BSAVA PetSavers opens applications for PhD to develop Ageing Feline Toolkit

3 August 2026

BSAVA PetSavers has opened applications for a PhD studentship to support the development of a new Ageing Feline Toolkit, helping owners recognise when age-related changes in their cats may require veterinary attention.

Ageing cats often mask pain, and subtle behavioural or physical changes can be misinterpreted as a normal part of ageing. Understanding which signs owners notice, how they interpret them, and which correlate with clinically relevant findings is essential for improving owner education about age-related feline disease.

Building on the success of the BSAVA PetSavers Ageing Canine Toolkit, launched in 2023, the new feline resource will help owners identify changes that warrant veterinary advice and facilitate more productive conversations with their veterinary team. A key element of the toolkit will be an evidence-based health checklist that owners can use both at home and in veterinary practice.

Speaking about the PhD, Sarah Williams, Fundraising and Grant Awards Manager for BSAVA PetSavers said: “The Ageing Canine Toolkit has demonstrated the value of providing owners with practical, evidence-based guidance on recognising age-related changes in their pets. Since its launch, we’ve received strong interest in developing a similar resource for cats.

“This PhD studentship will enable researchers to gather the robust evidence needed to underpin a feline health checklist, helping us create a trusted Ageing Feline Toolkit that supports earlier recognition of disease, encourages constructive conversations between owners and veterinary teams, and ultimately improves the lives of ageing cats.”

BSAVA PetSavers is inviting vets, veterinary nurses, feline ageing experts and companion animal welfare researchers to design and supervise the PhD project. Applications should be from multidisciplinary teams including at least one vet or vet nurse and at least one feline ageing expert to ensure both clinical relevance and subject‑specific depth. Collaborations across clinical practice, academia, behavioural science, and feline welfare research, and between institutions are welcomed.

BSAVA PetSavers will contribute up to £80,000, which can be put towards the student stipend at BBSRC rates, university fees, equipment, consumables and travel expenses.

Applications will close on 15^th October 2026. To find out more and apply, visit: https://www.bsava.com/petsavers/apply-for-funding/phd-studentships/.