Morris Animal Foundation Announces $3 Million in Funding for Feline Health Studies

Helping cats enjoy longer, healthier lives requires ongoing research to give veterinarians the tools they need to better diagnose and treat our furry, feline friends. Morris Animal Foundation, a world leader in supporting research to prevent, treat and cure disease in companion animals, horses and wildlife, has committed to funding more than 200 animal health studies in 2010, with support for those studies totaling $13 million over the next three years. More than $3 million will go toward feline health research. Read full descriptions at http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/our-research/studies.html.

The 24 current feline health research studies address asthma, cancer, gastrointestinal problems, heart disease, kidney disease, pain management and urinary problems. A special fellowship project and three studies that look at transmission of upper respiratory infection in shelter cats are being funded by the Foundation’s Happy Healthy Cat Campaign. The campaign will also support a major genetics project to be launched in 2010.

The Foundation will also fund more than 50 canine health studies, 17 equine studies, six health studies for llamas and alpacas and 42 studies designed to improve the lives of captive and wild animals, including anteaters, bears, birds, amphibians, elephants, primates, marine life, wolves, wild cats and many more.

In response to the growing shortage of veterinary scientists, Morris Animal Foundation designated $3.1 million of the $13 million toward training new scientists. More than 60 students will receive short-term grants through the Veterinary Student Scholars program, which gives students interested in animal health and welfare the opportunity to work with a mentor on research projects and encourages them to consider a career in veterinary research.

The new Pfizer Animal Health–Morris Animal Foundation Veterinary Fellowships for Advanced Study provide annual funding for veterinary professionals to pursue advanced study that will lead to careers in research. Eight veterinarians entered the program in September 2009, and an additional four fellows will begin September 2010. Additional training programs are being funded at Colorado State University, Oklahoma State University and the University of Minnesota.

Individuals and groups have a unique opportunity to help animals through sponsorships of these studies. Co-sponsorships begin at $3,000 per study. Sponsorship information is available by calling 800.243.2345 or by e-mailing sponsorship@MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.