College of Veterinary Medicine Cat Angel Program Bayer Animal Health Cat Adoption Program Kansas State University

One of the nation’s leading feline adoption programs

The goal of the Cat Angel Cat Adoption Program is to provide homes for cats that have taken part or retired from flea product evaluations and are now flea free and ready for new homes. Our adoption program not only finds homes for cats, but also contributes to the education of veterinary students and provides companionship and love. The students and community members who participate as Cat Angel adoptive parents are always delighted to have these feline additions to their homes.

Dr. Michael Dryden and his technician, Vicki Smith, have placed more than 500 cats in homes over the last 10 years. Male and female cats, between six months and one year in age, are purchased specifically for these evaluations. No feral or stray cats are used. These are not drug safety trials; the compounds tested have already been proven to be safe. The purpose of these trials is to evaluate the efficacy of the product (how well it kills fleas). Our feline friends, who are natural hosts for fleas, play a vital role in this process. Fleas may be highly susceptible to compounds in-vitro (in test tubes) but not in-vivo (on live animals). All flea products must be tested before government approval can be given.

Every member of the flea team works very hard to ensure the safety and well-being of the cats involved in these evaluations. Housing units are clean and our investigative feline partners are exercised, often playing with students and other cats on a daily basis.

Your contribution will enrich the lives of our feline friends

After the study

Former veterinary students, now graduate veterinarians Dr. Lisa Houdeshell and Dr. Idia Rodriguez enjoy spending a few minutes of a study break with Abbey and Michelle.

Once a study is completed and all of the fleas have been removed, the cats are in need of a new home. Although it is the intent of the Dryden team to immediately find adoptive parents for all cats, many may not be adopted for weeks or months. In the interim, there are expenses incurred for housing and medical care for each cat partner.

 

Teddy makes a splash of things!

Donations to the Cat Angel Program not only help to provide housing and care of cats prior to adoption, they also pay for the cost of having each cat examined and treated, if necessary, by the teaching-hospital clinicians. Due to the problem of too many unwanted stray dogs and cats in our society, it is our policy that no reproductively intact cat is ever allowed to leave the facility. An added benefit of this program is that feline surgeries are performed by veterinary students under the direct supervision of senior clinicians at the KSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. While spays and neuters eventually become routine procedures for veterinary students, these cats provide an irreplaceable and valuable teaching experience during a student’s senior year. Our cats provide hands-on experience for our next generation of veterinarians.

While most Dryden cats retire to lives of ease in private homes, a few cats have had a chance at a second job as a barn cat. Many have become very personable and live long and happy lives. We find that one Dryden cat is not usually enough for our adoptive students and families, who often bring home more than one.

Contributions to the program

The Cat Angel Program has been established to generate funding for this program and to allow animal lovers to help enrich the lives of these cats by making large or small donations. Our special founding angel, Louise Averill, has been generous in her donations and support of this program. She is an amazing lady and a true friend of all cats, domestic or exotic. Her support of the program has enriched the lives of numerous cats and their owners. You would not have read this far if you were not aware of the benefits of living with a cat or two. Cats make great additions to a family or a single household. By donating to the fund, you will help save the lives of these cats, contribute to the education of veterinary students, and enable kind-hearted souls who have room in their homes to adopt a new pet.

Contributions to the Cat Angel Program will be placed into an account under the direction of Dr. Dryden.

Your support is needed

The support received for the Cat Angel program will provide funding not only for support of the cat adoption program but also for continued leadership in patient care, education, clinical investigation and scientific innovation.

If it’s your decision to contribute to this fund and become a member of the Cat Angel program at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, please know that the future pet companions in the program, the staff, faculty and students extend a heartfelt thanks to you for supporting the Cat Angels.

Former veterinary students, now graduate veterinarians Dr. Sarah Burkindine and Dr. Tiffany Lewis giving special attention to Barney and Abby.

You Can Help! If you are interested in adopting  one of these wonderful cats, please contact Vicki Smith at 785-532-4622.