Cats

12 Research Breakthroughs Improving Lives, Our Economy and Our Future

Since the university’s inception in 1908, faculty and students at UC Davis have pushed the boundaries of knowledge to deliver discoveries that not only enrich lives but also drive economic growth, prosperity and security in California and throughout our nation.

Our research shapes industries, creates well-paying jobs and prepares the next generation of leaders and innovators.

We deliver breakthroughs that advance healthcare, our food supply, energy solutions, education and more.

Caring for Kittens

Kaya Miller, a second-year UC Davis undergraduate, introduces her three 3-week-old foster kittens: Anna, Elsa and Merida. She explains that as a busy student, she and her roommate have taken on alternating shifts feeding and cleaning the kittens. “It’s a lot of dedication; we have to wake up every two hours, but it's so worth it,” she said.  

Miller is a volunteer foster within the Orphan Kitten Project, or OKP, a nonprofit, vet-student-run club that has rescued and rehabilitated neonatal kittens since 1988.

Is Your Cat at Risk of Contracting Bird Flu?

Cats are easily susceptible to the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 strain (bird flu). Cats with the disease should be seen by a veterinarian immediately, as an infection can often result in death. Dr. Jane Sykes, a board-certified internal medicine specialist with a special interest infectious diseases recently discussed bird flu in cats with some leading media outlets. These valuable resources discuss how cats get bird flu, how to prevent your cat from getting it, the symptoms to look for, what to do if you suspect your cat has been infected, and other bird flu-related FAQs.

Ensuring Feline Health for Generations to Come

Lin Zucconi’s dedication to animals started at an early age. She loved her sister’s cat and had turtles of her own. Her dedication to them earned her the nickname in her neighborhood as the “turtle doctor.” When she went away to college at the University of California, Berkeley, she ensured the turtles had a home at the Oakland Zoo. As she moved into adulthood, she stayed dedicated to animals, especially cats. 

The Essential Guide to Pet Emergencies with Dr. Karl Jandrey

Recently, Dr. Karl Jandrey, associate dean and professor specializing in clinical small animal emergency and critical care at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, was interviewed on the “Speaking of Pets” podcast. Hosted by board-certified veterinary dermatologist Dr. Alice Jeromin and her sister Janet, an animal advocate, the podcast empowers pet owners with reliable, science-based information.

Pet Health Advocate: The Revolutionary Work of Dr. Boaz Arzi

Dr. Boaz Arzi, professor and chief of the Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service, has been treating patients and conducting research for 18 years. He works extensively with stem cell therapy, to help pets have longer and healthier lives.

When it comes to cancer, Dr. Arzi is optimistic that stem cell therapy is going to be a big part of pet cancer treatment, either in the delivery of drugs or by regenerating organs or other structures in the body that have been damaged by chemotherapy or radiation.

Neurosurgery Discovers Cause of Cat’s Seizures

“Case of the Month” – February 2025

 

Cub, a 2-year-old orange domestic longhair cat, was far too young to be acting so lethargic last May. He was sleeping more and was less active than the other cats in the household. His owner, Grace Jesensky, also noticed his breathing was abnormal, and his primary veterinarian suspected he had asthma.

UC Davis Launches Neurosurgery Specialty Service

 

The UC Davis veterinary hospital has launched a Neurosurgery Specialty Service aimed at adapting state-of-the-art surgical solutions to complex neurological conditions.

This new service offers state-of-the-art neurosurgical interventions and clinical trials, including:

Equipment Upgrade Increases Ophthalmology Offerings

The Ophthalmology Service recently upgraded its surgical microscope, allowing the opportunity for a never-before-performed surgical procedure at the UC Davis veterinary hospital. This cutting-edge ophthalmic technology also opens more appointment opportunities, increased specialty training opportunities for residents, and an advanced approach to compassionate care.