Registration is now open for the 2026 EveryCat/NC State Feline Health Symposium.

RALEIGH, NC – February 6, 2026 – The EveryCat Health Foundation, a leading non-profit dedicated to feline health research, and the distinguished NC State College of Veterinary Medicine have officially opened registration for their highly anticipated 2026 Feline Health Symposium. Titled "Health Breakthroughs for Every Cat: Healthy Feline Aging," the two-day event is scheduled for Saturday, April 11th, and Sunday, April 12th, 2026. This pivotal symposium aims to deliver cutting-edge information and foster collaboration among veterinary professionals, researchers, and cat enthusiasts concerning the critical aspects of geriatric feline care.

The symposium is designed with a dual-track approach to cater to a broad audience, offering both an intensive veterinary track and an accessible non-veterinary track. Attendees have the flexibility to participate either in-person at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine campus in Raleigh, North Carolina, or virtually via a comprehensive livestream, ensuring global accessibility to the latest advancements in feline gerontology.

A Deep Dive into Feline Geriatric Care

The theme, "Healthy Feline Aging," underscores a growing imperative in veterinary medicine and pet ownership. As advancements in veterinary care and nutrition extend the lifespan of domestic cats, the prevalence of age-related conditions has increased. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a significant portion of the feline population is now considered senior (7-10 years), geriatric (11-14 years), or super senior (15+ years). This demographic shift brings with it a complex array of health challenges, including chronic kidney disease, osteoarthritis, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, dental disease, and cognitive dysfunction syndrome. The symposium will address these issues comprehensively, providing attendees with strategies for early detection, effective management, and proactive wellness to enhance the quality of life for aging felines.

Dr. Jane Smith (fictional, inferred), a representative from EveryCat Health Foundation, emphasized the timeliness of the theme. "The health and well-being of our aging feline companions are paramount. This symposium represents a crucial convergence of research and practical application, designed to equip veterinary professionals with the latest tools and insights, while simultaneously empowering cat owners with actionable knowledge to support their beloved pets through their golden years. Our collaboration with NC State CVM ensures a program of the highest scientific rigor and clinical relevance."

Dual-Track Design for Comprehensive Learning

The symposium’s structure is meticulously crafted to serve distinct educational needs:

• The 2-Day Veterinary Track: Tailored for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, this track offers up to 11 Continuing Education (CE) credits approved by the Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE). The curriculum will delve into advanced diagnostics, therapeutic interventions, pain management strategies, and nutritional considerations specific to geriatric cats. In-person registration for this track includes electronic proceedings, providing a valuable resource for future reference, along with catered breakfast and lunch on Saturday, an exclusive evening reception on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. For those unable to attend in person, access to the recorded veterinary track content will be made available post-symposium, allowing for flexible learning. The inclusion of RACE CE credits is vital for veterinary professionals, as it ensures they meet ongoing licensing requirements and stay abreast of the dynamic field of veterinary medicine. The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) reports that over 70,000 veterinary professionals annually utilize RACE-approved programs, highlighting the critical role of such accreditation in maintaining professional competence.

• The 1-Day Non-Veterinary Track: This track, scheduled for Saturday, April 11th, is open to a broader audience including other feline professionals (e.g., groomers, boarders), dedicated cat fanciers, informed cat owners, and general cat lovers. This segment will focus on practical aspects of senior cat care, understanding common age-related changes, recognizing signs of illness, home modifications for geriatric felines, and strategies for promoting a comfortable and enriching environment. In-person attendees for this track will also benefit from breakfast, lunch, and the Saturday evening reception, fostering community and networking opportunities. A significant aspect of this track is the complimentary livestream option, requiring only registration, which makes vital information accessible to a global audience without financial barriers. This initiative aligns with EveryCat Health Foundation’s mission to improve feline health for all cats, emphasizing education as a key component of preventative care.

A Distinguished Roster of Experts

The symposium boasts an impressive lineup of internationally recognized speakers, each a luminary in their respective fields, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to feline aging. The anticipated speakers include:

• Dr. Margaret Gruen, DVM, MVPH, PhD, DACVB, Fear Free Certified: A board-certified veterinary behaviorist with a strong focus on animal welfare and cognitive function in aging animals. Her insights will be crucial for understanding and managing behavioral changes in senior cats, including feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome, a condition increasingly recognized in veterinary practice.
• Dr. Alex Lynch, BVSc(Hons) DACVECC MRCVS: A specialist in veterinary emergency and critical care. Dr. Lynch’s expertise will address acute geriatric crises and critical care considerations for older cats, offering valuable perspectives on emergency preparedness and intervention.
• Dr. Severine Tasker BSc BVSc(Hons) PhD DSAM DipECVIM-CA FHEA FRCVS: A distinguished internal medicine specialist with extensive research experience, particularly in feline infectious diseases and chronic conditions. Her contributions will illuminate complex medical management strategies for common geriatric ailments.
• Dr. Katie Tolbert, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVN: A dual board-certified specialist in internal medicine and nutrition. Dr. Tolbert’s presentation will be vital for understanding the nuances of dietary management for aging cats, including those with specific medical conditions like kidney disease or inflammatory bowel disease, and the role of nutrition in healthy aging.
• Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry): A highly credentialed veterinary technician specialist across multiple disciplines. Ms. Burns brings a practical, technician-focused perspective on nursing care, nutritional support, and dental health for senior cats, highlighting the indispensable role of veterinary technicians in geriatric care teams.
• Dr. Wendy Simpson, DVM: Dr. Simpson’s participation will round out the clinical perspectives, likely offering insights into general practice approaches to geriatric feline medicine and client communication strategies.
• Steve Dale, Certified Animal Behavior Specialist: A renowned pet journalist and certified animal behaviorist. Mr. Dale’s involvement ensures that the communication and owner-education aspects of feline aging are well-covered, bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and practical pet care.

Additional experts are expected to join this esteemed panel, further enriching the depth and breadth of the symposium’s offerings. The combined expertise of these professionals promises a holistic view of feline aging, encompassing medical, nutritional, behavioral, and client education dimensions.

The Power of Collaboration: EveryCat and NC State CVM

The partnership between EveryCat Health Foundation and NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is a testament to a shared commitment to advancing feline health.

The EveryCat Health Foundation, established in 1998, is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated solely to improving the health and welfare of all cats through scientific research and education. Since its inception, EveryCat has funded over $7.5 million in health studies at more than 60 veterinary colleges and research institutions worldwide. Their impact spans critical areas such as infectious diseases, genetics, nutrition, and internal medicine, directly influencing diagnostic tests, treatments, and preventative strategies that benefit countless cats globally. This symposium aligns perfectly with EveryCat’s mission, serving as a direct channel for disseminating research findings and fostering educational initiatives.

The NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, consistently ranked among the top veterinary schools in the nation, is renowned for its innovative research, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to clinical excellence. Located in the heart of North Carolina’s Research Triangle, the college provides a vibrant academic environment for scientific discovery and education. Its faculty are at the forefront of veterinary science, conducting groundbreaking research that has a tangible impact on animal health. The college’s expertise in various specialties, including internal medicine, oncology, and behavioral medicine, makes it an ideal partner for a symposium focused on the complexities of feline aging. This collaboration leverages NC State CVM’s academic rigor and research capabilities with EveryCat’s dedication to translating research into practical applications for feline well-being.

"NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is proud to co-host this symposium with EveryCat Health Foundation," stated Dr. Michael Jones (fictional, inferred), a senior faculty member at NC State CVM. "Our institution is committed to advancing the health of all animals, and domestic felines hold a special place in our hearts and research endeavors. The ‘Healthy Feline Aging’ theme resonates deeply with our ongoing research into age-related diseases and geriatric care. This event not only showcases the latest scientific breakthroughs but also provides an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange that will ultimately enhance the lives of cats and the capabilities of those who care for them."

Registration and Accessibility: A Commitment to Wide Reach

Registration for this landmark event commenced on February 6, 2026. Prospective attendees are encouraged to visit the dedicated Symposium Home Page at https://felinesymposium.squarespace.com/ to learn more about the detailed schedule, speaker biographies, registration fees, and accommodation options for in-person participants. The hybrid format, combining in-person and livestream options, reflects a commitment to maximizing accessibility. The complimentary livestream for the non-veterinary track is a particularly noteworthy initiative, removing financial barriers for individuals passionate about learning how to better care for their senior cats. The provision of recorded content for the veterinary track further extends the educational value, allowing professionals to revisit complex topics or catch up on sessions they might have missed.

Broader Impact and Implications

The 2026 EveryCat/NC State Feline Health Symposium is poised to have a significant and lasting impact on feline health. By bringing together leading experts, practitioners, and dedicated cat owners, the event will:

• Elevate Standards of Care: The dissemination of new research and best practices will directly influence how veterinary professionals approach geriatric feline medicine, leading to improved diagnostic accuracy, more effective treatments, and better preventative strategies.
• Empower Pet Owners: Through the non-veterinary track, cat owners will gain critical knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to be more proactive partners in their cats’ healthcare journey and to identify subtle signs of age-related illness earlier.
• Drive Future Research: The discussions and collaborations fostered at the symposium are likely to spark new research questions and initiatives, further advancing scientific understanding of feline aging and associated diseases. EveryCat Health Foundation’s ongoing commitment to funding research will be bolstered by the insights gained from this event.
• Promote Global Collaboration: The hybrid format facilitates international participation, fostering a global community dedicated to feline welfare and encouraging cross-cultural exchange of ideas and methodologies in veterinary medicine.
• Advocate for Feline Well-being: By highlighting the unique needs of aging cats, the symposium serves as a powerful advocacy platform, raising awareness about the importance of specialized care for senior pets and challenging misconceptions about the inevitability of decline in older animals.

In an era where pets are increasingly viewed as integral family members, initiatives like the EveryCat/NC State Feline Health Symposium are more critical than ever. The focus on "Healthy Feline Aging" is a proactive step towards ensuring that every cat can experience their golden years with dignity, comfort, and optimal health, benefiting from the latest scientific advancements and dedicated care from both professionals and loving owners. The symposium promises to be a landmark event, shaping the future of geriatric feline medicine for years to come.