Abstract
As joint stewards of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS) and JFMS Open Reports, we are pleased to share news of some exciting changes to our organisations, which have been carefully considered over the past few years with input from focus groups, members and industry. Always striving to improve the health and wellbeing of cats through high standards of practice, continuing education and evidence-based medicine, we are very excited about what the changes mean for all those dedicated to the care and wellbeing of cats.
In September 2024, coinciding with its 50th anniversary, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) proudly became the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA). The change in name, as well as logo (Figure 1), puts ‘feline’ first and foremost, and represents what the Association has grown into in the 50 years since its inception. By crafting a modern, welcoming environment, it honours the rich history and spirit of the founding of the Association, which was the need to provide excellent feline education to veterinary professionals, create a veterinary community for all interested in cat health and wellbeing and engage students to create a strong future for the profession. FelineVMA membership comprises veterinarians, veterinary technicians, practice managers, assistants, support staff, students and others, with the majority working in small animal practices, in addition to feline-only practices, academia, specialty practices, shelters and other environments, or providing relief work. Reflecting on the Association’s strategic direction, the ‘FelineVMA’ positions us to better serve the current and future diverse needs of our feline veterinary community.
The new name – the Feline Veterinary Medical Association – and logo of the former American Association of Feline Practitioners puts ‘feline’ first and foremost
Speaking as one united voice, International Cat Care is bringing everything under one organisation name, with the former International Society of Feline Medicine becoming International Cat Care Veterinary Society
In January 2025 there will also be changes for International Cat Care’s veterinary division, the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). As a charity that aspires to improve the lives of cats everywhere, we need to increase awareness of who we are and what we do. We have therefore decided to bring all areas of our work and expertise together under one organisational name – International Cat Care (iCatCare); a cat welfare and education charity whose vision is of a cat friendly world where each cat, owned and unowned, is treated with respect, compassion and understanding.
This decision means that whether iCatCare is working with veterinary professionals, providing guidance to a new cat carer or supporting cat homing organisations, we are speaking as one united voice. Veterinary professionals play a vital role in promoting and delivering improved cat health and wellbeing, and we want to ensure our membership and journals continue to advance feline veterinary science and knowledge. These will, therefore, sit within the iCatCare Veterinary Society (Figure 2) moving forwards, allowing our veterinary networks to remain at the heart of the iCatCare community, while also integrating with experts in all areas of feline care, from medicine and surgery to behaviour and shelter work.
As two organisations that come together to deliver two prestigious feline journals for veterinary professionals, we are really excited about the next stage of our developments and the impact we can have on feline care and wellbeing by increasing the reach of the audiences with which we engage. With refreshed brands and enhanced technological capabilities, we strive to continue advancing feline welfare and education, and we will continue to develop JFMS and JFMS Open Reports as leading journals that improve the veterinary care and welfare of domestic cats. We look forward to continuing this journey with you.