Feline Veterinary Medical Association and EveryCat Health Foundation Announce 2025 Scholarship Recipients, Bolstering Future of Feline Medicine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Corvallis, OR & Fort Collins, CO – May 1, 2025 – In a significant boost to the specialized field of feline veterinary medicine, the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) and EveryCat Health Foundation have proudly announced the recipients of their prestigious 2025 scholarships. These awards recognize outstanding veterinary students committed to advancing feline clinical practice and research, addressing a critical need for dedicated expertise in this growing sector of animal health. Yvonne Figueroa of Oregon State University, Class of 2026, has been awarded the Clinical Practice Scholarship, while Britta Siegenthaler of Colorado State University, also Class of 2026, is the recipient of the Clinical Research Scholarship.

This collaborative initiative underscores the unwavering commitment of both organizations to foster the next generation of feline health professionals. The scholarships aim to alleviate the financial burdens of veterinary education while simultaneously channeling passionate talent into areas crucial for enhancing the health and welfare of cats worldwide.

Elevating Feline Care: The Vision Behind the Scholarships

The FelineVMA, a leading authority in feline health, and EveryCat Health Foundation, a pioneer in funding feline health studies, have long recognized the unique challenges and opportunities within feline medicine. Cats, as a species, often present with subtle signs of illness, requiring specialized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Despite the soaring popularity of cat ownership globally – with millions of households welcoming feline companions – the number of veterinarians specializing exclusively in feline care or research remains comparatively low when juxtaposed with canine or mixed-animal practices. This disparity highlights a significant gap that programs like these scholarships are designed to bridge.

"We are delighted to congratulate our two scholarship recipients. 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," stated Heather O’Steen, CAE, FelineVMA CEO. "We are thrilled to support these exceptional students on their journey to elevate the standards of feline care." Her sentiments were echoed by Jackie Ott Jaakola, Executive Director of the EveryCat Health Foundation, who added, "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, and we thank them for their dedication."

These scholarships are more than just financial aid; they are an investment in the future of feline health, aiming to cultivate leaders who will push the boundaries of knowledge and practice. The rigorous selection process, involving dedicated volunteers from both EveryCat and FelineVMA, reviewed 31 highly qualified applications, emphasizing academic achievement, financial need, leadership qualities, and an undeniable dedication to feline medicine, health, and welfare.

Profiles of Dedication: The 2025 Scholarship Recipients

Yvonne Figueroa: Championing Cat-Friendly Clinical Practice in the Pacific Northwest

Yvonne Figueroa, a third-year student at the Oregon State University (OSU) Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, has been awarded the Clinical Practice Scholarship. Her journey into veterinary medicine is deeply rooted in personal experience, being a proud parent to three rescued cats. This personal connection fuels her professional ambition to transform the veterinary experience for feline patients.

Figueroa’s commitment extends beyond her studies. She actively contributes to the feline community, currently serving as Vice President of the OSU FelineVMA Student Chapter. Her advocacy for Cat Friendly Practices® is a cornerstone of her philosophy, aiming to reduce stress and anxiety for cats during veterinary visits, thereby improving compliance and overall patient outcomes. The Cat Friendly Practice® program, developed by the FelineVMA, provides guidelines for veterinary clinics to create a low-stress environment for cats, recognizing their unique needs and behaviors. This initiative is crucial, as many cat owners report that the stress of veterinary visits is a significant barrier to seeking regular preventative care for their pets.

Her long-term career goal is to become a board-certified feline practitioner, with a specific focus on improving access to specialized feline care in the Pacific Northwest. This region, like many others, could benefit significantly from more highly specialized veterinary professionals dedicated solely to cats. Board certification in feline practice involves extensive post-doctoral training, rigorous examinations, and a demonstrated commitment to advanced knowledge in feline health, positioning practitioners like Figueroa at the forefront of the field. Her volunteer work for EveryCat Health Foundation further exemplifies her holistic commitment to feline welfare, from clinical care to supporting research that improves lives.

Britta Siegenthaler: A Future in Feline Clinical Research and Academia

Hailing from Ohio, Britta Siegenthaler is a third-year student at Colorado State University (CSU) and the recipient of the Clinical Research Scholarship. Her academic and extracurricular engagements reveal a profound dedication to scientific inquiry and education in feline medicine.

Siegenthaler is deeply involved in cutting-edge research, specifically contributing to studies on feline coronavirus and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FIP, a complex and often fatal disease, has historically been a significant challenge for feline health. Recent breakthroughs in antiviral treatments offer new hope, making research in this area particularly vital. Siegenthaler’s direct involvement places her at the forefront of scientific advancements that could revolutionize the management and prevention of this devastating condition.

Her leadership roles include serving as a board member for the CSU FelineVMA Student Chapter and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) student chapter, where she helps organize educational events for her peers. Her dedication to FelineVMA is further evidenced by her role as a student scribe for the upcoming 2025 FelineVMA Dental Care Guidelines and her active participation as a Conference volunteer. She has also earned a FelineVMA Cat Friendly Veterinarian® Certificate, demonstrating her commitment to empathetic and informed feline handling.

Post-graduation, Siegenthaler aspires to pursue specialty medicine in Internal Medicine or Neurology, fields where a deep understanding of complex physiological systems is paramount. Her ultimate ambition is to work in an academic institution or referral hospital that prioritizes research and education. "Ultimately," she shares, "I hope to work in an academic institution or referral hospital that prioritizes research and education, allowing me to make a lasting impact on feline medicine." Her vision aligns perfectly with the scholarship’s aim to foster leaders who will not only practice but also advance the scientific foundation of feline veterinary care. Outside of her rigorous academic pursuits, Britta shares her home with two feline companions, Curie and Faraday, alongside a freshwater aquarium, reflecting a broader passion for animal life.

The Broader Landscape of Feline Veterinary Medicine

The need for specialized feline veterinary professionals is more pressing than ever. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), cats outnumber dogs in many households, yet they receive less frequent veterinary care. This phenomenon, often dubbed the "cat gap," is attributed to several factors, including the perceived difficulty of transporting cats, their stoic nature in hiding illness, and a lack of cat-friendly environments in some clinics.

Organizations like FelineVMA and EveryCat Health Foundation are at the vanguard of addressing these challenges. The FelineVMA, with its diverse membership of over 4,400 veterinary professionals, offers crucial resources such as practice guidelines, feline-specific education, and caregiver support. Its Cat Friendly resources are instrumental in transforming veterinary practices to better cater to feline needs, improving both patient outcomes and client satisfaction.

EveryCat Health Foundation, for its part, has been a driving force behind advancements in feline health for decades, having funded over $10 million in health studies. Their work has led to breakthroughs in understanding and treating conditions ranging from infectious diseases to genetic disorders, significantly impacting the quality and longevity of cats’ lives. The collaborative scholarship program exemplifies a strategic partnership designed to ensure that this legacy of innovation continues.

The financial strain of veterinary education is another critical factor. The average veterinary student graduates with substantial debt, which can influence career choices, sometimes steering graduates away from specialized, lower-paying academic or research roles. Scholarships like those awarded to Figueroa and Siegenthaler play a vital role in mitigating this burden, allowing promising students to pursue their true passions and address critical needs within the profession without undue financial pressure.

Impact and Future Implications

The selection of Yvonne Figueroa and Britta Siegenthaler for the 2025 scholarships represents more than individual recognition; it symbolizes a collective step forward for feline veterinary medicine. Figueroa’s dedication to clinical practice promises to enhance the direct care experience for countless cats, promoting preventative medicine and reducing the stress associated with veterinary visits. Her focus on board certification and specialized care in the Pacific Northwest will address a geographical and professional void, ensuring that cats in her region receive the highest standard of tailored medical attention.

Siegenthaler’s commitment to clinical research and her aspiration to work in academia will contribute to the foundational knowledge base of feline medicine. Her work on FIP and other complex conditions holds the potential for discovering new treatments, refining diagnostic methods, and ultimately eradicating diseases that currently cause immense suffering. By choosing a path in research and education, she is poised to influence not only clinical practice but also the training of future veterinarians, amplifying her impact across generations of practitioners and patients.

The FelineVMA and EveryCat Health Foundation, through these scholarships, are actively shaping a future where feline health is not merely an afterthought but a specialized, well-resourced, and continuously evolving field. By investing in bright, passionate minds like Figueroa and Siegenthaler, they are ensuring a pipeline of dedicated professionals who will champion the health and welfare of cats for decades to come.

Both organizations eagerly anticipate welcoming these exceptional students into the veterinary profession, confident that their contributions will leave an indelible mark on feline health and further solidify the bond between humans and their cherished feline companions.

About the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA):
The Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) is dedicated to advancing feline health and wellbeing by supporting veterinary professionals through high standards of practice, ongoing education, and evidence-based medicine. With a diverse membership of more than 4,400 veterinarians, technicians, practice managers, assistants, support staff, and students, the FelineVMA offers Cat Friendly resources such as practice guidelines, feline-specific education, and caregiver support. Learn more about the FelineVMA at catvets.com.

About EveryCat Health Foundation:
EveryCat Health Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1968 that funds health studies to improve the health and welfare of all cats. To date, EveryCat Health Foundation has funded over $10 million in research and continues to be a leader in advancing feline health through scientific research and education. For more information, visit everycat.org.