Posted: Feb. 28, 2009, 3 a.m. EST
An anonymous donor gave $500,000 to help improve the health of shelter cats. |
A $500,000 grant from an anonymous donor to the Morris Animal Foundation will help feline researchers discover ways of preventing the deaths of homeless cats.
Because stray cats roam the streets and are prone to disease and environmental dangers, the nonprofit foundation works to keep shelter cats healthy so they can be good candidates for adoption. A recent survey of shelter veterinarians found that the top health issues for shelter cats were respiratory disease, diarrhea and ringworm.
With the donated funds, the nonprofit can launch new health research into these common diseases with the goal of saving the lives of cats. The planned projects include looking at risk factors, prevention, intervention strategies and treatments to help animal shelters better handle common diseases.
"These diseases affect thousands of cats in shelters each year,” said Patricia Olson, MAF president and CEO. "This donor has dedicated her gift in honor of the veterinarians and veterinary staff; directors, operations and administrative staff; and volunteers to humane societies, animal shelters and rescue organizations."