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

The EveryCat Health Foundation, a global leader in funding feline health research, in collaboration with the prestigious NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, has officially announced that registration is now open for its highly anticipated 2026 Feline Health Symposium. Slated for Saturday, April 11th, and Sunday, April 12th, 2026, the event is themed "Health Breakthroughs for Every Cat: Healthy Feline Aging," a critical focus area given the increasing longevity of domestic cats and the associated rise in age-related health challenges. This pivotal symposium is designed to disseminate cutting-edge research and best practices in geriatric feline care, offering both in-person attendance at NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a comprehensive livestream option to ensure global accessibility.

A Crucial Focus: The Evolving Landscape of Feline Gerontology

The selection of "Healthy Feline Aging" as the symposium’s central theme underscores a significant shift in veterinary medicine and pet ownership. Over the past few decades, advancements in nutrition, veterinary care, and indoor lifestyles have dramatically extended the average lifespan of domestic cats. While historically cats might have lived into their early teens, it is now common for felines to reach 15, 18, or even over 20 years of age. This demographic shift, while a testament to improved care, presents a new set of challenges and opportunities for both veterinary professionals and cat owners.

Aging in cats, much like in humans, is associated with a higher incidence of chronic diseases and conditions. Common geriatric ailments include chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, dental disease, and various forms of cancer. Furthermore, cognitive dysfunction syndrome, often likened to Alzheimer’s in humans, is increasingly recognized in older felines, impacting their quality of life and the human-animal bond. The symposium aims to provide a holistic understanding of these conditions, from early detection and preventative strategies to advanced therapeutic interventions and palliative care, ensuring that the extended lifespan of cats is accompanied by a high quality of life.

The Collaborative Powerhouse: EveryCat Health Foundation and NC State CVM

The symposium is a direct result of the synergistic partnership between two titans in animal health. The EveryCat Health Foundation, formerly known as the Winn Feline Foundation, has been a driving force in advancing feline health through scientific research for decades. Since its inception, EveryCat has awarded millions of dollars in research grants, leading to breakthroughs in understanding and treating a wide array of feline diseases, including feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), hyperthyroidism, and various genetic conditions. Their mission is to improve the health and welfare of all cats by funding scientific studies, a mission perfectly aligned with the symposium’s goal of translating research into practical applications.

The North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine (NC State CVM) provides an ideal academic and clinical setting for such an event. Renowned for its innovative research, comprehensive veterinary education, and state-of-the-art animal hospitals, NC State CVM is at the forefront of veterinary science. The college’s faculty includes world-class specialists who are actively engaged in both clinical practice and research, contributing significantly to the global body of knowledge in animal health. Hosting the symposium at NC State CVM not only leverages its excellent facilities but also fosters an environment of academic rigor and collaborative exchange crucial for addressing complex issues like healthy feline aging. This partnership exemplifies how academic institutions and non-profit research funders can combine strengths to accelerate progress in animal health.

Dual Tracks for Diverse Audiences: Tailored Learning Experiences

Recognizing the varied needs and interests of its potential attendees, the symposium is thoughtfully structured into two distinct tracks: a comprehensive two-day veterinary track and a focused one-day non-veterinary track.

The Veterinary Track: Advancing Professional Expertise

Designed for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, the two-day veterinary track promises an intensive educational experience. Participants can earn up to 11 RACE (Registry of Approved Continuing Education) CE credits, a vital component for professional licensure and ongoing development in the veterinary field. RACE-approved credits ensure that the educational content meets rigorous standards set by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB), guaranteeing high-quality, relevant information.

In-person registration for the veterinary track offers an immersive experience, including breakfast and lunch on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as an exclusive evening reception on Saturday. This reception provides invaluable networking opportunities, allowing professionals to connect with peers, share insights, and foster collaborations. Electronic proceedings will be included, offering a lasting resource for attendees to review the presented material at their convenience. For those unable to attend in person, access to the recorded veterinary track will be provided post-symposium, ensuring that the valuable content is accessible to a broader professional audience worldwide. Topics are expected to cover advanced diagnostics for geriatric diseases, novel therapeutic approaches, pain management strategies for chronic conditions, nutritional interventions tailored for senior cats, and behavioral modifications to support cognitive health.

The Non-Veterinary Track: Empowering Cat Professionals and Owners

The one-day non-veterinary track, held on Saturday, April 11th, is tailored for a wider audience, including other feline professionals (such as groomers, pet sitters, shelter staff), dedicated cat fanciers, cat owners, and general cat lovers. This track aims to demystify complex veterinary concepts and provide practical, actionable information that can be directly applied to improving the lives of aging cats at home and in care settings.

In-person registration for this track includes breakfast, lunch, and the evening reception on Saturday, fostering community and shared learning among enthusiasts. A particularly noteworthy aspect is the free livestream option for the non-veterinary track, although registration is still required. This initiative highlights EveryCat and NC State CVM’s commitment to broad education and accessibility, ensuring that vital information on feline aging is available to anyone with an internet connection, regardless of their financial capacity. This accessibility is crucial for empowering cat owners with the knowledge to provide the best possible care, recognizing early signs of age-related issues, and working effectively with their veterinarians.

An Illustrious Roster of Speakers: Leaders in Feline Health

The symposium boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, each a distinguished expert in their respective fields, promising a rich and diverse educational program. These professionals represent the pinnacle of veterinary science and animal behavior, ensuring that attendees receive insights from the forefront of feline health research and clinical practice.

• Dr. Margaret Gruen, DVM, MVPH, PhD, DACVB, Fear Free Certified: A board-certified veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Gruen’s expertise is crucial for understanding and managing age-related behavioral changes, including cognitive dysfunction syndrome and anxiety in older cats. Her Fear Free certification emphasizes low-stress handling, particularly important for geriatric patients.
• Dr. Alex Lynch, BVSc(Hons) DACVECC MRCVS: As a specialist in emergency and critical care, Dr. Lynch will likely address acute presentations of chronic diseases in older cats and strategies for stabilizing geriatric patients in crisis, a common challenge in veterinary practice.
• Dr. Severine Tasker, BSc BVSc(Hons) PhD DSAM DipECVIM-CA FHEA FRCVS: A highly respected internal medicine specialist, Dr. Tasker’s work often focuses on complex chronic diseases prevalent in older cats, such as chronic kidney disease and inflammatory bowel disease, offering insights into advanced diagnostics and management.
• Dr. Katie Tolbert, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVN: With dual board certifications in internal medicine and nutrition, Dr. Tolbert’s contributions will be invaluable, particularly in tailoring nutritional strategies for aging cats with various comorbidities, addressing topics like appetite changes, weight management, and therapeutic diets.
• Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry): A highly credentialed veterinary technician specialist, Kara Burns brings practical, technician-focused insights into nursing care, nutritional support, and dental health for senior felines—areas critical for daily patient management.
• Dr. Wendy Simpson, DVM: Dr. Simpson’s participation suggests a focus on practical applications for general practitioners, offering insights that are readily implementable in a typical veterinary clinic setting.
• Steve Dale, Certified Animal Behavior Specialist: A renowned pet journalist and behavior expert, Steve Dale will bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical pet ownership, providing valuable perspectives on understanding and addressing behavioral needs of aging cats.

The inclusion of "Plus others!" suggests an even broader range of expertise, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of feline aging from multiple disciplinary angles.

Anticipated Impact and Broader Implications

The 2026 EveryCat/NC State Feline Health Symposium is poised to have a significant and far-reaching impact across the spectrum of feline care.

For Veterinary Medicine: The symposium will undoubtedly elevate the standard of geriatric feline care. By providing veterinarians and technicians with the latest research, diagnostic tools, and treatment protocols, it will empower them to offer more effective, compassionate, and personalized care to their aging feline patients. This could lead to improved clinical outcomes, better management of chronic conditions, and a greater emphasis on preventative care and quality of life assessments for older cats. The RACE CE credits will contribute directly to the professional development of practitioners, ensuring the dissemination of cutting-edge knowledge throughout the industry.

For Cat Owners and Feline Professionals: The non-veterinary track, especially with its free livestream option, represents a crucial step in democratizing access to expert knowledge. Empowered with accurate, up-to-date information, cat owners will be better equipped to recognize subtle signs of illness, implement age-appropriate care routines, and make informed decisions in collaboration with their veterinarians. This proactive approach can lead to earlier detection of diseases, timely interventions, and ultimately, a better quality of life for senior cats. For shelter workers and other feline professionals, the insights gained can enhance their ability to care for and adopt out older cats, who often face greater challenges in finding forever homes.

For Feline Health Research: By bringing together leading researchers and clinicians, the symposium serves as a vital platform for identifying gaps in current knowledge and stimulating future research endeavors. Discussions among experts can spark new hypotheses, foster collaborative projects, and direct funding towards areas of greatest need in feline gerontology. This continuous cycle of research and dissemination is fundamental to the ongoing advancement of feline health.

For Animal Welfare: Ultimately, the symposium’s focus on healthy feline aging contributes significantly to overall animal welfare. As societal values increasingly emphasize the well-being of companion animals, ensuring that an extended lifespan is accompanied by good health and comfort becomes paramount. The knowledge shared at this event will help ensure that millions of aging cats globally can enjoy their golden years with dignity and comfort, solidifying the human-animal bond and enriching the lives of both pets and their guardians.

Registration and Further Information

With registration officially open as of February 6, 2026, prospective attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early, especially for the in-person options, which often have limited capacities. The detailed agenda, including specific session topics and any additional speakers, will be available on the symposium’s dedicated website. This event represents a unique opportunity for anyone invested in the health and well-being of cats to engage with leading experts, gain invaluable knowledge, and contribute to the ongoing efforts to ensure "Health Breakthroughs for Every Cat."

To learn more about the symposium, view the full speaker lineup, and register for either the in-person or livestream options, interested parties are directed to visit the official Symposium Home Page at https://felinesymposium.squarespace.com/. This landmark event promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing journey to enhance the lives of our beloved feline companions as they age.