Because cats are masters at hiding pain, early detection and a systemic approach to age-related conditions are critical veterinary health priorities. To address this challenge, Virbac organized this international symposium as a catalyst to rally the scientific community and transform day-to-day practice.

Paul Martingell, CEO of Virbac, highlighted this ambition in his opening address:

“Reaching a ripe old age is a milestone, not a compromise on quality of life. Our commitment is to stand alongside veterinarians and pet owners to ensure every senior cat receives specialized, attentive, cutting-edge care that preserves their vitality and comfort for a lifetime.”

Ground reality: Longevity with complex challenges

Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine and nutrition, cats are living longer today. While this extended lifespan is a victory, it comes with complex comorbidities (the kidney-thyroid-hypertension triad) and a major challenge regarding daily treatment compliance:

• 90% of cats over 12 years old suffer from osteoarthritis (a frequently silent pain)¹
• 1 in 3 cats is affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD)²
• Up to 10% of cats over 9 years old develop hyperthyroidism³
• 40% of pet owners struggle to administer medication to their animal⁴
• 1 in 2 cats experiences a strained bond with their owner due to the stress of daily care⁵

Turning science into everyday solutions

By bringing together internal medicine specialists, endocrinologists, and clinicians, Virbac has created a unique collaborative platform focused on three priorities: earlier screening, breaking down treatment silos for better comorbidity management, and eliminating care-related stress.

Throughout the day, five international speakers shared their research to translate recent scientific breakthroughs into practical solutions across 5 key areas:

• Early diagnosis: In-clinic rapid diagnostic tools to detect conditions in the asymptomatic stage
• Endocrinology: Adapted formulations for seamless, precise, and hassle-free administration
• Renal care & Nutrition: Cutting-edge nutritional support combining renal protection, joint comfort, and innovative 2-in-1 formulas that blend treatment directly into food to remove the stress of daily dosing
• Mobility: Targeted joint support solutions to maintain mobility and vitality
• Prevention: Tailored protocols to sustain immunity and overall well-being in senior cats

Preserving the human-animal bond

For Virbac, feline geriatrics goes beyond simply extending a cat's lifespan. Scientific innovation achieves its full potential when it simplifies everyday veterinary medicine and protects the unique bond between pets and their families—ensuring those extra years are filled with wellness and vitality above all else.

¹Hardie EM et al. (2002) - "Radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease in geriatric cats", supplemented by Virbac field data from the Movoflex^® Cat launch
²ISFM (International Society of Feline Medicine) scientific consensus & Lulich et al. / Marino et al. studies
³Pet Health Network / Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
⁴Virbac compliance study
⁵Impact study on Caregiver Burden in Feline Health / Virbac surveys on compliance burden and mental load among owners of chronically ill cats