Feline Infectious Disease Summit 2026

Community Cats Central, in partnership with the Tompkins Foundation for FeLV Advocacy, will once again host this highly anticipated summit. This full day event is dedicated exclusively to supporting cats affected by infectious diseases, including:

1. 1. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV): A retrovirus that impacts a cat’s immune system, making them more vulnerable to illness.
   2. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP): A severe viral disease caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus — now curable.
   3. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV): a slow-acting virus that weakens a cat’s immune system, primarily spread through deep bite wounds from fighting.
   4. Other infectious diseases, such as feline calicivirus, that are often misunderstood.

Designed for animal shelter staff, veterinarians, caregivers, and pet parents who care for these special cats, the event will offer insights into the latest advancements in treatment and diagnosis, along with best practices for managing cats in shelter and foster care settings.

Sessions will cover critical topics including:

1. 1. The latest science, innovations, and treatments related to feline viral infections
   2. Approaches to reducing virus transmission
   3. Ways to create enriching environments that support the well-being of cats recovering from infection
   4. Care and advocacy for FeLV+ and FIV+ cats
   5. Effective strategies for educating the public on disease misconceptions

Expert speakers from across the animal welfare community will share practical strategies and answer questions, equipping attendees with the knowledge to make a meaningful difference for cats with severe or lifelong diseases. This event is an invaluable opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and connect with others committed to improving the lives of cats living with FeLV, FIV, and other serious but survivable diseases.

Speakers and Presentations

Click here to download the full schedule, speaker profiles, and presentation descriptions. And don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter to get all the details and updates sent straight to your inbox.

The FeLV Lifetime Study: How Testing at the Time of Diagnosis Helps to Predict Survival
Dr. Melissa Beall • Director at IDEXX Research & Development

The FeLV Lifetime Study: How Testing at the Time of Diagnosis Helps to Predict Survival
Dr. Julie Levy • Maddie’s Professor of Shelter Medicine at University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) Essentials: What You Need to Know!
Margaret Tompkins • President, Tompkins Foundation for FeLV Advocacy

Rethinking Retroviruses: FeLV/FIV Testing Updates
Dr. Erin Katribe • Director of National Veterinary Programs for Best Friends Animal Society

FIP: From Fear to Hope…and a Cure
Joy Smith • Founder and Ambassador of FieldHaven Feline Center

FIP: From Death Sentence to Daily Practice
Dr. Petra Cerna • PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), Dipl. ECVIM-CA, DABVP (Feline), MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), RCVS Recognized Specialist in Feline Medicine, Assistant Professor, Small Animal Internal Medicine

FIP: From Fear to Hope…and a Cure
Bre Rickard • Co-founder of FIP Global CATS

Conference Sponsors

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We are currently accepting sponsorships for this event and our 2026 educational season. This year’s packages include a range of valuable benefits. Review the sponsorship details, and if you have any questions, please email stacy@communitycatspodcast.com.