their passions without crippling debt, thereby making specialized fields more accessible. The 31 applications received for the 2025 scholarships underscore the high demand and intense competition for support in this specialized area. The rigorous selection process, involving dedicated volunteers from both organizations, ensures that the most deserving and impactful candidates are chosen, based on a holistic assessment of academic achievement, financial need, leadership capabilities, and an undeniable commitment to feline medicine. This careful vetting ensures that the investment yields the highest return in terms of future contributions to feline health.

The Growing Imperative of Feline-Specific Veterinary Care

The emphasis on feline-specific care and research is not merely a niche interest but a growing imperative within the veterinary profession. Cats now outnumber dogs as pets in many parts of the world, including the United States, with over 42 million households owning cats. Despite this prevalence, historically, veterinary medicine has often been dog-centric, leading to gaps in understanding and treating feline-specific conditions.

Cats possess unique anatomical, physiological, and behavioral characteristics that differentiate them significantly from other companion animals. They metabolize drugs differently, exhibit subtle signs of illness, and often experience high levels of stress in traditional veterinary environments. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), and various cancers manifest distinctly in felines, requiring specialized diagnostic approaches and treatment protocols. The ongoing battle against infectious diseases like FIP, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) also necessitates dedicated research and clinical expertise. Initiatives like the FelineVMA’s Cat Friendly Practice program aim to mitigate stress for cats during vet visits, leading to more accurate diagnoses, better compliance from owners, and ultimately, improved health outcomes. By fostering future specialists like Yvonne and Britta, FelineVMA and EveryCat are directly addressing these critical gaps.

Broader Impact and Implications for Feline Medicine

The awarding of these scholarships carries significant implications across several dimensions of veterinary medicine and feline welfare:

• Elevating the Standard of Care: By supporting students dedicated to feline practice, the scholarships contribute directly to a higher standard of care for cats. Yvonne Figueroa’s goal to expand specialized feline care in the Pacific Northwest will mean more cats receive tailored, expert treatment, reducing suffering and improving longevity.
• Advancing Scientific Knowledge: Britta Siegenthaler’s work in feline coronavirus and FIP research is vital for future breakthroughs. Continued research is the cornerstone of developing new diagnostic tools, more effective treatments, and preventative strategies for complex feline diseases. Her aspiration to work in academic research or referral hospitals will ensure that cutting-edge science is translated into practical clinical applications.
• Addressing Workforce Needs: As the demand for specialized veterinary care grows, scholarships play a crucial role in attracting bright minds to these fields. This helps to address potential shortages of highly trained feline veterinarians and researchers, ensuring that the profession can meet future challenges.
• Inspiring Future Generations: The recognition of Yvonne and Britta serves as an inspiration for other veterinary students considering a career in feline medicine. Their success highlights the importance and rewards of specialization, potentially encouraging more students to pursue this critical path.
• Strengthening Collaborative Efforts: The joint effort between FelineVMA and EveryCat Health Foundation exemplifies the power of collaboration in achieving shared goals. Such partnerships are essential for maximizing resources and impact within the non-profit and professional association sectors.

Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Feline Health

The Feline Veterinary Medical Association and EveryCat Health Foundation eagerly anticipate welcoming both Yvonne Figueroa and Britta Siegenthaler into the veterinary profession. Their dedication, leadership, and passion promise to make profound contributions to feline health, welfare, and the advancement of veterinary medicine. As they progress through their final years of veterinary school and embark on their respective careers, their work will undoubtedly resonate through countless feline lives and the scientific understanding of these beloved companions. These scholarships are not merely awards; they are catalysts for a brighter, healthier future for cats everywhere.