Joey Luthman, along with our very own Purrfessor Cat, will embark on an ambitious one-wheel ride , “Joey’s Ride for Cats,” travelling over 4000 miles across America to raise awareness for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Feline Cancer Research.
The issue of feline health became a very personal issue for Joey after losing his beloved 15-year-old feline friend, Winter, to CKD in 2023. Shortly thereafter, he experienced another loss when a close friend’s cat, 15-year-old Momo, passed from cancer. These deaths inspired the actor to take action so other pet owners would not experience this type of heartbreak.
Beginning on October 1st, Joey will start his travels from the Santa Monica Pier in California to the Marshall Point Lighthouse in Maine on a one-wheel, which is a self-balancing electric skateboard with a single wheel in the center Joey will begin the 45-day cross-country trip to raise funds for EveryCat Heath Foundation.
Follow his journey through Joey’s daily posts documenting his trip via Instagram and TikTok @JoeyLuthman or #joeysrideforcats
EveryCat Health Foundation is the only nonprofit organization dedicated solely to advancing feline health through groundbreaking research and education. Since 1968, they’ve funded over $11 million in studies that have improved and saved the lives of cats around the world.
“Feline CKD and cancer leave far too many cat lovers heartbroken,” said EveryCat’s President and CEO, Jackie Ott Jaakola. “EveryCat is dedicated to ensuring that cats no longer suffer from these diseases, and we’re thrilled that Joey Luthman is taking such a bold step toward supporting our mission—and helping cats around the world have happy and healthy lives.”
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects up to 80% of cats over 15 years old according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and VCA Hospitals.
CKD is common in cats with estimates ranging from 1.6% to 20% according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Although CKD is not curable, many cats can still live for several years after diagnosis with appropriate treatment and care.
Approximately 6 million cats are diagnosed with cancer each year. According to a study from UC Davis around 32% of feline deaths are due to cancer.