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

Veterinary professionals, feline enthusiasts, and cat owners are invited to mark their calendars for a pivotal event in feline health, as registration officially commences for the 2026 EveryCat/NC State Feline Health Symposium. Scheduled for Saturday, April 11th, and Sunday, April 12th, 2026, this highly anticipated symposium, themed "Health Breakthroughs for Every Cat: Healthy Feline Aging," promises to deliver cutting-edge information and foster advancements in the care of senior felines. Jointly presented by the EveryCat Health Foundation and the esteemed NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, the event offers a unique hybrid format, accommodating both in-person attendees at NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a global audience via livestream.

Addressing a Critical Need: The Rise of the Geriatric Feline Population

The focus on "Healthy Feline Aging" comes at a crucial time in veterinary medicine. Advances in nutrition, preventive care, and medical treatments have significantly extended the lifespan of domestic cats. According to various veterinary studies, the average lifespan of indoor cats has increased from approximately 7 years in the 1980s to 12-15 years today, with many felines living well into their late teens and even early twenties. This demographic shift has led to a burgeoning population of senior and geriatric cats, bringing with it a unique set of health challenges.

As cats age, they become more susceptible to a range of chronic conditions, including chronic kidney disease, osteoarthritis, hyperthyroidism, dental disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cognitive dysfunction syndrome. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery indicated that over 90% of cats over the age of 12 show radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis. Similarly, chronic kidney disease is estimated to affect one in three senior cats. Addressing these conditions effectively requires specialized knowledge, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic approaches that are constantly evolving. The 2026 symposium aims to equip veterinary professionals and dedicated cat guardians with the latest insights to ensure that these cherished companions enjoy not just longer lives, but also healthier, more comfortable golden years.

A Legacy of Excellence: The Collaborating Institutions

The partnership between the EveryCat Health Foundation and the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine represents a formidable alliance dedicated to advancing feline welfare.

EveryCat Health Foundation: Established in 1968 as the Winn Feline Foundation and rebranded in 2021, EveryCat Health Foundation stands as a leading non-profit organization dedicated solely to improving the health and well-being of all cats through scientific research and education. Over its more than five-decade history, EveryCat has funded over $8 million in health studies, contributing to significant breakthroughs in areas such as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) treatment, genetic diseases, nutrition, and common ailments affecting domestic cats. Their mission extends beyond funding, encompassing the dissemination of research findings to veterinary professionals and cat owners worldwide, making their symposia a critical component of their educational outreach. The foundation’s commitment to evidence-based feline care makes it an ideal partner for an event focused on "health breakthroughs."

NC State College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM): Consistently ranked among the top veterinary schools globally, NC State CVM is renowned for its innovative research, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to training future leaders in veterinary medicine. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the college boasts a comprehensive teaching hospital, advanced diagnostic laboratories, and a faculty comprising board-certified specialists across a multitude of disciplines. Its robust research programs cover a wide spectrum of animal health, including significant contributions to companion animal medicine. The college’s reputation for academic rigor and its emphasis on translating research into practical clinical applications provide an unparalleled setting for a symposium of this caliber. The in-person component at NC State allows attendees to experience firsthand the environment of a leading veterinary institution.

The synergy between EveryCat Health Foundation’s dedication to research funding and dissemination, and NC State CVM’s academic and clinical excellence, promises a symposium that is both scientifically rigorous and practically relevant. "This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to elevating feline healthcare standards," stated a representative from EveryCat Health Foundation, anticipating the event. "By bringing together leading minds and focusing on a critical area like healthy aging, we empower both practitioners and owners with the knowledge to make a tangible difference in cats’ lives." An NC State CVM spokesperson added, "Our faculty and facilities are poised to host a truly impactful event, fostering discussions that will shape the future of geriatric feline medicine."

Comprehensive Tracks: Veterinary and Non-Veterinary Engagement

The symposium is thoughtfully structured into two distinct tracks to cater to diverse audiences, ensuring relevant and valuable content for all participants.

The 2-Day Veterinary Track: This intensive program, spanning both Saturday, April 11th, and Sunday, April 12th, is designed for veterinarians and veterinary technicians seeking to enhance their expertise in feline geriatric medicine. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn up to 11 RACE (Registry of Approved Continuing Education) CE credits, a crucial requirement for maintaining professional licensure and staying abreast of the latest medical advancements. The curriculum is expected to delve into advanced diagnostics, therapeutic interventions, pain management strategies, nutritional considerations, and preventive care protocols tailored for senior cats. Electronic proceedings will be included, providing a valuable resource for future reference. In-person registration for this track includes breakfast and lunch on both days, along with an evening reception on Saturday, fostering networking opportunities among colleagues. For those unable to attend in person, access to the recorded veterinary track will be provided post-symposium, ensuring that the valuable content reaches a broader professional audience.

The 1-Day Non-Veterinary Track: Recognizing that optimal feline care extends beyond the clinic, the symposium also features a dedicated track on Saturday, April 11th, for a broader audience. This track is open to other feline professionals (such as groomers, sitters, and shelter workers), cat fanciers, cat owners, and general cat lovers. The content will be tailored to be accessible and highly informative, focusing on practical advice for caring for aging cats at home, recognizing signs of illness, understanding behavioral changes in senior felines, and advocating for their health. In-person registration for this track includes breakfast, lunch, and the Saturday evening reception. A significant feature of this track is the free livestream option, requiring only registration, which dramatically increases accessibility for cat enthusiasts globally, aligning with the EveryCat Health Foundation’s mission to educate and empower all cat guardians. This free access underscores the organizers’ commitment to widespread education about feline well-being, particularly for the often-overlooked needs of senior pets.

A Stellar Lineup of Experts

The symposium boasts an impressive roster of speakers, each a luminary in their respective fields, promising a program rich in diverse perspectives and cutting-edge research. The expertise assembled ensures a holistic approach to healthy feline aging, covering everything from internal medicine and nutrition to behavior and emergency care.

Expected speakers include:

• Margaret Gruen, DVM, MVPH, PhD, DACVB, Fear Free Certified: A board-certified veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Gruen’s insights will be invaluable for understanding and managing age-related behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, and stress in senior cats, crucial aspects often overlooked in geriatric care.
• Alex Lynch, BVSc(Hons) DACVECC MRCVS: As a specialist in emergency and critical care, Dr. Lynch will likely address managing acute conditions in elderly felines, recognizing signs of distress, and optimizing outcomes for critically ill senior patients.
• Severine Tasker BSc BVSc(Hons) PhD DSAM DipECVIM-CA FHEA FRCVS: A highly respected internal medicine specialist, Dr. Tasker is anticipated to present on complex systemic diseases common in aging cats, such as chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes, offering advanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
• Katie Tolbert, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVN: With dual board certifications in internal medicine and nutrition, Dr. Tolbert’s expertise will be vital for discussions on dietary management for senior cats, addressing issues like weight loss, appetite changes, and specialized diets for various age-related conditions.
• Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry): A highly credentialed veterinary technician specialist, Kara Burns will offer practical, hands-on approaches to nutritional support, dental care, and nursing care for geriatric felines, empowering both veterinary technicians and owners.
• Wendy Simpson, DVM: Dr. Simpson is expected to contribute her broad clinical experience, possibly focusing on general practice approaches to senior feline wellness, preventive care protocols, and client communication strategies for geriatric patients.
• Steve Dale, Certified Animal Behavior Specialist: A renowned pet journalist and certified animal behaviorist, Steve Dale will likely offer perspectives on enhancing the quality of life for aging cats through environmental enrichment, understanding behavioral cues, and strengthening the human-animal bond in later years.

This diverse panel ensures that attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted aspects of healthy feline aging, from medical breakthroughs to practical daily care. The inclusion of specialists in behavior and nutrition highlights the symposium’s commitment to a holistic approach to geriatric feline health, recognizing that physical well-being is intrinsically linked to mental and emotional health.

Broader Impact and Future Implications

The 2026 EveryCat/NC State Feline Health Symposium is poised to have a significant ripple effect across the veterinary community and for countless cat owners.

For Veterinary Professionals: The provision of up to 11 RACE CE credits signifies a substantial opportunity for professional development. Staying current with the latest research and best practices in geriatric feline medicine is not merely a regulatory requirement but a professional imperative. The symposium will equip veterinarians and technicians with advanced knowledge that can be immediately applied in clinical practice, leading to more accurate diagnoses, more effective treatment plans, and improved prognoses for their senior feline patients. This enhanced expertise can also translate into increased client confidence and satisfaction, as pet owners increasingly seek specialized care for their aging companions. Furthermore, the networking opportunities will foster collaborations and discussions that can lead to further advancements in the field.

For Cat Owners and Enthusiasts: The non-veterinary track offers an unparalleled opportunity for lay individuals to gain expert knowledge directly from leading specialists. This education empowers owners to become more proactive advocates for their cats’ health, recognizing subtle signs of disease, implementing appropriate home care strategies, and making informed decisions in conjunction with their veterinarians. The free livestream option for this track removes financial barriers, democratizing access to crucial information and promoting responsible pet ownership on a wider scale. Better-informed owners translate directly into better care for cats, ultimately improving their quality of life in their senior years.

For Feline Welfare and Research: The symposium’s focus on "Health Breakthroughs" implies a dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding. Discussions among experts can identify gaps in current knowledge, inspire new research initiatives, and accelerate the development of innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic agents. By spotlighting current challenges and emerging solutions in feline aging, the event contributes directly to the overall advancement of feline welfare globally. It also underscores the economic significance of the senior pet market, which includes specialized foods, supplements, mobility aids, and veterinary services—a market projected to continue growing as pets live longer.

The comprehensive nature of the symposium, from its esteemed speakers to its dual-track structure and hybrid accessibility, reflects a deep commitment from both EveryCat Health Foundation and NC State College of Veterinary Medicine to making a profound impact on the lives of aging cats and their human companions. The organizers encourage all interested parties to visit the official Symposium Home Page to learn more about the detailed schedule, speaker bios, and to complete their registration promptly. Access to the recorded veterinary track post-symposium will ensure that the valuable knowledge shared continues to benefit the feline community long after the event concludes. This collective effort promises to usher in an era of enhanced understanding and improved care for "every cat" navigating the journey of healthy aging.