Becoming a Cat Veterinarian
Have you dreamed about working with cats and are interested in becoming a cat veterinarian? This post will help you learn more about how to become a cat veterinarian, treating big cats or domestic cats, and average salary ranges.
What Special Degrees and Certifications Do You Need to Become a Cat Veterinarian?
To become a veterinarian specializing in cats (often called a “cat vet” or a “feline veterinarian”), you would typically need to follow the general path for becoming a veterinarian, with a few additional steps focusing on feline care. Here’s an outline of the degrees and certifications involved:
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
You must first complete an undergraduate degree, typically with a focus in biology, animal science, or a related field. While there is no specific degree required, you’ll need to complete the prerequisite courses for veterinary school, which typically include biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Step 2: Graduate from Veterinary School
Next, you need to complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree from an accredited veterinary school. This is a four-year program, after which you’ll be qualified to practice as a veterinarian. Veterinary schools are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and graduates must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to be licensed to practice.
Step 3: Obtain State or National Licensing
After earning your DVM or VMD degree, you must become licensed in the state or country where you plan to practice. This often involves passing additional exams beyond the NAVLE, such as a state exam or an exam specific to the area of practice.
Step 4: Complete Feline-Specific Training (Optional, but Recommended)
While not mandatory, many veterinarians interested in specializing in cats pursue additional training and experience in feline medicine. This may include:
- Externships: Some veterinarians choose to do externships that focus on feline medicine, which typically last 1-2 years after veterinary school.
- Post-Graduate Fellowships: These are specialized programs offering more advanced training in feline-specific care.
Step 5: Board Certification in Feline Medicine
If you want to become a board-certified feline specialist, you can pursue certification from the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) in the specialty of Feline Practice. This process involves in-depth knowledge of feline anatomy, behavior, medicine, surgery, and diagnostics. Certification requires additional training, passing a rigorous examination, and meeting ongoing continuing education requirements – examples of qualification requirements include:
- Practice for several years in general veterinary medicine.
- Accumulate experience and demonstrate expertise in feline health.
- Submit case logs and recommendations from peers or mentors.
Step 6: Continuing Education
Even after becoming a veterinarian or a board-certified feline specialist, you will need to engage in ongoing education to stay current with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine, including those specifically related to feline health.
What is the Feline VMA?
The Feline Veterinary Medical Association (VMA) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting veterinarians who specialize in the care and treatment of cats, promoting excellence in feline veterinary care by providing education, resources, and networking opportunities for veterinarians and veterinary professionals who focus on feline medicine.
The Feline VMA offers continuing education opportunities, including conferences, workshops, and seminars, to help veterinarians stay current with the latest advancements in feline health and medicine. The association also provides resources for veterinarians that specialize in feline health, such as guidelines for feline care, research, and best practices, advocating for issues specific to feline health at a national or global level.
While the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is a broad, general organization for all veterinarians across species, the Feline VMA is specifically dedicated to the needs of those working with cats, and veterinarians who join the Feline VMA typically gain access to:
- Exclusive Continuing Education Programs: Courses, webinars, and annual meetings that cover various aspects of feline care.
- Research and Guidelines: Access to the latest research, treatment protocols, and diagnostic guidelines specific to cats.
- Professional Recognition: Association with a community of professionals who share a passion for feline health, enhancing career development and credibility in the field.
- Practice Resources: Tools and templates for managing feline practices or treating feline patients more effectively.
Do Cat Veterinarians Treat Big Cats as Well as House Cats?
Veterinarians who specialize in cats typically focus on domestic house cats rather than big cats like lions, tigers, or leopards. This distinction is due to the significant differences in physiology, behavior, and care requirements between these two cat groups. House cats are small, domesticated animals with well-documented medical needs, while big cats are large, wild predators with unique health concerns, including diet, habitat, and specialized diseases.
Big cats require the expertise of exotic animal or wildlife veterinarians, who often work in zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, or conservation organizations. These professionals are trained to handle the complexities of treating large, potentially dangerous animals and are familiar with the challenges of sedation, transportation, and the management of wild animal behaviors. However, some knowledge may overlap, such as the treatment of feline-specific illnesses, allowing certain veterinary skills to apply broadly across small and large feline species.
Do Cat Veterinarians Make More Money than Small Animal Veterinarians?
In general, the income for cat veterinarians and small animal veterinarians (who treat a variety of animals like dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets) is similar. Salary is influenced more by factors such as location, experience, practice type, and specialization, rather than whether a veterinarian treats only cats or a broader range of small animals.
General small animal veterinarians typically earn a salary range of $75,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and the type of practice. Cat veterinarians who specialize in feline medicine may earn a bit more than general small animal veterinarians, especially if they are board-certified or work in high-demand areas. Their salary range is typically similar, from $80,000 to $150,000, but with higher earning potential if they specialize further in feline care. Looking for a new veterinary job or would you like to know more about growing your career? Find out how Suveto is helping veterinarians in all stages of their career
