i-Cattery, the Cat Food Research Center, achieves historic success as Thailand’s first private company and the world’s only pet food manufacturer to be certified by AAALAC International

i-Cattery, the Cat Food Research Center, under the operation of i-Tail Corporation Public Company Limited, one of the world’s leading pet food manufacturers, has reached a significant milestone as Thailand’s first private company and the world’s only pet food manufacturer to be accredited by the Association for Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care or AAALAC International at the highest level. It is an international standard that assesses and certifies research that adheres to good animal welfare practices for scientific work with responsibility and ethical integrity.

Pichitchai Wongpiya, Chief Executive Officer of i-Tail Corporation PCL, said, “We are very proud that our Cat Food Research Center, i-Cattery, has been accredited by AAALAC International. This is a significant step forward in our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of research and scientific operations that prioritize animal welfare and the occupational health and safety of our staff. We believe that this global accreditation will provide our customers, business partners, and all stakeholders with confidence that our research processes are robust, accurate, and reliable. We also aim to be a driving force in elevating the pet food industry towards research excellence along with the highest ethical practices.”

i-Cattery, the Cat Food Research Center, has been accredited by AAALAC International. This accreditation reflects the research center's commitment to maintaining the highest standards in scientific research alongside animal welfare principles. AAALAC International is a renowned, world’s only non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting and accrediting ethical animal care for scientific purposes through a voluntary accreditation program. Currently, the institute has accredited over 1,100 organizations, including universities, hospitals, and research institutions across more than 50 countries worldwide, affirming their responsibility to care for and treat animals used in scientific work in accordance with international standards.

Dr. Sisupa Pongsiwat, DVM, M.Sc., Manager of i-Cattery, stated, “The AAALAC International Accreditation reflects the unwavering dedication and exceptional collaboration of the i-Cattery staff. We firmly believe that ethical research and outstanding scientific outcomes can coexist harmoniously. In managing our research center, we prioritize the well-being of each cat by implementing stringent hygiene protocols. Our facility is designed to maintain an optimal environment, featuring temperature control, proper ventilation, and humidity regulation in accordance with animal husbandry standards. Additionally, we employ air filtration systems equivalent to those found in human hospitals, alongside rigorous disease screening and quarantine procedures for new feline arrivals before they integrate into our research environment. This comprehensive approach ensures the health and welfare of our cats. We also emphasize the importance of overseeing scientific processes, providing ongoing training and education for our staff on best practices that align with AAALAC standards. Above all, we are committed to transparency and continuous improvement, striving to uphold excellence in animal welfare and scientific practices that meet international standards”

The achievement of this highest level of accreditation from AAALAC International demonstrates i-Cattery’s operations at a level of efficiency and compliance that goes beyond basic requirements. The center undergoes a rigorous internal process review and a comprehensive field audit conducted by the AAALAC Accreditation Council to ensure that i-Cattery, the Cat Food Research Center, meets all necessary standards. This accreditation not only highlights the excellence of its operations and personnel but also affirms its leadership in ethical research. Moreover, it effectively bridges the gap between scientific advancements and principles of animal welfare.

About i-Cattery Cat Food Research Center

i-Cattery, the Cat Food Research Center, was established as part of the core mission of i-Tail Corporation Public Company Limited. This center adopts a pet-centric approach that prioritizes nutrition research and assesses the taste preferences of cats to develop high-quality, palatable cat food recipes in appropriate portion sizes. Such measures are fundamental to promoting optimal health and longevity in cats. Additionally, the i-Cattery is home to cats that receive exceptional care in accordance with international animal welfare standards. Each day, they enjoy ample time in the Cat Playground, a serene area equipped with toys and amenities designed for relaxation, play, and social interaction, all under the vigilant supervision of our Cat Specialist team. At the i-Cattery Research Center, we are committed to providing every cat with the utmost love and attention. This facility is located at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, in Nakhon Pathom Province.