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

The EveryCat Health Foundation, in collaboration with the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine (NC State CVM), has officially opened registration for its highly anticipated 2026 Feline Health Symposium, themed "Health Breakthroughs for Every Cat: Healthy Feline Aging." Scheduled for Saturday, April 11th, and Sunday, April 12th, 2026, this two-day event aims to address the critical and evolving needs of geriatric felines, providing cutting-edge information and practical strategies for veterinary professionals, researchers, and dedicated cat owners alike. The symposium, a cornerstone event in the global feline health calendar, will offer both in-person attendance at NC State’s esteemed facilities in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a comprehensive livestream option, ensuring broad accessibility to its vital content.

Addressing a Growing Imperative: Healthy Feline Aging

The choice of "Healthy Feline Aging" as the symposium’s central theme reflects a significant shift in companion animal demographics and veterinary science. With advancements in nutrition, preventative care, and medical treatments, domestic cats are living longer than ever before. While a longer lifespan is a testament to improved care, it also presents new challenges, as aging cats are increasingly susceptible to a range of chronic and debilitating conditions. These include, but are not limited to, chronic kidney disease (CKD), osteoarthritis, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, dental disease, and cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS).

According to recent data from veterinary practices, the proportion of geriatric cats (typically defined as those over 11 years old) in the patient population has steadily risen over the past two decades. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery indicated that cats over 10 years of age now account for approximately 30-35% of the average feline caseload in many Western countries, a substantial increase from just 15-20% two decades prior. This demographic shift underscores the urgent need for veterinary professionals to deepen their understanding of feline gerontology and to implement advanced diagnostic and therapeutic protocols tailored to the unique physiological and behavioral changes of senior cats. For cat owners, understanding these changes and proactive care strategies is paramount to maintaining their pets’ quality of life.

A Legacy of Feline Health Advancement: The Organizers

The collaboration between EveryCat Health Foundation and NC State CVM brings together two powerhouses in feline health research and education.

• EveryCat Health Foundation: Formerly known as the Winn Feline Foundation, EveryCat has a storied history spanning over 50 years as a leading non-profit organization dedicated to funding feline health studies. Established in 1968, its mission is to advance feline health through research and education. Over the decades, EveryCat has invested millions of dollars into studies that have yielded groundbreaking discoveries, including critical insights into feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), hyperthyroidism, and numerous other conditions. Its impact has been global, shaping veterinary protocols and improving the lives of countless cats worldwide. The foundation’s commitment extends beyond funding research to actively disseminating knowledge through symposia, publications, and educational initiatives, embodying its philosophy that "Every Cat" deserves a healthy life. The shift to "EveryCat" in its branding reflects a broader, more inclusive commitment to all felines.

• NC State College of Veterinary Medicine: Renowned for its cutting-edge research, comprehensive clinical services, and innovative educational programs, NC State CVM stands as a beacon of excellence in veterinary medicine. Consistently ranked among the top veterinary schools globally, the college boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a world-class teaching hospital and specialized research centers. Its faculty comprises leading experts across various disciplines, with a strong emphasis on translational research that bridges scientific discovery with practical clinical application. The college has a particularly strong focus on companion animal health, including robust programs in feline internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, and behavior, making it an ideal partner for a symposium of this caliber. NC State’s commitment to advancing veterinary knowledge and its dedication to animal health align perfectly with EveryCat’s mission, fostering an environment ripe for significant intellectual exchange.

A Dual-Track Approach for Comprehensive Engagement

Recognizing the diverse audience invested in feline well-being, the symposium is thoughtfully structured into two distinct tracks: a two-day veterinary track and a one-day non-veterinary track. This dual approach ensures that content is tailored to the specific needs and expertise levels of attendees.

The Veterinary Track: Elevating Professional Standards

The two-day veterinary track, running on both Saturday, April 11th, and Sunday, April 12th, is meticulously designed for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Participants can earn up to 11 R.A.C.E. (Registry of Approved Continuing Education) CE credits, a crucial component for maintaining professional licensure and staying abreast of the latest medical advancements. The program will delve into advanced diagnostics, therapeutic interventions, and management strategies for age-related feline diseases. Topics are expected to cover a wide spectrum, including:

• Nutritional Strategies for Senior Cats: Addressing specific dietary needs, managing weight, and utilizing novel supplements to support organ function and mobility.
• Pain Management in Geriatric Felines: Comprehensive approaches to identifying and treating chronic pain, particularly osteoarthritis, with a focus on multimodal therapies.
• Early Detection and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Updates on screening protocols, novel biomarkers, and progression-slowing treatments.
• Cardiovascular Health in Older Cats: Diagnostics for conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and management of associated complications.
• Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS): Recognition of behavioral changes, environmental enrichment, and pharmacological interventions to support cognitive function.
• End-of-Life Care and Palliative Medicine: Ethical considerations, pain control, and supporting families through difficult decisions.
• Behavioral Changes in Aging Cats: Differentiating normal aging from pathological conditions and practical advice for owners.

In-person registration for the veterinary track includes electronic proceedings, providing a valuable resource for future reference. Additionally, it covers breakfast and lunch on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as an exclusive evening reception on Saturday, designed to foster networking and collegial interaction among peers and speakers. For those unable to attend in person, access to the recorded veterinary track will be provided post-symposium, ensuring that all registered professionals can benefit from the extensive knowledge shared.

The Non-Veterinary Track: Empowering Cat Advocates

The one-day non-veterinary track, scheduled for Saturday, April 11th, caters to a broader audience, including other feline professionals (e.g., groomers, boarders), cat fanciers, devoted cat owners, and general cat lovers. This track aims to empower attendees with practical knowledge and insights to enhance the health and well-being of their aging feline companions. Topics will be presented in an accessible format, focusing on actionable advice and preventative strategies, such as:

• Understanding Normal Feline Aging vs. Disease: What to expect as cats age and when to seek veterinary attention.
• Home Environment Adaptations for Senior Cats: Creating a comfortable and safe living space.
• Nutrition and Hydration Tips for Older Felines: Ensuring optimal dietary intake.
• Recognizing Signs of Pain and Discomfort: How to observe subtle changes in behavior.
• Behavioral Enrichment for Senior Cats: Keeping their minds and bodies active.
• The Importance of Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Proactive health monitoring.

In-person registration for the non-veterinary track includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday, along with participation in the Saturday evening reception. A particularly noteworthy feature of this track is the free livestream option, which requires prior registration. This initiative significantly broadens access to crucial information, democratizing knowledge about senior feline care and reflecting EveryCat’s mission to benefit all cats and their guardians, regardless of their professional background or financial capacity.

A Stellar Roster of Expert Speakers

The symposium boasts an impressive lineup of internationally recognized experts in feline medicine and behavior, each bringing a unique perspective to the theme of healthy feline aging.

• Dr. Margaret Gruen, DVM, MVPH, PhD, DACVB, Fear Free Certified: A distinguished specialist in animal behavior, Dr. Gruen’s insights will be invaluable for understanding and managing behavioral changes in aging cats, including anxiety, cognitive decline, and inter-cat aggression, all through a Fear Free lens that minimizes stress for feline patients.
• Dr. Alex Lynch, BVSc(Hons) DACVECC MRCVS: An expert in emergency and critical care, Dr. Lynch’s contributions may focus on managing acute crises in older cats, ensuring optimal outcomes during critical periods, and understanding the physiological resilience (or fragility) of geriatric patients.
• Dr. Severine Tasker, BSc BVSc(Hons) PhD DSAM DipECVIM-CA FHEA FRCVS: A highly respected internal medicine specialist, Dr. Tasker is expected to deliver crucial updates on chronic diseases prevalent in older cats, such as CKD, inflammatory bowel disease, and hyperthyroidism, drawing from her extensive research and clinical experience.
• Dr. Katie Tolbert, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVN: With dual board certifications in internal medicine and nutrition, Dr. Tolbert’s presentations will be vital for understanding the complex interplay between diet, disease, and aging in cats, offering evidence-based nutritional strategies for maintaining health and managing illness.
• Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry): As a highly credentialed veterinary technician specialist, Kara Burns brings a practical, hands-on perspective to nutrition, internal medicine, and crucially, dentistry—a often-overlooked aspect of senior feline health that significantly impacts quality of life.
• Dr. Wendy Simpson, DVM: Dr. Simpson, likely representing the perspective of a general practitioner, will offer practical insights into integrating geriatric feline care into everyday practice, emphasizing preventative measures and client communication.
• Steve Dale, Certified Animal Behavior Specialist: A prominent animal behaviorist and media personality, Steve Dale will likely focus on the human-animal bond, practical behavioral advice for owners of senior cats, and effective communication strategies between veterinarians and clients.

The inclusion of additional, yet-to-be-announced speakers further promises a diverse and comprehensive program, ensuring attendees receive a holistic view of healthy feline aging from multiple expert angles.

Logistics and Accessibility

The decision to offer both in-person and livestream options for the symposium reflects a commitment to maximum accessibility. Attending in person at NC State’s Raleigh campus provides an immersive experience, allowing for direct interaction with speakers and fellow attendees, fostering valuable networking opportunities, and the chance to explore the vibrant academic environment. Raleigh, a growing technological and research hub, offers excellent infrastructure and hospitality for visitors.

The livestream option, particularly the free access for the non-veterinary track, is a strategic move to reach a global audience. This removes geographical and financial barriers, allowing enthusiasts and professionals from around the world to benefit from the symposium’s educational content. The provision of recorded access to the veterinary track post-symposium further enhances flexibility, accommodating busy schedules and allowing for review of complex material.

Broader Impact and Future Implications

The 2026 EveryCat/NC State Feline Health Symposium is poised to have a far-reaching impact on feline welfare. By bringing together leading experts, practitioners, and dedicated cat advocates, it will serve as a catalyst for:

• Advancing Research: The discussions and presentations will highlight current gaps in knowledge and inspire new research directions in feline gerontology.
• Elevating Clinical Practice: Veterinary professionals will gain actionable insights and updated protocols, leading to improved care for their senior feline patients.
• Empowering Owners: Cat owners will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to provide superior care, fostering stronger human-animal bonds and enhancing their cats’ quality of life during their golden years.
• Fostering Collaboration: The symposium creates a vital platform for interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and industry partners.
• Shaping Future Education: The content presented will likely influence veterinary curricula and continuing education programs for years to come, ensuring that future generations of veterinarians are well-prepared to meet the needs of an aging feline population.

Ultimately, "Health Breakthroughs for Every Cat: Healthy Feline Aging" is more than just a conference; it is a critical investment in the future of feline health. As the global cat population continues to age, the insights and innovations shared at this symposium will be instrumental in ensuring that every cat can enjoy a healthy, comfortable, and fulfilling life, irrespective of their age. Those interested in attending are encouraged to visit the official Symposium Home Page promptly to learn more and secure their registration, as spaces for in-person attendance are often limited.