Uncategorized – Feline Health Research Fund

Managing your cat alergy

March 26, 2025

If you find yourself sneezing, experiencing itchy eyes, or dealing with congestion around cats, it’s likely due to an allergy to a protein called Fel d 1. This protein is found in a cat’s saliva, skin, and urine.

When cats shed fur or groom themselves, the dander gets released into the air. Even though long-haired cats are often thought to produce more allergens, all cats produce this protein, meaning even hypoallergenic breeds can still cause allergic reactions, though at possibly lower levels.

Implementing a few of these strategies will mean that you can still enjoy happy times with your feline mate.

Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter to remove allergens from floors and furniture.

Wash cat bedding and soft surfaces like blankets, pillows, and couches weekly to keep them allergen-free.

Use HEPA air purifiers to capture airborne allergens and keep the air cleaner.

Keep your bedroom a cat-free zone to create an allergen-free area for sleeping and resting.

Use anti-allergen sprays to neutralise dander on surfaces and furniture.

Cover mattresses and pillows with allergy-proof covers to prevent dander from settling.

Wipe your cat with a damp microfiber cloth weekly to remove excess allergens from its fur.

Brush your cat regularly using a dander-control brush to reduce shedding and the spread of allergens.

Try feeding your cat low-allergen food like Purina Pro Plan LiveClear, which is designed to reduce the amount of Fel d 1 in a cat’s saliva.

Try over-the-counter medications: antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays to reduce the symptoms.

Consider immunotherapy: For long-term relief, allergy shots may help desensitize your immune system to allergens.

For more on the science and practicaities of cat alergy, try these sources:

https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/wo/en/resources/allergen-encyclopedia/e1/e94.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352198
https://vet.osu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/allergic%20to%20your%20cat.pdf

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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.

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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

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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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Three ways to tell if your cat is the right weight

November 21, 2023

Cats vary so much across and within breeds and between male and female that it is impossible to give a definitive weight for any given cat.

Your vet will use the Body Condition Score (BCS). The BCS is a scale ranging from 1 to 9, where 1 indicates a severely underweight cat, while 9 suggests obesity.

The ideal range for most cats is typically between 4 and 5, where the cat has a well-proportioned body without an excessive, layer of fat.

Fortunately, you can monitor your cat’ s condition by assessing three key areas of the cat’s body:

Ribs:

Run your hands along your cat’s sides. In a cat with a healthy BCS, you should be able to feel the ribs without pressing too hard. If the ribs and spine are easily felt or are visible, the cat might be underweight, while difficulty feeling the ribs suggests overweight.

Waistline:

View your cat from above. A cat with an ideal BCS will have a discernible waistline between the ribcage and hips. A lack of a defined waistline could indicate excess weight.

Abdomen:

Examine your cat’s belly. A cat with a healthy BCS will have a slight tuck-up in the abdomen. An overweight cat may have a rounded or sagging belly, while an underweight cat may have a visible tuck-up.

What does this mean?

Being underweight in a cat that is properly nourished and free from stress can indicate a variety of serious health conditions such as parasites and gastrointestinal infections, diabetes, dental issues, kidney disease and cancer so you should consult your vet.

Being overweight can bring on a long list of serious conditions:

diabetes – Excess body fat can lead to insulin resistance, making it more challenging for the body to regulate blood sugar levels.

increased stress on a cat’s joints, which can lead to arthritis and decreased mobility. Joint problems can result in pain and a reduced quality of life for the cat.

increased risk of heart disease – The heart has to work harder to pump blood through the additional body fat, leading to potential cardiovascular issues.

difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity. This can contribute to respiratory issues and compromise their overall lung function.

Fatty Liver Disease (hepatic lipidosis) a serious liver disorder that can occur when the body breaks down fat stores too rapidly.

compromised immune system, making overweight cats more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

urinary tract problems, including urinary tract infections and a condition called feline lower urinary tract disease.

digestive problems in cats, including constipation and an increased risk of developing hairballs.

What to do with an overweight cat

If your cat is severely overweight, consult with your vet. They can assess your cat’s overall health, determine an appropriate target weight, and provide tailored advice. They may recommend transitioning your cat to a nutritionally balanced, high-quality cat food formulated for weight management.

If your cat is tending towards becoming overweight, this can be headed off with a regime of eat less – move more.

Eat less

Instead of free-feeding, establish a consistent meal-feeding schedule. Portion control is crucial. Divide the daily food allowance into several small meals throughout the day.

Reduce treats or substitute for healthier alternatives.

Be gradual, crash diets can actually bring on fatty liver disease, a serious condition.

Move more

Encourage your cat to work for their food by using interactive feeders or puzzle toys. This not only provides mental stimulation but also slows down their eating, helping them feel more satisfied.

Engage your cat in regular play sessions using toys that encourage movement. Interactive toys, laser pointers, feather wands, and climbing structures can all promote physical activity. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of play.

Enrich your cat’s environment with scratching posts, climbing structures, and window perches. This provides mental stimulation and encourages natural behaviours, contributing to overall well-being.

This article is for general advice only and if in any doubts about your cat’s health, check in with your vet.

But, with a some careful observation and, perhaps, a little tough love, you can see your cat on the right weight track.

The research and education work of the Feline Health Research Fund in entirely supported by cat loving organisations and individuals. Your support would be appreciated.

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