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Since our founding in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has funded hundreds of health research studies to protect, treat and cure the world's companion animals and wildlife.

Our studies have led to major advances in veterinary care, including vaccines and other preventions, diagnostic tools and new therapies for the diseases and health conditions that threaten the lives of the animals we love. Search our completed study database by species and/or disease to learn more about how our work has given animals longer, healthier lives.

D05FE-614: Dietary Patterns of Cats with Cardiac Disease

principal investigator: Danielle S. Torin, student, Tufts University

Project Mentor: Lisa M. Freeman, DVM, PhD

completed

Year: 1 of 1. $0

Cardiac disease is one of the most common diseases in cats, and it is known that nutritional changes can both precipitate disease and affect disease that is already present. Using a telephone questionnaire, this project surveyed 95 cat owners about their animal's dietary intake and eating habits, and calculated the intakes of protein, fat, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. 55% of cats in the surveyed group had one or more concurrent diseases. 38% of the cats diagnosed with cardiac disease had a loss or decrease in appetite since diagnosis, and 72% of cats with a history of congestive heart failure had a loss or decrease in appetite. The study also found that all owners surveyed who could precisely quantify their cat's dietary intake fed their animals more than the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) minimums for protein, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Nearly all of these same cats ate more than the AAFCO minimum for fat.

Danielle says,"I now feel more comfortable in my abilities to conduct clinical research, and am increasingly open to the possibility of pursuing clinical research as a practicing small animal veterinarian."