Researchers from The University of Queensland are looking for homes for eight lovable feline companions.
Daisy, Butler and Pepper are just three of the healthy and cared-for cats who are ready to be adopted after helping out in a study investigating the factors involved in feline diabetes and obesity.
UQ PhD scholar Marcia Coradini, who conducted the research with veterinarians from The Centre for Companion Animal Health in UQ’s School of Veterinary Science, said the study not only provided an insight into how diabetes develops in cats and how to prevent it, but also afforded an avenue for many pound cats to be re-homed.
“Just like in human medicine, diabetes is a major problem in veterinary medicine, and as in people, obesity and lack of physical activity are important contributing factors in cats,” she said.
“Thirty-two healthy cats helped us in this study during the past year, many of whom have already been adopted, however there are still eight wonderful cats looking forward to finding new homes to go to!”
All of the cats are healthy, de-sexed, vaccinated, de-wormed, on flea control medication, and microchipped.
They cost just $55 (the price of the microchip) and they all have very different personalities.
“Many of them are tolerant of dogs, some are cuddly, others love to play and some are shy and prefer not to be among other cats,” Ms Coradini said.
“One thing they all have in common is they love attention!”
The Centre for Companion Animal Health commonly re-homes rescued animals through its unwanted pet re-homing program and has a strong commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership and the health and welfare of our furry and feathered friends.
Through their studies, researchers at the Centre have discovered that an early treatment with a novel insulin and low carbohydrate diet will result in remission for most newly diagnosed diabetic cats.
The discovery has been hailed worldwide, and is also being used towards furthering understanding of the mainstream medical issue of diabetes and obesity in humans.
Current research is also underway to investigate why some owners make the decision to give up their pets. This study will look at the health and behaviour of abandoned or surrendered pets, as well as the owners’ knowledge, bond with the pet and expectations of the pet’s behaviour.
For more information on how to adopt a cat or to book an appointment to see the cats, call The University of Queensland’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital on 3365 2110 between 8am and 5pm weekdays, or Marcia Coradini on 0414 011393 anytime.
Pictures of the cats, and a brief description of each of their personalities, are available at the Centre’s website: www.uq.edu.au/vetschool/centrecah/.
Media: For more information contact Lucy Manderson at UQ Communications (07 3365 2339 or 0404 388 584) or Marcia Coradini (07 3365 2742 or 0414 011393).
