
Updated October 7, 2024 - The numbers speak for themselves. According to a 2022 survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 62 million cats sharing our homes in the United States. Millions of other cats are self-sufficient community cats. Some groups put these numbers even higher!
Sadly, cats were treated as small dogs for decades when it came to veterinary care – in hindsight, this was a silly approach but a pervasive one.
The good news is that feline-focused health research has sky-rocketed in the last 40 years, and we know a lot more about the important health issues affecting cats. Let’s examine some of these common diseases and learn more about the latest Foundation-funded research. Knowledge is key to keeping your furry purry friend in tip-top shape!
Chronic Kidney Disease
Anyone who’s ever cared for an elderly cat likely has first-hand experience with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is one of the most common problems affecting older kitties, with some experts stating the number of cats over 15 years of age affected is as high as 80%! As a Foundation, chronic kidney disease in cats has been a major focus for over 35 years. We funded some of the earliest work looking at the role of diet in both progression and treatment of the disease, work which changed the way we feed cats suffering from CKD. Our funded work on the role of acid suppression in CKD led to major changes in how veterinarians prescribe these drugs in cats.
We still have a lot to learn about the nuances of this disease and how we can improve the quality of life for the millions of cats diagnosed each year. Some of our current projects include a study to develop a test for the protein AGT (angiotensinogen) in the cats’ urine. This protein is used to monitor and predict outcomes in people with CKD, and if found in cats, could be an easy way to monitor CKD and make treatment decisions in cats.
Heart Disease
Cats can develop a variety of heart diseases but the most common by far is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A recent study suggests the disease affects one in seven cats, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy accounts for more than half of all cases of cardiomyopathy diagnosed in cats. Although any cat can be affected by HCM, there are some known risk factors. These include:
- Maine coon cats, ragdoll cats, sphynx, British shorthair, Chartreux, Persian and Norwegian forest cats are all reported to have a higher incidence of the disease.
- Some studies suggest that male cats are more commonly affected
- Experts have identified a mutation that causes HCM in Maine Coons and ragdolls.
- Experts recently reported a potential mutation causing HCM in Sphynx cats.
It’s important to remember that any cat, male or female, of any breed can develop HCM.
The Foundation’s work on HCM dates back to 1986! We’ve funded 30 studies that have directly and profoundly impacted how veterinarians diagnose and treat cats with HCM.
Two significant studies supported by the Foundation that caused a buzz in the veterinary world include The REVEAL Study, groundbreaking research focused on health outcomes for cats with early HCM, and FAT CAT, which focused on preventing ATE. These studies changed how veterinarians cared for cats with HCM and saved the lives of untold cats.
One study currently in progress is looking at the genetics behind this disease. The team hopes to identify markers of disease that could lead to a new diagnostic test to identify high-risk cats before they develop signs of disease. We’re also funding a new study focused on how blood clots form in some cats with HCM to find better ways to prevent this deadly complication.
Cancer
Cancer in cats is often overshadowed by other health issues, such as chronic kidney disease and heart disease, but it is no less important. Experts estimate that roughly six million cats are diagnosed with cancer each year in the US, which exerts both a financial and emotional burden on families and veterinary caregivers. Unfortunately, past neglect of cancer research focused on cat cancer has left veterinarians with few treatment options. The good news is that this is changing.
The Foundation has been a major force in the cat cancer funding space for decades. Some of the most common cat cancers that we’ve focused on include:
Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (FOSCC)
FOSCC is a cancer of the mouth and accounts for 70% to 80% of all feline oral tumors. Prognosis is terrible, with less than 10% of cats diagnosed surviving longer than one year.
Morris Animal Foundation has funded several studies in the last few years specifically focused on finding new ways to treat this cancer. Our active grants include surveying a new strategy for delivering radiation therapy that improves outcomes while minimizing side effects. Another study uses light-triggered particles to target and kill cancer cells. We’re hopeful these studies can improve the odds and quality of life for cats with FOSCC.
Feline Lymphoma
Feline lymphoma is one of the most common and deadly cancers of cats. Lymphoma can take many forms, but most oncologists agree that gastrointestinal lymphoma is seen more often in cats. Lymphoma is treatable, and in some types of gastrointestinal lymphoma, cats can live several years with an excellent quality of life and minimal treatment. Other forms, such as those involving the nervous system and chest, rapidly progress and are challenging to treat. Despite being a common problem, there’s still a lot we don’t know about lymphoma in cats. However, a new study funded by the Foundation is searching for the exact type of cell that becomes cancerous. Once we can pinpoint the precise cell involved, we can leverage drugs used to treat people with lymphoma in cats.
Cognitive Decline
Dementia and a loss of mental sharpness affect millions of American adults each year. What many people don't know is that cats can face similar declines as they age. A whopping 28% of cats aged 11 to 14 years show signs of cognitive decline – a number which jumps above 50% in cats aged 15 years or older. Some experts even believe the actual number is even higher – that’s a lot of cats and their people affected by this problem! Here at the Foundation, we recognized the need for more research in this area and are working on some great projects.
One team is exploring how chronic inflammation, caused by diseases like osteoarthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, impacts mental sharpness in cats. Another group is looking at changes in brain tissue of deceased older cats and comparing changes with owner-reported behavior changes. Yet another is working on a test to determine cognitive ability (similar to the types of tests available for people in the early stages of dementia). We hope that to find ways to not only recognize cognitive declines but intervene to slow disease progression and improve our precious cats’ quality of life.
Pain and Osteoarthritis
For years, veterinarians were taught that cats didn’t get arthritis – again, in hindsight, an absurd idea but one that was mainstream until just 30 years ago. At that time, the first few studies were published on the subject, and we now know that just the opposite is true; almost all cats develop osteoarthritis as they age! Pain management was another neglected area of research for cats for many years. Thankfully, this has changed in the last 30 years, with the Foundation leading the way in innovative ways to address both acute pain (such as surgical pain) and chronic pain.
An amazing Foundation-funded study recently featured in Popular Science is looking at ways to dampen pain responses by using pleasant stimuli in cats with osteoarthritis. As part of this study, the team found a way to measure brain activity in awake cats! The study is still ongoing, but we can’t wait to see what the team discovers! Although the cats in crocheted hats are truly adorable, we also have other projects in the works focused on pain in cats. One study is testing a new injectable medication to treat cats with osteoarthritis. This experimental drug shows promise as a pain medication, and might even slow disease progression. If successful, this new project could give veterinarians a new tool to help cats live fuller, pain-free lives.
Science to Save Animals Starts with YOU
Morris Animal Foundation is one of the few organizations that fund research on cat health issues, and we’ve been advocating for our feline friends for over 75 years! We’re proud to support researchers around the world who are committed to finding answers to health problems and helping cats live their best (nine) lives, but there’s so much more to do. Your help can create a brighter future for cats everywhere.
Will you join us in funding the science we need to save more lives?