On July 22 the Companion Animal Medicine track in animal behavior at the AVMA Annual Convention featured presentations about CATalyst—a national initiative to champion cats in light of troubling statistics released by the AVMA that indicate the U.S. cat population has increased but the number of associated veterinary visits has declined. The track was sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health.

Building on the momentum of the CATalyst Summit in February, CATalyst Council Inc. also announced its formation in July to address these disturbing data regarding feline health care and welfare in the United States.

"At the CATalyst Summit, the entire feline industry came together and in one voice declared the current situation as unacceptable while painting a very optimistic path to making a positive difference. The CATalyst Council is simply the next step in putting these plans into action," said Dan Kramer, who will chair the board of directors. Kramer is senior marketing manager of Pfizer Animal Health.

Serving with Kramer will be Robert Rohde, president of Dumb Friends League, vice chair; Dr. Jane Brunt, CATalyst Summit chair and past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, corporate secretary; and Cal Morgan, president of the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators, treasurer.

Other board members are Dr. John Albers, American Animal Hospital Association; Dr. Christine Jenkins, Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.; Dr. Jack Stephens, Pets Best Insurance; Dr. Alexis Nahama, VCA Animal Hospitals; Dr. Patricia N. Olson, Morris Animal Foundation; and Steve Dale, nationally syndicated pet columnist and radio show host. The AVMA will also name a representative.

More information is available at www.catalystsummit.org.