The core mission of The Thriving Feline is simple: 

Improve the lives of as many cats as possible. 

Hello! I’m Dr. Alicia Niedzwiedzki, a licensed veterinarian in the United States and the founder of The Thriving Feline. I’ve been practicing veterinary medicine since graduating from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015.

Feline medicine and behavior have always held a special place in my heart. Like so many of you, I’ve found that cats bring light into my life. They offer us joy and comfort during our hardest times. They’re our best friends. They make us laugh and offer unconditional love. They heal us.

My mission is to give back to animals–and help them heal in return. With evidence-based medicine as my foundation, I created The Thriving Feline to provide practical, engaging, and comprehensive resources for cat lovers everywhere.

Through my years of practice, I’ve come to appreciate how deeply a cat’s physical health is connected to their emotions, social bonds, and freedom to express natural behaviors. Simply put, cats are happiest and healthiest when they can truly be themselves.

A holistic approach to feline health includes considering their environment, relationships, and daily lives. Good medicine isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about seeing the bigger picture and addressing root causes. As cat guardians, we have so much to offer our feline companions! The more we learn, the better we can enhance their happiness and quality of life. Few things are more rewarding than watching our cats thrive!

Through deeper understanding of cat behavior—and how it intertwines with human behavior—I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge and strategies to improve the lives of cats. My mission is to share it far and wide, in the hope that it will someday become common knowledge.

I’ve also seen firsthand that supporting the health and happiness of our feline companions enriches our own well-being and strengthens the bond we share with them. Learning to meet their needs expands our capacity for empathy and compassion—not just for our cats, but for all beings. In doing so, we can leave the world a little better than we found it, and to me, that is everything.

I also recognize that every situation is unique—there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all approach. The concept of a “spectrum of care” in veterinary medicine emphasizes offering a range of options, improving accessibility, and tailoring care to individual needs. It is in this spirit that I share my knowledge with you. Take what’s useful, and leave what’s not.

I firmly believe we can give our cats wonderful lives regardless of wealth or privilege. With knowledge, preventive care, and planning for the unexpected, we can make a real difference. I sincerely hope you find something valuable here at The Thriving Feline.