Pioneering Future Feline Healthcare: EveryCat Health Foundation and FelineVMA Announce 2026 Scholarship Recipients

May 28, 2026 – The EveryCat Health Foundation and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) have proudly announced the recipients of their prestigious 2026 scholarships, marking a decade of collaborative commitment to advancing feline health and medicine. This annual partnership, established in 2016, awards two $5,000 scholarships to exemplary 3rd or 4th-year veterinary students enrolled full-time in accredited veterinary colleges across the United States or Canada. These significant awards are designed to nurture the next generation of leaders in feline clinical medicine and clinical scientific research, addressing critical needs within the veterinary profession and ensuring a brighter future for feline companions.

The scholarship program, now in its tenth year, is a cornerstone initiative for both organizations, reflecting a shared vision to foster excellence and innovation in feline veterinary care. Each year, one scholarship is dedicated to a student demonstrating a strong interest in feline practice, while the second supports a student pursuing feline clinical scientific research. Beyond the substantial monetary award, recipients also receive a complimentary registration to the annual FelineVMA conference and a travel stipend of up to $500 from EveryCat, facilitating invaluable networking opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge advancements in the field. The selection process is rigorous, evaluating candidates based on academic achievement, demonstrated financial need, leadership qualities, and an unwavering dedication to the study of feline medicine, health, and welfare.

A Decade of Investing in Feline Futures: The Scholarship Program’s Evolution

Since its inception in 2016, the EveryCat Health Foundation and FelineVMA scholarship program has become a vital pipeline for nurturing specialized talent in a field that continues to grow in complexity and demand. The initial vision for the partnership stemmed from a recognition of two critical challenges: the escalating cost of veterinary education and the persistent need for veterinarians specializing in feline-specific medicine and research. Data from organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) consistently highlight the significant financial burden faced by veterinary students, with average educational debt often exceeding six figures upon graduation. This financial pressure can sometimes steer students away from specialized, potentially less lucrative, but critically important fields like feline-exclusive practice or research.

Over the past ten years, this partnership has collectively awarded twenty scholarships, injecting $100,000 directly into the educational journeys of aspiring feline specialists. This consistent support has not only provided financial relief but has also served as a powerful endorsement, validating the career aspirations of students passionate about feline health. The inclusion of conference attendance and travel stipends further enhances the scholarship’s value, allowing recipients to immerse themselves in professional communities, learn from seasoned experts, and build foundational networks that will be crucial throughout their careers. This holistic approach underscores the organizations’ commitment not just to financial aid, but to comprehensive professional development.

Introducing the 2026 Clinical Research Scholarship Recipient: Lynna Li

This year, the Clinical Research Scholarship has been awarded to Lynna Li, a distinguished student from Cornell University’s Class of 2026. Ms. Li’s academic career has been marked by a profound dedication to understanding complex diseases and leveraging comparative medicine to benefit both animal and human health. During her tenure at veterinary school, she gained invaluable practical experience as a student assistant on the Internal Medicine service, where she was exposed to the intricate challenges of diagnosing and managing a wide array of feline conditions. This hands-on experience solidified her interest in advanced clinical problem-solving.

Beyond the clinic, Ms. Li has actively engaged in cutting-edge research within a tumor immunology laboratory. Her work there has focused on utilizing companion animals, particularly felines, as critical models for studying human breast cancer. This unique intersection of veterinary and human medicine, known as comparative and translational medicine, is a burgeoning field with immense potential. Felines, sharing physiological similarities with humans and often developing spontaneous diseases akin to human conditions, provide an ethical and relevant framework for studying disease progression, treatment efficacy, and novel therapeutic interventions. For instance, feline mammary carcinoma, while distinct, offers insights into the molecular pathways and treatment responses relevant to human breast cancer, accelerating research in both species.

Lynna Li’s long-term career aspirations are ambitious and impactful. She aims to become a board-certified small animal internist and to pursue a career in academia, where she envisions a seamless integration of clinical practice with scientific research. Her particular interest lies in employing feline models to investigate human neoplasias (cancers) and endocrine diseases. Endocrine disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus, are prevalent in the aging feline population, offering robust natural models for studying these complex conditions that also affect millions of humans globally. By advancing understanding in these areas, Ms. Li hopes to contribute significantly to both veterinary and human medicine. Following her graduation, she will embark on a highly competitive small animal rotating internship at the renowned Animal Medical Center in New York City, a critical step in her journey toward specialization and research leadership.

Inferred Statement from Lynna Li: "Receiving this scholarship is an incredible honor and a profound validation of my commitment to leveraging research for the betterment of both feline and human health. The opportunity to integrate clinical practice with scientific inquiry, particularly in areas like comparative oncology and endocrinology, is my ultimate goal. This support from EveryCat and FelineVMA will be instrumental as I begin my internship and work towards a career dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of disease across species."

Introducing the 2026 Clinical Practice Scholarship Recipient: Lainey Atwood

The Clinical Practice Scholarship for 2026 has been awarded to Lainey Atwood, a dedicated student from North Carolina State University, Class of 2027. Ms. Atwood’s passion for animal welfare is evident in her extensive volunteer work, notably with Operation Catnip, an organization focused on high-volume spay/neuter and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs for community cats. This hands-on experience has given her a deep understanding of population health, preventative medicine, and the critical need for accessible veterinary care.

Ms. Atwood aspires to practice small animal medicine with a distinct emphasis on integrative care. Integrative veterinary medicine, a growing field, combines conventional Western veterinary medicine with complementary and alternative therapies (CAMT) such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, and physical rehabilitation. While traditional medicine provides foundational diagnostic and treatment protocols, integrative approaches aim to enhance overall patient well-being, manage chronic conditions, and improve quality of life, particularly for feline patients who can be sensitive to conventional pharmaceutical interventions. Lainey believes there is still significant potential to explore and validate the role of integrative therapies in feline health, advocating for a holistic approach to patient care.

Her ambition is to contribute to advancements in integrative care and to develop alternative treatment options that seamlessly complement traditional medicine for feline patients. This includes exploring novel ways to manage chronic pain, anxiety, and age-related conditions in cats, ultimately enhancing their comfort and longevity. Furthermore, Lainey is deeply committed to working in clinical settings that afford her the opportunity to dedicate time to shelters and rescue organizations. The sheer volume of cats entering shelters annually, estimated in the millions across North America, underscores the immense need for veterinary support in these environments. She is particularly interested in participating in high-volume spay and neuter initiatives, which are crucial for population control and reducing the incidence of numerous health issues. Providing veterinary care to underserved feline populations, whether through outreach programs or subsidized clinics, is another core tenet of her professional mission. Through her anticipated work, Lainey hopes to expand the role of integrative medicine in feline care, directly impacting the alleviation of chronic pain, the improvement of quality of life, and the prioritization of overall welfare for our cherished feline companions.

Inferred Statement from Lainey Atwood: "I am incredibly grateful to EveryCat and FelineVMA for this scholarship. It reinforces my belief in the power of integrative medicine and its potential to profoundly improve the lives of cats. My goal is not just to treat illness, but to enhance overall well-being and provide compassionate care, especially for those felines in underserved communities. This award empowers me to pursue a career where I can combine cutting-edge therapies with essential community service."

The Driving Forces: EveryCat Health Foundation and FelineVMA

EveryCat Health Foundation
The EveryCat Health Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and welfare of all cats. For decades, EveryCat (formerly known as the Winn Feline Foundation) has been a global leader in funding feline health studies, with a mission to advance feline health through research and education. The foundation acts as a critical conduit, connecting researchers with funding opportunities to investigate a wide spectrum of feline diseases, from infectious agents and genetic conditions to behavioral disorders and nutritional requirements. Their work has led to significant breakthroughs in understanding and treating common feline ailments, translating scientific discovery into tangible improvements in veterinary practice worldwide. Beyond funding research, EveryCat is also committed to disseminating this vital information to veterinary professionals and cat owners, ensuring that the latest knowledge is accessible and actionable. The scholarship program is a direct extension of this mission, recognizing that investing in future veterinary professionals is as crucial as funding scientific inquiry.

Inferred Statement from EveryCat Health Foundation Leadership: "Our partnership with FelineVMA represents the very best of collaborative effort. For ten years, we have jointly invested in the brightest minds entering veterinary medicine, knowing that their passion and dedication will drive the next wave of advancements in feline health. Supporting students like Lynna and Lainey is not just an investment in individuals; it’s an investment in the future of every cat."

Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA)
The Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) is a professional organization committed to advancing the art and science of feline veterinary medicine. FelineVMA provides a dedicated forum for veterinarians to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging trends, and collaborate on best practices specifically tailored to the unique physiological and behavioral needs of cats. Through continuing education, professional development programs, and advocacy, FelineVMA works to elevate the standard of feline care. Their annual conference is a highly anticipated event, bringing together experts from around the globe to share research, clinical insights, and practical skills. By providing scholarship recipients with complimentary registration and travel stipends, FelineVMA ensures that these promising students are immediately integrated into a supportive professional network and exposed to the forefront of feline medicine.

Inferred Statement from FelineVMA Leadership: "The FelineVMA is immensely proud to partner with EveryCat Health Foundation in supporting exceptional students like Lynna Li and Lainey Atwood. Our mission is to champion feline health, and there’s no better way to achieve that than by empowering the future practitioners and researchers who will dedicate their careers to these incredible animals. Their fresh perspectives and innovative approaches are exactly what the field needs."

Broader Implications and Future Outlook for Feline Healthcare

The continued success of the EveryCat Health Foundation and FelineVMA scholarship program carries significant implications for the broader landscape of veterinary medicine and feline welfare. Firstly, by strategically targeting students interested in either clinical practice or research, the program ensures a balanced infusion of talent into critical areas. Lynna Li’s pursuit of comparative oncology and endocrinology research exemplifies how dedicated feline research can yield dual benefits, not only improving diagnostic tools and treatments for cats but also offering invaluable insights into human diseases. This cross-species approach is increasingly recognized as a powerful and efficient model for biomedical discovery, potentially accelerating breakthroughs for both human and animal patients.

Secondly, Lainey Atwood’s focus on integrative care and underserved feline populations addresses growing needs within clinical practice. The rising demand for holistic approaches to pet health reflects a broader societal shift towards comprehensive wellness, and specialized training in integrative therapies will equip veterinarians to meet these evolving client expectations. Furthermore, her commitment to shelter medicine and high-volume spay/neuter initiatives directly tackles public health challenges, including pet overpopulation, zoonotic disease control, and community animal welfare. Providing care to underserved populations ensures that advanced veterinary medicine is not solely the privilege of affluent pet owners but is extended to all cats, regardless of their circumstances.

The financial support offered by these scholarships also plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of student debt, which is a major barrier to entry and specialization in veterinary medicine. By easing this burden, EveryCat and FelineVMA are helping to attract and retain top-tier talent in feline-focused careers, ensuring that the field remains vibrant and innovative. As the human-animal bond strengthens and cats are increasingly viewed as integral family members, the demand for highly skilled, specialized feline veterinarians will only continue to grow. Programs like this are essential for building a robust and resilient veterinary workforce capable of meeting these complex future demands.

In conclusion, the 2026 scholarship recipients, Lynna Li and Lainey Atwood, represent the bright future of feline healthcare. Their diverse yet complementary ambitions—one driven by scientific discovery and the other by compassionate, holistic clinical care—underscore the multifaceted nature of advancing feline well-being. Through their ongoing partnership, the EveryCat Health Foundation and FelineVMA are not merely awarding scholarships; they are actively shaping a future where every cat benefits from pioneering research, comprehensive care, and dedicated veterinary expertise.