Community Cats Central Main Event

When We Know Better, Cats Live Better.

July 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM EST 

Join Community Cats Central, in partnership with the Tompkins Foundation for FeLV Advocacy, for this highly anticipated summit - a full day virtual event dedicated exclusively to supporting cats affected by infectious diseases.

Registration is now open!

Understanding changes everything and every cat deserves a fighting chance.

What is the Feline Infectious Disease Summit?

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:

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

  • The latest science, innovations, and treatments related to feline viral infections
  • Approaches to reducing virus transmission
  • Ways to create enriching environments that support the well-being of cats recovering from infection
  • Care and advocacy for FeLV+ and FIV+ cats
  • 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 & 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.


Tabitha Kucera

The FeLV Lifetime Study: How Testing at the Time of Diagnosis Helps to Predict Survival

Dr. Melissa Beall

Director at IDEXX Research & Development

Arden Moore

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

Rachel Geller

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) Essentials: What You Need to Know!

Margaret Tompkins

 President, Tompkins Foundation for FeLV Advocacy

Stacy LeBaron

Rethinking Retroviruses: FeLV/FIV Testing Updates

Dr. Erin Katribe

Director of National Veterinary Programs for Best Friends Animal Society

Joy Smith

FIP: From Fear to Hope…and a Cure

Joy Smith

Founder and Ambassador of FieldHaven Feline Center

Joy Smith

FIP: From Fear to Hope…and a Cure

Bre Rickard

Co-founder of FIP Global CATS

Dr. Petra Cerna

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

Your Host & Sponsors

Meet Your Host
Community Cats Central
Providing education and tools to turn your passion for cats into action.
Join Community Cats Podcast host Stacy LeBaron as she guides you through the day's events, engages in conversations with the speakers, and plays fun cat trivia games with the audience.

We’re grateful to the following sponsors for their generous support in making this event possible.

Premier Sponsor