successes — cats

Morris Animal Foundation funded its first feline study in 1950, a three-year grant at Rutgers University totaling $10,000. Since then, we have funded 164 feline studies for a total of $5.6 million. We are currently funding over $600,000 for feline health research. Some of the past health highlights:

  • First Vaccine for Feline Leukemia: Foundation-funded studies helped lead to the first vaccine for feline leukemia.
  • Nutrition to Treat Diabetes: MAF-funded investigators determined that a high-protein diet could help diabetic cats lose weight and eliminate the need for insulin.
  • Promising Treatment for Renal Failure: A study identified that the drug fenoldopan holds promise for treating cats with acute renal failure.
  • Vaccine to Decrease Overpopulation: Researchers developed a long-acting, single-dose contraceptive vaccine for cats. This vaccine has the potential to help feline welfare agencies throughout the world control feral cat populations in an inexpensive and humane way.



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  • Treatment and Monitoring of Heart Disease: Cats with arterial thromboembolism (blood clotting), which occurs in cats with heart disease, were successfully treated with anti-platelet drugs. In another study, researchers used a device to monitor platelet levels in cats taking platelet-inhibiting medications. Now veterinarians can measure levels in their clinics and adjust medications as needed.
  • Drug for Eye Infections: Investigators determined that a twice-daily application of cidofovir can effectively decrease the clinical signs of FHV-1 conjunctivitis, a virus that causes eye disease in cats.
  • Diagnostic Possibilities for Hyperthyroidism: Researchers determined for the first time the molecular structure of feline thyrotropin (TSH), the pituitary hormone that regulates thyroid function in cats. This information will help establish the cause of hyperthyroidism and improve the sensitivity of diagnostic tests.
  • Promising Therapy for Asthma: Researchers tested a promising new therapy that could be used to treat feline asthma. Unlike current treatment, which requires ongoing use of inhalers or steroidal drugs, this therapy may reverse and completely eliminate asthma in affected cats.