March 20, 2025 – Did you know that over 42 million households in the United States have at least one cat? Despite their popularity, research on feline-specific health issues still lags behind studies on dogs. But thanks to Morris Animal Foundation, that’s changing.
Since 1950, our Foundation has dedicated funding to critical feline health research. This year, we assembled an international panel of feline health experts to evaluate over 30 innovative research proposals. After careful review, seven groundbreaking studies have been selected for funding in 2025.
This year’s grant recipients and their topics are:
- Dr. Karen Fox, Colorado State University, will investigate the prevalence of a viral infection, “staggering disease,” in the United States.
- Dr. Heidge Fukumasu, University of São Paulo, Brazil, will work on a new immunotherapy to treat feline lymphoma.
- Dr. Jennifer Granick, University of Minnesota, will be using big data to assess the treatment trends used by veterinarians to address upper respiratory infections.
- Dr. Kazuto Kimura, University of California, Davis, is studying whether stem cells could be used to create red blood cells for transfusions.
- Dr. Bianca Lourenço, University of Georgia, will explore the use of a new technique to measure urine proteins in cats with chronic kidney disease.
- Dr. William Murphy, Texas A&M, will continue working on expanding and improving the genetic “map” of the domestic cat.
- Dr. Kate Worthing, The University of Sydney, Australia, will explore new therapeutic options to treat urinary tract infections.
Closing the Gap in Cat Genetics
One particularly exciting study is Dr. Murphy’s groundbreaking work on the cat genome at Texas A&M University. While canine genetics have been extensively mapped, feline genetic research is decades behind. Dr. Murphy’s team has been working since 2006 to bridge this gap! His discoveries are not only advancing our understanding of domestic cats but are also shedding light on wild feline species.
This study is just a small sampling of the newly funded grants. Finding ways to keep feline friends happy and healthy is a top priority for the Foundation. Learn more about these studies and all our cat health projects!
Your Support Drives Breakthroughs in Feline Medicine
These are just a few of the incredible studies we’re funding this year. At Morris Animal Foundation, we’re committed to helping cats live longer, healthier lives—but we can’t do it alone.
🔬 Science to Save Animals Starts with YOU!
With your generous support, we can continue to fund life-changing research that helps cats suffering from painful and deadly diseases.
💛 Join us in making a difference—Donate today!
