EveryCat Health Foundation and FelineVMA Announce 2026 Scholarship Recipients, Investing in the Future of Feline Veterinary Excellence

New York, NY / Toronto, ON – May 28, 2026 – The EveryCat Health Foundation and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) proudly announced the recipients of their prestigious 2026 annual scholarships, a program now in its tenth year dedicated to fostering the next generation of feline veterinary specialists. This enduring partnership, established in 2016, annually awards two $5,000 scholarships to third or fourth-year veterinary students enrolled full-time in accredited veterinary colleges or schools across the United States and Canada. These awards are strategically designed to cultivate interest and expertise in feline clinical medicine and feline clinical scientific research, addressing a critical need within the veterinary profession for specialized feline care.

The selection process for these highly competitive scholarships rigorously evaluates candidates based on academic achievement, demonstrated financial need, leadership qualities, and an unwavering dedication to and excellence in the study of feline medicine, health, and welfare. One $5,000 scholarship is specifically allocated to a veterinary student poised to enter feline practice, while the second $5,000 scholarship supports a student with a strong inclination towards clinical scientific research focused on felines. Beyond the monetary award, FelineVMA generously provides each recipient with complimentary registration for its annual conference, a crucial opportunity for networking and professional development. Complementing this, EveryCat Health Foundation offers a stipend of up to $500 to facilitate travel to the conference, ensuring the recipients can fully leverage this invaluable experience without undue financial burden.

A Decade of Dedication: The Partnership’s Enduring Impact

The collaboration between EveryCat Health Foundation and FelineVMA underscores a shared commitment to advancing feline health and welfare globally. EveryCat Health Foundation, formerly known as the Winn Feline Foundation, has been a leading non-profit organization dedicated to funding feline health studies since 1968. Its mission is to improve the health and welfare of all cats by funding scientific research, disseminating health information, and promoting feline-specific education. The Feline Veterinary Medical Association, on the other hand, is a professional organization committed to supporting veterinarians who focus on feline practice, offering resources, continuing education, and advocacy for feline-centric medicine.

The establishment of this scholarship program in 2016 was a direct response to a recognized need within the veterinary field: while cat ownership has steadily risen, the number of veterinarians specializing exclusively in feline medicine or research has not kept pace. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), cats are present in approximately 25.4% of U.S. households, with an average of 1.8 cats per cat-owning household, totaling nearly 58 million cats. This substantial pet population requires specialized care, acknowledging the unique physiological, behavioral, and disease profiles of felines that often differ significantly from their canine counterparts. Investing in students at this crucial stage of their education ensures a pipeline of dedicated professionals equipped to tackle the complex challenges of feline health.

Over the past decade, these scholarships have played a pivotal role in shaping the career trajectories of numerous aspiring feline veterinarians and researchers. By providing financial relief and professional exposure, the program not only alleviates some of the significant financial strain associated with veterinary education but also validates and encourages students’ niche interests, fostering a deeper commitment to this often-underserved area of veterinary science. The annual FelineVMA conference offers a unique platform for these emerging leaders to connect with established experts, learn about the latest advancements, and find mentors who can guide their early careers.

Introducing the 2026 Scholarship Recipients: Future Leaders in Feline Health

This year, the foundations are delighted to celebrate two exceptional students whose passion and academic rigor exemplify the program’s objectives.

Lynna Li, Cornell University, Class of 2026: Clinical Research Scholarship Recipient

Lynna Li, a graduating student from Cornell University’s esteemed College of Veterinary Medicine, has been awarded the Clinical Research Scholarship. Her academic journey has been marked by a profound dedication to understanding and combating complex feline diseases through scientific inquiry. During her veterinary school tenure, Ms. Li served as a student assistant on the Internal Medicine service, an experience that provided her with invaluable hands-on insight into the intricate diagnostic and management protocols for a wide spectrum of feline conditions. This clinical exposure was instrumental in solidifying her interest in the pathophysiology of disease and the translation of research findings into improved patient outcomes.

Beyond the clinic, Lynna has immersed herself in cutting-edge research. She conducted extensive work in a tumor immunology laboratory, focusing on companion animals as critical models for human breast cancer. This research not only honed her scientific methodology but also significantly developed her interest in comparative and translational medicine. Comparative medicine, a field that leverages naturally occurring diseases in animals to understand and treat similar conditions in humans, holds immense promise for accelerating medical breakthroughs for both species. Feline models, in particular, offer unique advantages for studying certain human cancers and infectious diseases due to their genetic similarities and shared environmental exposures.

Lynna Li’s long-term goal is to become a board-certified small animal internist, a highly specialized field focusing on internal organ systems and complex medical conditions. Her ambition extends beyond clinical practice; she aspires to pursue a career in academia, where she envisions integrating rigorous clinical practice with innovative scientific research. Her particular research interests lie in utilizing feline models to study human neoplasias (cancers) and endocrine diseases, such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism, which are prevalent in both species. By bridging the gap between veterinary and human medicine, Ms. Li hopes to contribute significantly to advancements that benefit both animal and human health, embodying the "One Health" concept—an approach recognizing that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. Following her graduation, Lynna is set to complete a demanding small animal rotating internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, a world-renowned institution that will further refine her clinical skills and expose her to diverse and challenging cases.

Lainey Atwood, North Carolina State University, Class of 2027: Clinical Practice Scholarship Recipient

Lainey Atwood, a promising student from North Carolina State University, has been recognized with the Clinical Practice Scholarship. Her deep-seated passion for animal welfare is evident in her active volunteerism with organizations like Operation Catnip, a non-profit dedicated to humanely reducing feral cat populations through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs. This hands-on experience underscores her commitment to addressing pressing community feline health issues and providing care to underserved populations.

Lainey aspires to practice small animal medicine with a distinct emphasis on integrative care. Integrative veterinary medicine combines conventional Western veterinary treatments with complementary and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, and physical rehabilitation, to provide a holistic approach to patient health. She firmly believes that there is still much to be explored and understood regarding the role and efficacy of integrative therapies in feline health. Cats, often sensitive to traditional pharmacological interventions, can particularly benefit from tailored integrative approaches that minimize stress and side effects while maximizing therapeutic outcomes.

Ms. Atwood hopes to contribute significantly to advancements in integrative care and the development of alternative treatment options that can effectively complement traditional medicine in feline patients. Her vision includes working in a clinical setting that not only allows her to provide high-quality care to individual feline companions but also dedicates time and resources to shelters and rescue organizations. She is particularly interested in participating in high-volume spay and neuter initiatives, which are crucial for controlling pet overpopulation and improving the overall health of community cat populations. Furthermore, Lainey is passionate about providing veterinary care to underserved feline populations, recognizing that access to quality veterinary services is often a significant barrier for many pet owners. Through her multifaceted work, she aims to expand the role of integrative medicine in feline care, with the ultimate goals of alleviating chronic pain, improving the quality of life, and prioritizing the overall welfare for our cherished feline companions. Her focus on both individual patient care and broader community health initiatives highlights a comprehensive and compassionate approach to veterinary practice.

The Broader Landscape of Feline Veterinary Care and Its Implications

The recognition of Lynna Li and Lainey Atwood comes at a pivotal time for veterinary medicine. The demand for specialized veterinary care is growing, driven by advancements in medical technology, increased pet owner expectations, and a deeper understanding of species-specific needs. For felines, this translates into a need for veterinarians who are not only skilled in general practice but also possess an in-depth understanding of unique feline diseases, behavior, and handling techniques that minimize stress for these often-sensitive patients. The concept of "cat-friendly practices," as advocated by organizations like the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), is gaining traction, emphasizing environments and approaches tailored to feline comfort.

The implications of these scholarships extend far beyond the individual recipients. By nurturing expertise in both clinical research and practice, EveryCat and FelineVMA are directly contributing to several critical areas:

1. Advancing Feline Medicine: Research scholars like Lynna Li will push the boundaries of knowledge, leading to new diagnostic tools, treatments, and preventive strategies for diseases that plague cats, from chronic kidney disease to various cancers.
2. Enhancing Clinical Outcomes: Practice-focused scholars like Lainey Atwood will bring cutting-edge knowledge and compassionate, integrative approaches directly to feline patients, improving their daily lives and longevity. Their work in underserved communities will also bridge critical gaps in access to care.
3. Promoting the "One Health" Initiative: Lynna Li’s work in comparative medicine exemplifies how veterinary research can directly inform human health, creating a synergistic benefit across species.
4. Addressing Workforce Gaps: The program encourages specialization, helping to ensure that as the cat population grows, there will be a sufficient number of highly trained veterinarians dedicated to their unique needs.
5. Mentorship and Professional Development: The conference attendance component provides invaluable networking opportunities, allowing these emerging professionals to connect with leaders in the field, find mentors, and stay abreast of the latest developments, fostering a continuous cycle of learning and innovation.

Statements from Related Parties (Inferred)

"We are incredibly proud to celebrate the tenth year of this vital partnership with FelineVMA and to introduce Lynna Li and Lainey Atwood as our 2026 scholarship recipients," stated a spokesperson for EveryCat Health Foundation. "Their dedication to feline health, whether through groundbreaking research or compassionate clinical practice, embodies the very mission of our foundation. Investing in these brilliant young minds is an investment in the future well-being of every cat."

A representative from the Feline Veterinary Medical Association added, "Our collaboration with EveryCat Health Foundation allows us to identify and support students who will undoubtedly become leaders in feline medicine. The quality of applicants each year is astounding, and Lynna and Lainey truly stand out. Providing them with not just financial aid but also access to our annual conference ensures they receive a holistic boost to their burgeoning careers. It’s about building a community of excellence dedicated to our feline friends."

University officials also expressed their pride. "Lynna Li represents the pinnacle of academic and research excellence we strive for at Cornell," commented a faculty member from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. "Her innovative approach to comparative medicine holds immense promise, and we are thrilled to see her recognized by such esteemed organizations." Similarly, a spokesperson from North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine noted, "Lainey Atwood’s passion for integrative care and community service reflects the compassionate and forward-thinking veterinary professionals we aim to cultivate. Her work with Operation Catnip and her vision for underserved populations are truly inspiring."

Conclusion: A Brighter Future for Feline Health

As EveryCat Health Foundation and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association mark a decade of their impactful partnership, the 2026 scholarships awarded to Lynna Li and Lainey Atwood serve as a powerful testament to their enduring commitment. These programs are more than just financial aid; they are strategic investments in human capital, fostering specialized knowledge and passion that will directly translate into improved diagnostics, innovative treatments, and enhanced welfare for feline companions for decades to come. By supporting students at the forefront of clinical practice and scientific research, these organizations are actively shaping a brighter, healthier future for cats and, by extension, for the communities they enrich. The journey of these two exceptional students, from their academic pursuits to their future professional endeavors, will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the landscape of veterinary medicine.