While dogs are often heralded as man’s best friend, both cats and dogs compete for the spot of most beloved pets. Despite that, research into cat health lags behind that of other animals. But EveryCat Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is committed to changing that, directing their cat love toward advancing feline medicine.
EveryCat stands as the world’s only organization exclusively funding feline health studies, and its dedication has recently earned a nod of support from the Cat Writers’ Association (CWA) on its 30th anniversary. Through their annual fundraiser, CWA has chosen EveryCat Health Foundation as this year’s beneficiary, honoring its role in transforming feline health.
CWA President Lynn Maria Thompson expressed the association’s pride in partnering with EveryCat, highlighting the shared dedication to feline well-being that has united them. “Looking back at our 30 years of dedication to excellence in cat-centric written, visual, and audio media, and our shared love of cats, we feel that EveryCat is a perfect fit for our fundraiser,” she shared. Indeed, it’s hard not to see the synergy between CWA’s storytelling and EveryCat’s mission to enhance the lives of cats.
Behind the scenes, key players in both organizations have been fostering this collaboration. CWA co-founder Amy Shojai, a certified animal behavior consultant and bestselling author, initially suggested the EveryCat Health Foundation for the fundraiser. Working closely with EveryCat’s Board Secretary and syndicated pet journalist Steve Dale, Shojai’s commitment to the foundation underscores a passion for advancing feline health. Their combined efforts reflect the strength of this partnership.
For EveryCat, this recognition by CWA is a moment to celebrate and build upon. EveryCat Executive Director Jackie Ott Jaakola expressed the foundation’s appreciation, saying, “We’re so impressed with their efforts to engage cat lovers everywhere and they’ve been equally supportive of our mission to help all cats everywhere. You can really see their excellence and dedication in the fabulous video they produced for the fundraiser”
So, what’s the actual impact of EveryCat’s research? Since its inception in 1968, the foundation has poured more than $10 million into studies that have changed the way feline medicine is practiced. Think of some of the big breakthroughs: finding a cure for the once-fatal feline infectious peritonitis, connecting taurine deficiency to heart issues in cats, and even developing DNA tests for genetic conditions. Thanks to EveryCat, veterinarians now have new tools to diagnose and treat illnesses that were once mysteries.
One of the driving forces behind these advancements is EveryCat’s commitment to funding groundbreaking research. This foundation relies heavily on the generosity of sponsors, donors, and dedicated cat lovers. In return, EveryCat’s Scientific Review Committee meticulously evaluates every grant proposal, ensuring that each dollar supports research that truly advances feline health. As a result, they’ve helped introduce methods to diagnose and manage conditions such as feline leukemia virus and hypertension — vital knowledge that ultimately means a healthier, happier life for millions of cats.
What’s next for EveryCat? Donations from the CWA fundraiser will support more of the foundation’s projects, pushing forward discoveries that continue to elevate the standard of feline care. For those who want to get involved, there’s an open invitation to contribute to EveryCat’s mission. A world where cats live longer, healthier lives is a cause every pet lover can rally behind.
