Research

Orphan Kitten Club supports research that leads to real, measurable improvements in kitten health and welfare.

Funded projects must produce practical, evidence-based knowledge that can be applied in real-world settings. Successful proposals will clearly demonstrate how their findings will translate into better care for kittens through veterinary practice, shelter programs, or caregiver guidance.

  • Priority will be given to projects that:
  • Translate scientific knowledge into practical care improvements
  • Inform or strengthen standards of care
  • Address critical gaps in current veterinary or shelter-based approaches
  • Generate new, actionable information that improves kitten wellbeing

Our goal is to support work that moves knowledge into practice, helping veterinarians, shelters, and caregivers make better decisions for kittens.

Research we fund:

We support ethical, welfare-focused research that:

  • Has Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) approval or exemption
  • Works with animals who already have naturally occurring diseases or conditions
  • Generates new and usable knowledge
  • Improves the health, welfare, or care of kittens
  • Addresses important gaps in veterinary or shelter medicine

Research we DO NOT fund:

We do not fund research that involves harming animals, including projects that:

  • Intentionally infect animals with disease
  • Withhold necessary treatment
  • Euthanize healthy animals
  • Breed animals for research purposes
  • Otherwise cause avoidable harm or distress