Precious Cat, Inc. has become one of the first co-sponsors of the Helping Shelters Help Cats feline health studies. The company will provide funding for the study titled “Effectiveness of Behavioural Interventions to Increase Mucosal Immune Response in Shelter Cats.” This study is led by Clive Phillips, BSc, PhD, at the University of Queensland, Australia.

Because animal shelters are a source of emotional stress for cats, and because stress is associated with viral shedding and immunosuppression in cats, Dr. Phillips will study the cat’s mucosal immune system. This system is the first line of defense against upper respiratory infection, a common disease that spreads rapidly in animal shelters. He will test the effect of various behavioral interventions on the emotional state of cats and will examine health outcomes using a technique developed and validated during the first phase of the study. This information will lead to effective and practical behavioral interventions that shelter personnel can use to reduce the spread of disease in shelters.

MAF’s Helping Shelters Help Cats program—part of the Happy Healthy Cat Campaign—funds research that improves the lives of cats living in shelters and helps them stay healthy and stress free until they are adopted.

Precious Cat, Inc. provides cats with litter box solutions for life. Their litter products are dedicated to maintaining a happy, healthy life for cats. Visit www.preciouscat.com or call 877.311.2287.

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