Highlights

 In response to the ongoing H5N1 avian influenza virus outbreak and the significant risk it poses to cats, other species (including humans, livestock, and a variety of wild species) and ecosystems, the Cornell Feline Health Center (CFHC) at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has launched a critical initiative aimed at improving our understanding of the impact of H5N1 on domestic cats. The newly established CFHC Feline H5N1 Surveillance Consortium brings together leading researchers from across Cornell’s CVM to proactively study crucial aspects of the current outbreak that will inform broader public and animal health responses to this important feline health crisis. 

The Cornell Feline Health Center reaches out to cat lovers through a combination of education, community-building, and member-focused initiatives designed to deepen both engagement and support.

At the heart of our outreach is accessible, evidence-based support of those who love and care for cats. We share practical feline health information through articles, newsletters, online resources, public events, and through direct contact with cat owners and veterinary professionals throughout the world to promote informed decisions about feline care. This one-on-one support makes us truly unique, and our philosophy is that by translating current research and clinical expertise into clear guidance, the Center becomes a trusted partner in assuring that every stage of a cat’s life is the best it can possibly be.

We also foster a sense of community around a shared commitment to cats. This includes public lectures, webinars, and special communications that highlight real-world impacts of our research and clinical work. Stories of improved treatments, advances in diagnosis and prevention, and lives saved help our stakeholders see how their interest and involvement directly benefit feline health and welfare.

Our multi-tiered membership program is a key platform through which we turn that interest into ongoing support. Both professional and supporting members receive regular updates on feline health advances, research highlights, and Center initiatives, along with exclusive educational content and opportunities to engage more closely with our work. By offering meaningful, science-based resources and clear insight into how membership dollars are used, we help supporters feel personally connected to progress in feline medicine.

In this way, the Cornell Feline Health Center’s outreach is not only about sharing information; it is about building a knowledgeable, committed community of cat lovers whose membership sustains research, education, and clinical outreach that improve the lives of cats everywhere.

The Cornell Feline Health Center educates those who love and care for cats through a broad, integrated array of resources and programs designed for both the general public and veterinary professionals.

For cat owners and caregivers, the Center provides accessible, evidence-based information through its website, articles, fact sheets, and FAQs on both common and complex feline health issues. These materials cover topics such as preventive care, behavior, nutrition, and the recognition and management of disease, helping caregivers make informed decisions in partnership with their veterinarians.

For veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students, the Center offers more in-depth educational content, including summaries of current research, clinical guidance on diagnosis and treatment, and case-based information that supports best practices in feline medicine. These materials help bridge the gap between research and clinical application, ensuring that advances in feline health science translate into better everyday care.

The Center also engages learners through outreach activities such as lectures, seminars, and webinars through which, experts share updates on emerging diseases, new diagnostic approaches, and advances in therapy. These events foster dialogue among clinicians, researchers, and cat owners.

Across all of our programs, the Cornell Feline Health Center focuses on clear, scientifically grounded communication that supports anyone responsible for assuring that cats' lives are as happy and healthy as they can possibly be -from owners and rescue groups to educators and veterinary teams.