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October 23, 2025 — Cats may be quirky, independent, and absolutely certain they’re in charge — but when it comes to their health, they need us more than they let on. From cancer and kidney disease to arthritis and dementia, cats face many of the same serious health challenges as people. Yet for decades, feline health research lagged behind. At Morris Animal Foundation, we’re working to change that.

For more than 75 years, we’ve supported groundbreaking studies that advance veterinary care and deepen our understanding of common cat diseases. Today, that research is leading to earlier diagnoses, better treatments, and longer, healthier lives for the cats who curl up on our keyboards, steal our seats, and rule our homes.

In this article, we’ll explore the top feline health concerns and share how Foundation-funded science is shaping a brighter, healthier future for cats everywhere.

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 cats, with some experts stating the number of cats over 15 years of age affected is as high as 80%! As a foundation, feline chronic kidney disease 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.  

We still have a lot to learn about the nuances of this disease and how we can improve quality of life for the millions of cats diagnosed each year. Some 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.
  • However, 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. Since then, we’ve funded 30 studies that have directly and profoundly impacted how veterinarians diagnose and treat cats with HCM.  

Two significant studies 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 arterial thromboembolism (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.  Another new study is 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 significant. Experts estimate that roughly six million cats are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States, which exerts both 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 studied 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.  These studies have the potential to 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 is searching for the exact type of cell that becomes cancerous. Once we can pinpoint the precise cell involved, we can leverage drugs used in people with lymphoma to explore treatments for cats.  

Feline Mammary Cancer 
Mammary tumors in cats are almost always malignant and often aggressive. They are most commonly found in older, unspayed females, although spayed cats can also be affected. Early spaying significantly reduces the risk, and regular physical exams can improve the chance of detecting tumors early when treatment may be more successful.

Foundation-funded research is investigating the biological behavior of feline mammary tumors with the goal of developing treatment strategies tailored to their unique pathology. As with many feline cancers, early detection and continued research are critical to improving outcomes.

Newly Funded Studies Expand Cancer Care Options 
Several Foundation-funded studies launched in 2025 are helping fill key gaps in cancer diagnosis and treatment for 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 funding some important 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 beloved cats’ quality of life.

2025 Research Update: Biomarkers and Brain Imaging Breakthroughs 
New work led by Dr. Gillian McLellan and her team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is bringing us closer than ever to understanding feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome (FCDS). In one of the largest studies of its kind, the researchers analyzed behavior, blood biomarkers and even brain tissue from senior cats — many owned by veterinary faculty and staff.

  • They confirmed strong correlations between dementia-like behaviors and biomarkers in blood, especially neurofilament light chain (NfL), a marker of brain degeneration.
  • MRI scans of post-mortem brains and histopathology data are being analyzed now to identify specific regions and features affected by aging.
  • A “brain aging atlas” for cats is in development, which could aid future diagnostics.

These findings could eventually make it easier to diagnose dementia earlier and provide more targeted interventions for aging cats.  

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.  

A Foundation-funded study recently featured in Popular Science is exploring innovative ways to reduce pain responses in cats with osteoarthritis by introducing pleasant sensory stimuli. As part of this work, researchers developed a novel technique to measure brain activity in awake cats — an important step forward in understanding how pain is processed. The study is ongoing, with findings expected to inform future pain management strategies.

In addition, the Foundation is supporting a separate project testing a new injectable medication for osteoarthritis. This experimental treatment shows promise for relieving pain and potentially slowing disease progression, offering veterinarians a valuable new option to help cats live more comfortable, active lives.

VACCINES AND IMMUNE HEALTH IN AGING CATS 
Many cat owners are unsure how often their senior cats need vaccines — or whether they should be vaccinated at all. Our updated vaccine blog reviews current science around feline vaccines, emphasizing how immunity can decline with age, making some vaccines more important than ever.

The blog also highlights:

  • How veterinary teams can balance risks and benefits of vaccination, especially for indoor cats or those that are immunocompromised.
  • What questions owners should ask to make informed choices based on lifestyle and health status.
  • Why a one-size-fits-all vaccine approach doesn’t work well for cats.

The goal is personalized protection. You and your veterinarian can work together to find the best plan for your cat’s unique needs.

OBESITY AND CAT HEALTH RISKS 
Feline obesity is more than just extra weight — it can increase risk for diabetes, arthritis, and certain cancers. One study found that nearly 60% of cats are overweight or obese, and the numbers keep rising.

Key takeaways:

  • Even small amounts of weight loss can dramatically improve quality of life and disease outcomes.
  • Veterinary-supervised weight loss plans using calorie-controlled diets and interactive feeding tools are most effective.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important ways to support your cat’s long-term well-being.

DISEASE RISK IN PURE-BRED VS. MIXED-BREED CATS 
A recent Foundation-supported study revealed new insights about how breed affects disease risk in cats:

  • Purebred cats were more likely to be diagnosed with heart disease and cancer.
  • Mixed-breed cats were more likely to suffer from trauma-related injuries.
  • Factors like diet, environment, and veterinary access also played a significant role.

These findings remind us that while genetics matter, lifestyle and preventive care strategies are just as important — regardless of your cat’s lineage.

SCIENCE TO SAVE CATS 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 help fund the science needed to save more lives?        

DONATE TODAY 

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