Posted: Nov. 17, 2008, 3 a.m. EST
Increased funding for feline research is one of the goals of the Happy Healthy Cat Campaign. |
On behalf of the more than 80 million cats in America, the
Morris Animal Foundation embarked on a mission to provide felines with their share of health care and research. The Healthy Happy Cat Campaign, launched Monday, Nov. 17, aims to help stop suffering and premature death in cats.
There are more than 82 million cats in U.S. homes, making them America’s No. 1 pet. However, cats get less veterinary care and research than dogs. There’s also too few scientists studying feline health issues, according to the foundation.
The focus of the new campaign is to raise pet-owner awareness of feline health issues and increase funding for research and scientist training. To achieve this goal, MAF created a dedicated online resource with information on feline diseases and symptoms.
Additional features include interactive blog entries and quizzes, MAF research success stories and resources for cat owners. The foundation has funded projects in areas including diabetes, kidney and heart disease, cancer, urinary disorders, hyperthyroidism and infectious diseases.
Patricia Olson, DVM, Ph.D., foundation president and CEO, said that a tremendous amount of cat health research remains to be done. “Our goal is that the Happy Healthy Cat Campaign will give veterinarians the tools they need to dramatically improve the health and well-being of all cats,” she said in a statement.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition donated $1 million to the campaign in addition to a genetic database of research information to help scientists worldwide develop diagnostics and treatments for the most serious feline diseases.