Welcome from Winn Feline Foundation President, Dr. Susan Little
The domestic cat has been closely associated with mankind for centuries, enriching the lives of those who appreciate their affectionate and dignified nature. It seems only proper that we address the illnesses that many cats suffer, particularly those for which there are few or no treatments available today. The goal of the Winn Feline Foundation is to help cats live longer and healthier lives.
Winn was founded by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1968 to create a source of funding for medical studies to improve the health and well-being of cats. The Foundation was named in honor of CFA’s long-time attorney, Robert H. Winn.
Over the years, Winn Foundation grants have helped advance veterinary knowledge in all areas of feline health. Since its inception, about $3 million dollars has been awarded by the Foundation for scientific studies, encouraging veterinarians to focus their attention on the needs of cats. Through an annual symposium, written publications, a website, veterinary conferences, and close association with cat fanciers, the Foundation has promoted awareness of feline health issues and has provided an opportunity for the exchange of information about feline health.
All members of the Winn Foundation’s Board of Directors are cat owners who are interested in feline health issues. Board members receive no compensation for their time and efforts. Winn is fortunate to have operational support from The Cat Fanciers’ Association.
Proposals for feline health studies are accepted twice a year. Winn’s grant review panel selects projects for funding based on criteria that include scientific merit, value to cats, clinical relevancy, and soundness of the design and budget. Humane treatment of any participating animals is paramount. Technical advisers who assist in the proposal selection process are prominent veterinarians drawn from a broad spectrum of the scientific community, including both clinicians and researchers.
Funds provided by the Winn Foundation have allowed veterinarians to prevent and/or treat diseases such as kidney and liver disease, a variety of cancers, toxoplasmosis, feline leukemia virus, fungal infections, hyperthyroidism, urinary tract disease, orthopedic conditions, diabetes, and periodontal disease. In addition, as veterinarians learn more about the nutritional requirements of cats, new foods are being developed to meet their specific needs. Winn helped demonstrate that early age altering of kittens is both safe and effective.
Donations to the Winn Feline Foundation may be designated for one of the following areas:
- General donation ” for any health project approved by the Board of Directors; these donations may be made simply for the love of cats, or they may be:
- A Memorial in the name of a deceased cat or individual;
- In Honor of a living cat, individual, or judges at a club’s show;
- Stipulated donation ” for use in a specific disease area or for a specific project;
- Endowment fund donation ” maintained as a perpetual remembrance that generates ongoing support for the Foundation;
- Bequests ” in a will or trust to The Winn Feline Foundation – ensuring continuing contributions to the health of cats.
The Winn Feline Foundation is exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, contributions to the Foundation may be deductible for Federal income, gift, and state tax purposes.