Because $5,000 in scholarships is up for grabs.

The scholarships are courtesy of the Winn Feline Foundation and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), and are available to qualified third- or fourth-year veterinary students.

In addition to liking cats, qualifications include enrollment in accredited veterinary colleges or schools in the United States or Canada.

Two scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership, and—here’s where the part about liking cats comes in—dedication to and excellence in the study of feline medicine, health, and welfare.

One of the scholarships is earmarked for a veterinary student with a specific interest in feline practice. The other will go to a veterinary student with a special interest in clinical scientific research on felines.

Applicants must submit a short application form and complete two one-paragraph statements: one to explain their specific interest and background in feline health and welfare, and the other to describe their plans for future participation in feline medicine.

All applications and accompanying supplementary documents must be received no later than March 20, 2020. AAFP and Winn will review, select, and approve all applications and notify the winners on or before April 15, 2020.

And get your favorite feline selfie ready: winners will be asked to provide a photo of themselves (posing with a cat, preferably) for publicity purposes.

Find more information and application materials here.

AAFP has additional resources for veterinary students on its Student Outreach page, including a toolkit for veterinary students designed to help them embrace a feline perspective on veterinary medicine and learn more about the standards needed to elevate care for cats (basically: must like cats).

AAFP supports its members in improving the health and welfare of cats through high standards of practice, continuing education, and evidence-based medicine.

Winn Feline Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1968 that supports studies to improve cat health. Since 1968, Winn Feline Foundation has funded more than $6.5 million in health research for cats at more than 30 partner institutions worldwide.

Photo credit: © iStock/101cats