Cats called to donate blood for diabetes research

University of Queensland researchers are appealing to civic-minded moggies to donate blood for studies into the potentially “cat-astrophic” effects of feline diabetes.

The University’s internationally renowned Diabetes and Obesity Unit within the School of Veterinary Science needs blood from healthy cats, diabetic cats and Burmese cats for a research project.

Diabetes and Obesity Unit head Professor Jacquie Rand said diabetes in cats was the closest model for human adult-onset diabetes.

“Diabetes is increasing in incidence in humans and cats because of similar lifestyle changes, such as lack of exercise and obesity,” she said.

“Cats and humans with type two diabetes have a protein deposit in their pancreas which destroys the insulin-producing cells.

“This doesn’t happen in other animals or rats, which is why it is important to get as large a sample of blood from cats as we can.”

Professor Rand said that Burmese cats living in Australia and New Zealand were at greater risk of contracting diabetes than crossbreeds or other purebred breeds.

“We need to investigate the reasons for this further and therefore need a small amount of blood to measure certain hormones and for genetic screening,” she said.

“In return for the blood donations, we will check each cat for early evidence of diabetes, such as increased blood glucose.”

The School is also looking for homes for 15 healthy, neutered and vaccinated cats who have been involved in research. The cats have been selected for their affectionate temperaments.

For information about blood donations, contact Rose Lederer on telephone 07 3365 1286 or mobile 0418 710 486. Anyone interested in adopting a cat should contact Heidi Farrow on telephone 07 3365 3389.

Media: For further information, contact Brad Turner
at UQ Communications on telephone 07 3365 2659