Malcolm Downes – Feline Health Research Fund

Can my cat get Avian Flu?

March 22, 2025

There are alarming reports from overseas of the spread of the highly contagious H5N1 strain of avian influenza but, so far, it is not in the wild bird population in Australia. As an Aussie cat lover. here’s what you need to know:

Can my cat catch avian flu? Yes, cats can catch avian flu, but it’s pretty rare. The main risk comes from eating infected wildlife or raw food, especially if your cat is allowed to roam outside and hunt. If your cat comes into contact with sick or dead birds, there’s a chance it could be exposed to the virus. But, if your cat stays indoors and isn’t around wild birds, the risk is really low.

Should I be concerned? While the risk of your cat getting avian flu is small, it’s still good to be aware. The main concern is that migrating wild birds might bring the virus to Australia, but there are systems in place to monitor and manage that. If your cat doesn’t interact with wild birds, there’s not much to worry about.

Can I Catch Avian Flu From My Cat? The chances of you catching avian flu from your cat are extremely low. The virus mainly spreads between birds, and while a few human cases have been reported globally, those usually happen through direct contact with infected birds, not from pets. So, unless you’re handling sick birds yourself, the risk of getting sick from your cat is pretty much non-existent.

How Can I Keep My Cat Safe?

Keep your cat indoors, or at least supervise outdoor time to stop it from hunting or getting too close to wild birds.
If you see sick or dead birds, don’t touch them—just report them to local authorities.
Make sure your cat’s food is properly prepared, and avoid feeding raw food from potentially risky sources.

Australia is currently free from the highly contagious H5N1 strain of avian flu but there are concerns about the potential spread of the H5N1 strain through migratory birds.

While it’s good to stay informed, the risk of your cat getting avian flu right now is really low. Keeping your cat safe from wild birds and handling food carefully will help keep both you and your feline companion free of this disease.

We’ll keep you up to date as the situation changes.

There is detailed information in this publication from the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Can my cat get Avian Flu? Read More »

Can my cat get diabetes?

December 29, 2024

Yes, your cat can get diabetes and it is relatively common, occuring in 0.5-1% of cats.

Cats get type 2 diabetes where their pancreas produces insufficient insulin (the chimical that regulates blood sugars) and the body is resistant to it.

Warning signs
As with most conditions, the key to knowing that something is wrong is noting changes in your cat’s behaviour. Diabetes often develops slowly, with signs appearing over weeks or months. Symptoms include:

Increased thirst and urination
Increased appetite coupled with weight loss. In some cases, cats with diabetes may not show a significant increase in appetite, and instead may develop a reduced or absent appetite.
Reduced activity or lethargy
A change in posture, such as a flat-footed stance or difficulty jumping.

Diagnosis
Confirming a suspicion of diabetes means a trip to the vet. Diagnosis is based on detecting high blood glucose levels and glucose in the urine. Visiting the vet can actually raise levels so multiple blood tests or home urine analysis may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment
Diabetes in cats can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. The key is early intervention and continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels. Treatments include:

Insulin Therapy: Insulin injections are the main treatment for most diabetic cats. Long-acting insulins regulate blood glucose levels while reducing the need for frequent injections.
Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors: In the early stages of diabetes, SGLT2 inhibitors can be used to reduce blood glucose levels by preventing the reabsorption of glucose by the kidneys. These medications can be given with food and are most effective in cats that are still producing some insulin.
Managing diet: Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets are crucial in managing diabetes in cats, especially for those receiving insulin. These diets help to reduce blood sugar levels and improve the chances of remission. When using SGLT2 inhibitors, a low-carb diet may not always be suitable.
Weight Management: Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes in cats. Gradual weight loss, at a rate of about 1-2% of body weight per week, can help manage diabetes and increase the chances of remission. It may take several months to reach an ideal weight, and adding fibre-rich foods can help.

Prevention
Factors that increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in cats include obesity, aging, genetics, and being indoor-only.
In some cases, diabetes in cats can also be caused by other health conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis, and acromegaly, a condition where excess growth hormone leads to insulin dysfunction.

Living with diabetes
When diagnosed early and treated effectively with insulin and diet, up to 80% of diabetic cats may achieve remission. This means their insulin needs can be significantly reduced or eliminated with careful monitoring.

Remission is most likely when their blood glucose levels are tightly controlled early in the course of the disease. This includes regular glucose monitoring and weight management.
In many cases, diabetes remains a lifelong condition that requires careful management. Regular blood glucose monitoring, adjusting insulin doses, and maintaining a healthy diet are essential to managing the condition and preventing complications.

Advances in home glucose monitoring tools, including continuous glucose monitors, have made it easier for owners to track and adjust their cat’s treatment.

With proper diet, insulin therapy, weight management, and glucose monitoring, diabetic cats can live a fulfilling life.

Can my cat get diabetes? Read More »

The mystery of gingers, torties and calicos solved!

December 8, 2024

Have you ever wondered why there are far more male ginger cats than females or the genetic story behind tortoiseshells and calicos?

After more than a century of curiosity, scientists in the USA and Japan have finally uncovered the genetic secrets behind these classic feline coat colors.

They have confirmed that the vibrant orange coat in cats, ginger, is linked to a gene on the X chromosome, called the Orange gene.

This discovery supports a theory proposed in 1912 by American geneticist Clarence Cook Little. He suggested that coat colour is tied to the X chromosome which means that male cats (with the X and Y gene) can only be either completely orange or non-orange. Females (with two X genes) can inherit both forms of the gene, resulting in the unique mixed patterns seen in tortoiseshells and calicos.

So, why are most gingers male?

Since males only need one copy of the orange gene to express the color, they are more likely to be ginger. Females, on the other hand, require two orange gene copies, which is far less common. This explains why only about 4% of female cats are ginger.

Recent studies have pinpointed the Orange gene’s function. A large DNA deletion in the gene alters when and where it activates, producing orange fur. This gene is also involved in hair follicle development, revealing a new biological pathway for pigment production.

In tortoiseshells and calicos, the gene is activated in some areas and not in others, creating their patchwork coats.

Although a very few male tortoiseshells and calicos occur, they typically have an extra X chromosome, which is very rare. This research highlights the complicated genetics behind these much-loved cat colour variations.

For ginger cat fans and tortie admirers, this discovery answers some age-old questions – and opens doors to exciting new scientific exploration.

Watch this space!

The mystery of gingers, torties and calicos solved! Read More »

Thanks to our generous donors

October 31, 2024

Thank you to the individual donors and to the people in the organisations that donated to the Feline Health Research Fund this financial year.

Donations maintain the grants program that supports groundbreaking research into issues that practically affect the longevity and quality of life of Australia’s domestic cats.

Thanks to:

the British Shorthair Cat Club

Cats Unite – WA

the Coordinating Cat Council of Australia

the Feline Association of SA

the Feline Control Council of Victoria

the Feline Control Council of Victoria – raffles

the General Council of the Cat Fancy Victoria

Kerry Fowler

Pamela Lanigan

the Queensland Feline Association

Thanks to our generous donors Read More »

2024 research grant applications open today

June 30, 2024

If you are looking for a partner to fund your cat health related research, we may be what you need.

The Feline Health Research Fund makes grants of up to $10,000 from it’s pool of donations from cat lovers, professionals and the industry to fund quality Australian research into issues affecting the health, wellbeing and longevity of domestic cats.

We are encouraging applications from a range of disciplines into a wide range of health issues for domestic cats.

For more information, please go to the Applying for a Grant page on our website. From there you can download the Small Grants Application Form, read the Grant FAQs and check out details of previously funded projects.

The window for this grant round opens on the Monday 1 July and closes at 5pm on Friday 2 August at 5pm.

If you have questions after reading the website information, please email the Secretary, Feline Health Research Fund.

2024 research grant applications open today Read More »

Research points to better cat pain relief

June 11, 2024

In our latest funding round, we are supporting research at the University of Sydney, exploring new ways to treat arthritis-related chronic pain in cats by studying their cannabinoid receptors. This research project is tackling a major issue in feline health: the lack of safe and effective treatments for arthritis pain.

Arthritis affects a lot of older cats—about 92% show signs of degenerative joint disease. Current treatments like non-steroidal anti inflamatories and nerve growth factor inhibitors give limited relief and can be expensive or come with safety concerns. This makes finding new solutions more urgent than ever.

Cannabidiol (one of the non-psychoactive elements of cannabis) has been used to treat dogs for some time but its use to treat cats is in early stages.

Our research focuses on using genomic data to better understand and target cannabinoid receptors (CNR1 and CNR2), which play key roles in managing pain and inflammation. By studying the genetic variants of these receptors in cats, there is the potential to develop better treatments for arthritis-related pain.

Thank you for your encouragement and support. There is the potential to make a real difference in the lives of cats suffering from arthrititic pain as this research flows through to vetinary practice.

You might also be interested in our post Osteoarthritis – is your cat suffering in silence?

You can support this and other ongoing research into cat health issues by visting our donations page.

Research points to better cat pain relief Read More »

Is your cat in pain?

April 8, 2024

Cats evolved as hunters.

Their ability to survive and compete depended on their ability to avoid appearing weak or vulnerable. They are masters at suppressing and masking the signs of pain and different breeds have different tolerances to pain.
But your cat will give signs that it is in pain by changes from its normal behaviour.

Here are nine things to watch out for

1. A change in eating habits. Cats in pain may lose interest in eating or drinking, or they may overeat as a coping mechanism.

2. A change in grooming. Cats are obsessively clean so you notice your cat grooming less frequently or avoiding certain areas of their body, it could indicate discomfort in those areas.

3. A change in behaviour. A cat in pain may become more lethargic and reluctant to engage in usual activities such as playing or exploring or they may become restless or agitated, pacing or seeking isolation.

4. Unusual posture. Cats may hunch over, keep their body tense, or favour certain limbs or body parts if they are in pain They may limp.

5. Some may meow, cry, or growl more than usual. Watch for unusual vocalisations, especially during movement or when being touched.

6. Hiding away in unusual places or avoiding social interaction.

7. Behaviour in the litter try. Pain can affect a cat’s ability to wee or poo comfortably. Look for signs of straining in the litter tray, changes in litter tray habits or vocalising when the are doing their business.

8. Irritability or aggression, especially when touched or handled in sensitive areas. They may hiss or growl or even lash out unexpectedly.

9. Panting or rapid breathing. This can be a sign of underlying medical issues requiring immediate attention

What can you do?

Never give your cat over-the-counter pain medications meant for humans. They can be toxic to cats and cause severe side effects.

Take a note of all of the behaviour changes and take your cat to your vet. A cat’s behaviour might change due to the stress of being in the vet’s clinic so observations of your cat’s behaviour at home will be valuable.

Vets

Vets will make their own observations and tests. They have some tools such as the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI) and the Feline Grimace Scale (see the illustration at the top of this post) to help them assess what pain your cat is feeling.

In the first instance vets will try to treat the underlying cause of the pain. They may also prescribe a pain medication specially approved for cats. If the condition is not curable, they may recommend changes to your cat’s home environment to provide comfort, relief and distraction to ease your cat’s discomfort.

By instinct, your cat will silently ‘tough it out’ but your observations of their changes in behaviour can speak volumes on their behalf.

For a deep dive into the issue of cat pain, check out Recognising signs of pain in cats.

Also see our related post on Osteoarthritis in cats.

Is your cat in pain? Read More »

Are cat curfews the way of the future?

February 5, 2024

The Mannigham Council, northeast of Melbourne, will be the latest to apply a 24 hour curfew to domestic cats when new rules come into force in April 2024.

The trend in recent years to restrict cat freedom is mainly driven by :

a desire to protect native birds and small animals from cat predation
neighbour complaints such as noise, damage to property and fouling of gardens and play areas
concerns for the health of free-roaming cats which have a shorter lifespan and greater exposure to disease.

The 2022 report, Australian Government response to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy report: Tackling the feral cat pandemic also provided a new impetus to the control of domestic cats. It reported that they were a significant contributor to wildlife loss and recommended curfew and containment programs.(1)

Action from local governments have been mixed. While micro-chipping is almost universal and registration is common, regulations to contain cats within household boundaries apply in only about one-quarter of councils.

State governments have also failed to pass legislation that supports the adoption of curfews. While some States are keen to get on, others, notably Queensland, are badly lagging.

When it applies its 24 hour curfew, Manningham will join, for example, the ACT, Adelaide Hills Council (SA), Knox City Council (VIC), Bruny Island (TAS) and Kangaroo Island (SA).

About one-third of owners already contain their cats full time but resistance by other cats owners can be strong. Cats have traditionally been an easy option for pet ownership, sometimes just feed and forget. The extra thought and expense required to contain cats and then provide the necessary stimulation and exercise to keep them healthy can be a major change.

The Manningham Council will be attempting to bring the community along with it.

“We will be focused on community awareness and education on the benefits of cat confinement prior to and during the amnesty period before moving towards compliance and enforcement” said Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange.

As well as an extended amnesty and review period, the Council is engaging in an extensive information campaign and providing web resources for cat owners facing the transition.

Hopefully we can look to to a future where care for our cats can live alongside our care for native animals.

If you’d like to read more, check out The management of cats by local governments in Australia: summary of national survey results

(1) CSIRO research reports that, on average, each roaming, hunting pet cat in Australia kills 40 native reptiles, 38 native birds and 32 native mammals per year.

Are cat curfews the way of the future? Read More »

How to travel with your cat

January 14, 2024

We are deep in the holiday season now and you may be thinking about taking your cat with you for a short or even a long trip. Cats are generally most comfortable in their familiar environment but many can travel well with a few considerations.

Here are our ten top tips:

Schedule a visit to your vet to ensure your cat is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. For cats that are anxious travellers, your vet may be able to prescribe medication.
Make sure your cat has proper identification, including a collar with an ID tag containing your contact information in addition to being micro-chipped.
Invest in a well-ventilated and secure cat carrier that has enough space for your cat to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Familiarise them with the carrier before the trip. Secure the carrier with a seat belt to prevent it from moving around. Don’t let your cat roam freely in the car – it can be dangerous for cat and driver.
Pack your cat’s favourite blanket, pillow, or a piece of clothing that carries your scent. Familiar smells can help comfort your cat and make the new environment less intimidating. Pheromone sprays or wipes work for some cats. If your cat enjoys catnip, consider bringing along a catnip-infused toy or a small pouch of dried catnip.
Offer your cat small treats during the journey to encourage calm behaviour. Choose known favourites and ones that are easy to handle while on the move.
If your cat enjoys being groomed, bring a grooming brush. Gently brushing your cat can be a soothing and bonding activity.
Gradually introduce your cat to the concept of travel by taking short trips around the neighbourhood before embarking on a longer journey.
Ensure a comfortable temperature for your cat. Place the carrier where there is a good flow of fresh or air-conditioned air. Never leave your cat alone in a parked car.
Plan regular breaks during your journey to allow your cat to stretch, use the litter box, and stay hydrated. Keep the carrier covered to reduce stimuli that may stress your cat.
Bring a portable litter box and provide access to it during breaks. Familiarise your cat with the portable litter box before the trip.

Remember, your cat is unique so be especially attentive during travel and adjust your plans accordingly.

Happy travels!

How to travel with your cat Read More »

Kittens get priority in the face of vaccine shortage

November 24, 2023

There is a shortage of feline vaccines in Australia due to supply problems triggered by the COVID outbreak.

Kittens and previously un-vaccinated adult cats are at most risk.

The annual F3 vaccination, which protects cats from parvovirus, feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus, is in short supply across the country triggering fear of an outbreak of these preventable diseases.

On the plus side, cats that have previously been vaccinated as kittens and have had boosters are at lower risk of disease because they have an extended duration of immunity. Vets may decide to give kittens two vaccines rather than three and keeping them in a safe environment until they receive a final vaccine in 16 weeks.

One result has been that shelters may stop accepting strays and relinquished cats. Another difficulty has been that catteries may choose not to accept un-vaccinated cats and, in some jurisdictions, are forbidden to by mandatory codes of practice.

It is expected that vaccine supply should return to normal early in 2024.

In the meantime, the key message from the Australian Veterinary Association is to “prioritise kittens and delay adult boosters if possible.”

For more information check out this paper developed by the expert working group.

To get the latest advice about your own situation, contact your vet.

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