Many of our feline health studies team members are actively involved in basic, translational, or clinical research studies directed at discovering and developing new drugs, devices, procedures, and treatments for the benefit of cats and their owners. Feline research expenditures by our faculty typically exceed a quarter million dollars annually. Private contributions, private foundations, and industry are major sources of funding for feline research at MSU. There are now 17 endowments at MSU specifically dedicated to supporting feline research and the activities of the Center for Feline Health and Well-Being. There are also 38 endowments dedicated to companion animals that may be applied to feline projects. The Center has also established a discretionary fund to receive gifts specifically dedicated to supporting the Center’s research, education, and outreach activities.

Major focus areas for feline research at MSU include:

• Feline Herpesvirus
• Feline Calicvirus
• Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
• Feline asthma
• Feline lipidosis
• Hereditary eye disorders
• Comparative orthopedics
• Cancer biology and therapy
• Urologic disorders ( feline idiopathic cystitis, bladder stones)
• Diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT ultrasound)
• Hereditary neuromuscular disorders.

Since 1999, members of the Feline Health Studies Team have published more than 330 articles related to feline health.

Feline research technical services supported by the Center for Feline Health and Well-Being are coordinated through the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences Research and Teaching Technical Support (RATTS) unit under the management of Marlee Richter LVT.

The RATTS provides fully trained and experienced licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs) for investigators affiliated with the Center for pre-award, project, and post-project support of clinical and non-clinical research studies.