2018 ANNUAL REPORT
The Impact of Hope
Cornell Feline Health Center
A Message from the Directors
01
Making a Difference
02
Funded Research Updates
04
Cats for Comfort
06 08
Fred Scott Symposium
10
Membership Portal
12
The Power of Bequests
14
Donor Partnerships
15
Clinic Memorial Program Partnerships
16
Honor Roll of Donors
18
Financials
20
Cayuga Society Membership
21
A message from the Directors Dear Friends, It is our pleasure to present this year’s annual report, in which we are proud to highlight some of the impacts that our programs have on feline well-being. We could not pursue our mission of making the world a better place for all cats without the generous support of our donors, and we are thankful, honored, and fortunate to be a part of this special partnership. Our work positively impacts the lives of cats and those that love them in various ways. In some cases, such as the Cats for Comfort program, the positive effects are immediate. Experiencing the life-changing bond that develops between the cats, seniors, and students that make this unique program possible warms our hearts and shows us that each relationship that develops as a result of this program is special. Cats find a loving new home, seniors find a loving new companion, and students learn about feline veterinary care, communication, and client support, and become even more enthusiastic about feline practice. Cats for Comfort provides an immediately beneficial experience for all involved while creating enthusiasm in the next generation of feline practitioners. Supporting discovery in feline health is also an important part of what we do. The impact of this discovery benefits the lives of cats today while laying the foundation for tomorrow’s improvements in feline medicine and well-being. The results of some of the studies we make possible have already affected feline veterinary practice, while others explore new paths to improve our ability to diagnose, treat, and prevent feline diseases in the future. The common links between them all are that they benefit our beloved cats and are made possible by the generosity of our donors.
Educating cat lovers and veterinary professionals is another important aspect of our mission. By providing up-to-date information through a variety of media to cat owners, breeders, and veterinarians, we improve the quality of life of countless cats that may otherwise be cared for less optimally. Our educational endeavors with veterinary professionals and students pave the way for improved care for cats today and into the future. This primary and continuing education of veterinarians and other professionals working to maintain and improve feline health is vital to assure that health care for cats is the absolute best that it can be. It is impossible to mention our impact without recognizing and sincerely thanking you, our dedicated supporters, who make this impact possible. Making sure that your generous support impacts feline health as much as possible is something that we earnestly take to heart. 76¢ of every dollar we receive directly impacts feline health through our programs. We are humbled and proud to be the stewards of the kindness that you extend to our feline friends, and we are excited about what the future holds for all cats as the beneficiaries of this thoughtful support. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you make possible. Our warmest regards,
Luis M. Schang, MV, PhD Director
Bruce Kornreich, DVM, PhD, DACVIM Associate Director
A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 018
1
Your contributions making a difference
Other FHC-funded studies have laid the foundation for future advancements in feline medicine. The work of Dr. John Parker’s group has shown how calicivirus, a common viral infection of cats, attaches to and gains access to 2
$578,569
$532,375
$407,390
In another study, Dr. Kenneth Simpson’s team studied bacterial populations in the GI tracts of cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Using cutting edge techniques, Dr. Simpson showed that the severity of inflammation correlated with the types of bacteria in their intestines. This study laid the groundwork for the use of probiotics in the treatment of feline IBD, with the rationale being that providing more “good” bacteria to affected cats helps reestablish normal GI bacterial populations, thereby mitigating the effects of overgrown “bad” inflammation-inducing bacterial populations.
FHC research grant funding $700,000 $600,000 $500,000 $400,000
$246,179
Dr. Manuel Martin-Flores, for example, used special imaging techniques to identify the cause of a common anesthesia-related syndrome in which cats anesthetized for dental procedures awake from anesthesia with temporary blindness. This work showed that when cats’ mouths are held open too widely for too long, the blood vessels that course behind the hinge-points of the jaw to the brain and eyes are occluded, blocking the blood flow to these regions. Fortunately, he was also able to provide a good solution. Decreasing the angle at which the mouth is held open and intermittently allowing the mouth to close during these procedures eliminated the problem. Thanks to FHC-sponsored studies, countless cats (and owners) have been spared the trauma of experiencing this temporary blindness.
Equally as important as the direct impact of all this new knowledge, FHC-funded research also provides training in feline-related health issues for future veterinarians and leaders in feline health management. Over the past 15 years, trainees have worked on FHC-funded projects in areas ranging from clinical medicine to scientific research, honing their skills on feline-focused projects such as the optimization of anesthetic protocols, immunotherapies for viral diseases and cancer, and the use of stem cells to improve the reproductive success of felids. These trainees have subsequently moved on to a variety of positions in academic, industrial, and private institutions. Tomorrow’s leaders in feline clinical medicine and discovery science are forged here today, and we could not provide these training opportunities without the generous support of donors like you.
$249,612
The other 1/3 focus on understanding the mechanisms of feline diseases, such as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and restrictive cardiomyopathy, or on opening new roads for future development of advanced diagnostics and therapeutics. These publications have been cited nearly a thousand times in papers published in 165 different scientific journals, illustrating the impact FHC-funded research has on shaping the future of feline health.
feline respiratory cells, the first step in infection and disease. Dr. Gary Whittaker’s work on how the usually benign coronavirus mutates to become the almost routinely fatal FIP form of the virus has provided a new approach to diagnosing FIP and understanding how it spreads through an infected cat’s body and infects other cats. These types of studies provide a greater understanding of these diseases, a crucial step in finding better diagnostics and treatments for them.
$131,966
Over the past 15 years, FHC research grants have produced results that were disseminated throughout 45 publications in 26 prestigious peer-reviewed scientific journals. Approximately 2/3 of them focus on topics with direct major impact on clinical practice, including analyses of the interpretation, accuracy, or risks of diagnostic tests, the risks/benefits of therapies, and the natural progression of feline diseases such as hyperthyroidism, ocular herpesvirus infection, cholangiohepatitis, and allergic skin disease.
$300,000 $200,000 $100,000
FY13 FY14
FY15 FY16
FY17 FY18
A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 018
3
Research Updates
Brian Rudd, MPH, PhD
Galina M. Hayes, BVSc, MRCVS, PhD
Gary Whittaker, PhD
Tailoring immunotherapy to treat cancer in cats
Finding the best way to suture abdominal incisions
In human cancer treatment there has been a surge of interest in immunotherapy, where cells from the body’s own immune system are trained to attack cancer cells; however, these advances have not yet been applied to treat feline cancer. Dr. Brian Rudd is investigating the cytotoxic T cell, an immune cell used in human immunotherapy, which has not been well studied in cats. He is working with fellow Cornell faculty members Dr. Andrew Grimson and Dr. Ankur Singh to compare human and feline cytotoxic T cells and to develop strategies to activate these cells to target and kill cancer cells.
Most cats will undergo at least one surgery that requires cutting into the abdomen at some point in their lives. But in 10% of these surgeries, cats develop complications ranging from abdominal pain to deadly infections. Veterinarians can choose from among a handful of techniques to suture the muscle, fat, and skin layers after an incision, but there is no scientific evidence pointing to the best method. Dr. Galina Hayes has developed a clinical trial with 350 cats to determine the best way to suture the fat layer after an operation: to close it
Getting back to the basics to understand feline infectious peritonitis
These experiments will not only yield insights into the feline immune system, but will also lead to the development of tools and procedures for working with feline cytotoxic T cells. Ultimately, this work will enable more targeted studies of feline immunotherapies in the future.
Tracy Stokol, BVSc, PhD, DACVP
Developing tools toward a “liquid biopsy” for cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in cats, and tumors in the skin, mouth, and mammary glands are especially common. Dr. Tracy Stokol is studying these cancers to find specific biomarkers on tumor cells that could be used for detection and diagnosis. She is following a two-pronged approach, looking for molecules on the surface of tumors and gene sequences found only in cancer cells. Identification of relevant biomarkers would open the doors to develop a blood test that would detect tumor cells circulating in the bloodstream, signaling that a tumor is present and has started to spread. Ultimately, the tools that Dr. Stokol is developing may lead to a “liquid biopsy” that would be cheaper and less invasive than a traditional surgical biopsy or that may detect hidden “occult” tumors. Similar tests are already being explored for humans. If these techniques can be applied in cats, they may lead to earlier cancer detection and a more accurate prognosis for patients.
4
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a deadly disease caused by a mutant form of feline coronavirus, which causes mild infections in cats worldwide. FIP develops from abnormal interactions between coronavirus and the cat’s immune system and may cause diarrhea, fluid in the chest or abdomen, or loss of vision and coordination. However, cats with FIP are showing up at clinics with symptoms that don’t match textbook descriptions, and Dr. Gary Whittaker suspects that many unexplained feline syndromes may be unrecognized cases of FIP. To better understand the basic biology of this virus, Dr. Whittaker and his team are collecting more than 1,000 samples from FIP-infected cats – and they’re looking for more – to see if genetic and chemical changes in the virus are related to the different ways that FIP manifests in cats. The tools that Dr. Whittaker develops will be useful for more accurate diagnosis of unrecognized forms of FIP. This work may also help in managing the disease, especially in shelters and multi-cat households where
completely with one line of sutures, to leave it open to reduce inflammation, or to attach it to the muscle layer underneath to prevent fluid pockets from forming. Dr. Hayes will monitor each cat’s pain and any complications following surgery. This clinical trial will begin determining the method that yields the fewest problems, ultimately saving millions of cats from unnecessary pain and postsurgical complications.
A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 018
5
Research Updates
Katie Kelly, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Exploring factors contributing to feline heart disease
Santiago Peralta, DVM, DAVDC
Gerlinde Van de Walle, DVM, PhD
Understanding the bacterial communities in gum disease
Evaluating a multipurpose treatment for eye infections
In cats and many other species, periodontitis is a common condition causing inflammation of the gums, bad breath, and tooth loss. Bacteria under the gum line contribute to the development of the disease, but the role of individual types of bacteria is still unknown. Dr. Santiago Peralta is using advanced “omics” techniques to identify the bacteria that cause inflamed gums and to understand how their actions cause this painful, chronic condition.
Eye infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or a combination of the two, are a common problem in cats. Up to 70% of cats referred to Cornell’s Ophthalmology Service have an eye infection, and diagnosing the cause can be time-consuming and expensive. Dr. Gerlinde Van de Walle is evaluating broad-spectrum treatments that would be effective against multiple ocular pathogens. One treatment that shows promise is povidone-iodine, which is best known as an orange surgical scrub. Dr. Van de Walle found that this product is effective against some feline ocular pathogens in cell lines cultured in the lab and is currently testing its effectiveness in cultured corneas. If these results are encouraging, the next step would be to evaluate its use to treat eye infections in patients.
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) causes thickening of the heart muscle and is the most common form of heart disease in cats. Its presentations range in severity from asymptomatic, often producing just a murmur, to congestive heart failure, blood clot formation, irregular heart rhythm, or even sudden death. Despite its prevalence, veterinarians don’t yet understand the factors that cause HCM or its progression. Dr. Katie Kelly is recruiting cats with HCM and screening their blood for thousands of metabolites to identify other diseases that are linked to HCM. She is also performing autopsies on cats that have succumbed to HCM to see if they frequently suffer from other conditions, such as obesity, as a first step toward analyzing the roles that these conditions may play in the development and progression of HCM. Dr. Kelly’s findings will test the links between metabolic pathways and HCM. Any such links would help veterinarians to identify cats that are at greater risk of developing this common disease. They are also helpful toward exploring the development of blood tests for HCM.
6
Povidone-iodine is already given to humans to treat eye infections. It thus has the potential to become a first-line therapy for cats suffering from infections caused by viruses, including feline herpes and calicivirus, and several different types of bacteria.
He is comparing the microbial communities from the mouths of healthy cats to those of cats with different stages of periodontitis, to see if certain members of the community, and their metabolic activities, are related to the severity of the disease. By understanding the microbiology piece of the periodontitis puzzle, Dr. Peralta is laying the groundwork for future studies of the disease, which can consider additional factors, like the cat’s genetic background and diet.
Rory J. Todhunter, BVSc, PhD
Building a foundation for feline genetic testing Researchers have developed numerous genetic tests for diseases in humans and dogs, but testing for cats lags behind. To help feline researchers catch up, Dr. Rory Todhunter is developing a “biobank” of DNA from cats admitted to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. He is still recruiting healthy older cats to serve as “universal” controls, in order to be able to compare the genomes of sick cats to healthy ones, to potentially pinpoint the genetic variations responsible for specific diseases. With informed cat owner support, this work serves as an essential foundation without which it would be very difficult to develop genetic tests for feline diseases. Dr. Todhunter is using the biobank to identify genes contributing to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a deadly thickening of the heart muscle for which there is no comprehensive genetic test, especially for mixed breed cats. He will then tackle hyperthyroidism, which can cause weight loss and erratic behavior in cats. Genetic tests for these common diseases would lead to earlier detection, novel treatments, and better breeding practices. A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 018
7
This past year, we’ve expanded the program to provide routine veterinary care (vaccination and nail trimming), to two community cats at the Oak Hill Manor nursing home in Ithaca. These community kitties spend their days roaming the facility and brightening residents’ days with their feline love. We’re thrilled about these new additions to our Cats for Comfort family and look forward to following up with them on a routine basis. The cats adopted at the Longview assisted living facility during our first two adoption events continue to do very well. It is inspiring to see how the relationships between the cats, seniors, and students have grown, enhancing the lives of all involved. These kitties serve as catalysts for the development of friendships between the adopting seniors and the students, who share their common love for the cats. In addition to the hands-on experience that students receive in helping care for these cats, students and seniors have consequently forged friendships that go beyond merely providing veterinary care. It’s truly heartwarming to see that students have, on numerous occasions, taken the initiative to visit adopting seniors on their own time.
Feline Club student participation is a vital aspect of this unique program.
We have begun to identify other cats currently living at Longview, Kendal, and Oak Hill Manor that will benefit from care by the Cats for Comfort team. We anticipate organizing a schedule for regular visits by Feline Club students to provide care for these cats, and we look forward to the continued expansion of this unique and budding program. The Cats for Comfort program could not exist without the dedicated collaborative effort of the FHC, TCSPCA, Longview, Kendal, and members of the Cornell Feline Club. We are extremely grateful to have such innovative and caring cat-loving partners and look forward to expanding the program’s reach and impact as we continue to work together towards a happier future for all parties involved!
Cats for Comfort – benefiting cats, seniors, and students
From left to right: Jim Bouderau, Executive Director; Sonia Gonzalez, Intake Coordinator; Doug Scott, Adoptions and Intake Manager, Tompkins County SPCA
The Cats for Comfort program held its third adoption event in spring 2018, this time at the Kendal ® retirement community in Ithaca. The connections made between the senior adopters, their new cats, Tompkins County SPCA (TCSPCA) staff, and Feline Club members (composed of DVM students at the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine) are as rewarding and inspiring as they were in the first two adoption events.
8
A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 018
9
Fred Scott Symposium A continuing legacy of excellence in feline veterinary education Our 29th Fred Scott Feline Symposium proudly continued the legacy of educational excellence for which this annual meeting has become recognized. We were thrilled to host Dr. Mark Peterson, renowned veterinary endocrinologist and the first to document hyperthyroidism in cats, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Peterson’s lectures are well known for their cuttingedge content and entertaining nature, and this year’s presentations were no exception. Attendees were updated on the most recent information regarding the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of feline hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and other endocrine diseases. Dr. Peterson’s lectures were an excellent blend of information extracted from research and from his vast clinical experience. The conference was rounded out by engaging lectures provided by expert clinicians and basic scientists from Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and Cornell University Veterinary Specialists (CUVS) on topics including panleukopenia and influenza virus in cats, the
10
diagnosis and management of urinary tract obstruction, management of inter-cat aggression, and common feline reproductive emergencies. As is always the case, the low attendee-to-lecturer ratio and interactive nature of these sessions are part of what makes this conference unique among veterinary continuing education opportunities. In addition to the excellent learning opportunities, attendees were also afforded an outstanding venue in which to network, socialize, and relax during our wine and cheese reception, attendee dinner, and while receiving massages at our “Kneading Station”. All this sitting and learning can make those muscles sore, and we had just the puuurrfect solution! We extend our gratitude to the faculty and staff of Cornell’s College of Human Ecology for hosting our 2016 and 2017 Symposia while CVM embarked on its capital improvement plan. We could not have asked for more gracious hosts these past couple of years.
Mark your calendars! Next year’s symposium will be taking place July 26 – 28, 2019!
A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 018
11
A new benefit exclusively for members
We’re excited to announce that we’ve launched an interactive portal – a new benefit available exclusively to Feline Health Center members! The new portal offers members printable versions of our feline health brochures, information on our Camuti feline consultation service, a weekly feline wellness blog, and an opportunity to submit a picture of their cat(s) to be featured as our “Kitty of the Month”. Members will also be able to update their contact information and renew their membership through our secure online portal. If you are currently a member and haven’t taken advantage of this new perk, please send us an email (FHC@cornell.edu) so we can send you a personalized link to set up your account. If you aren’t a member yet, we hope you’ll consider joining us. With your help and support, the Center strives to improve the health and wellbeing of cats everywhere. We’re so grateful to count you as a friend and supporter!
A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 018
13
Donors making a difference for cats and people alike
A long-lasting gift in memory of Calico Clara
“A major attraction of the Feline Health Center for Tamara and I is that it is about both cats and the people that love them,” says Mark Rosen who, along with his wife Tamara Kirson, has been a fervent cat lover and FHC supporter for years. Mark and Tamara have adopted three kitties in their time together: Ralph, adopted in Texas, and Osny and Hervé, brothers adopted while they were living in Paris in the mid-1990s. “The fact that the mission of the FHC benefits both cats and people through education, social interaction, and science makes it a unique resource that strengthens the bond between cats, their owners, their veterinarians, and the public in general.” Mark and Tamara first learned of the Center while trying to learn how to give subcutaneous fluids to Osny, who was suffering from chronic kidney disease. They were unsure that they could administer the prescribed fluid therapy safely and effectively. After finding the Center online, they called and spoke with then-Director Dr. Jim Richards. “Jim was very compassionate, positive, and reassuring, and he gave us confidence that we could do it,” Mark says. This began a relationship with the FHC that has continued to this day. Mark has since become a dedicated member of the FHC Advisory Council, where his love of cats, experience in marketing, and ability to work collaboratively with others have been invaluable assets. Mark and Tamara have recently decided to include FHC in their planned giving portfolio, providing a legacy that will benefit cats for years to come. “We love cats because they are prescient, sensitive, and caring beings that add life, warmth, and entertainment to a home,” Mark says.
Dr. Timothy Plunkett, ’81, DVM ’86 and Moses
Phyllis Strickler has experienced the love of feline friends for many years, and has seen the benefits that cats can impart to herself and to others. “I’ve always been an animal lover, although I was originally a dog person,” she says. After working as a receptionist in a veterinary clinic in New York City for almost 25 years, she had a transformative experience while working as an aid at a local psychiatric facility. It was there that she met a patient whose condition was dramatically improved by having a small group of feral cats to care for at the facility. “These cats were neither vaccinated nor neutered, and I helped them receive this vital medical care,” says Ms. Strickler. Inspired by the positive influence that they had on this patient, she ultimately developed a special bond with one of them, a calico named Clara. Caring for these cats, and in particular for Clara, motivated her to become more involved with feline welfare, and this motivation continues to this day. An FHC supporter since the early 1980s, Ms. Strickler recently made the generous decision to support the FHC through an endowment as part of her planned giving portfolio. “This gift is given in memory of Calico Clara and all of the cats I have loved because of her,” she says. When asked why she chose the Cornell Feline Health Center, Ms. Strickler explains, “Educating veterinarians and the public about the importance of quality veterinary care for cats, and of research focused on health issues in cats, is vital to their well-being.”
14
These days, Ms. Strickler’s heart belongs to Moses, a 12-yearold Bengal who is number one in her household. Moses was a gift from her veterinarian, Timothy Plunkett, ‘81, DVM ’86, a strong FHC supporter and frequent donor through our Clinic Memorial Program. Ms. Strickler is glowing in her praise of Dr. Plunkett’s expertise and caring nature, and she is eternally grateful for his dedication to all of the cats he cares for.
Mark and Tamara have a unique zest for life, enjoying music, education, and travel, among many other things. A common string that runs through these passions is an interest in people and our feline friends, and these interests are part of what attracted them to partner with FHC. “The mission of the FHC is broad enough to benefit both cats and the people that care about cats,” Mark says. “With dedicated scientists and clinicians on one end and caring supporters on the other, everyone benefits from its unique programs, and the bond between cats and people is strengthened many fold.”
We could not be more thankful for Ms. Strickler’s generosity, and we look forward to continuing the important work that her kindness helps make possible. If you would like to discuss your hopes and dreams for providing for other cats now and into the future, please contact Ms. Amy Robinson at amy.robinson@cornell.edu or 607.253.3742.
A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 018
15
Clinic Memorial Program Veterinary clinics participating in our Clinic Memorial Program support the Center’s mission of making the world a better place for cats while also honoring their clients’ lost pets. We thank you for your partnership and support! Remembering our feline friends with a gift for a better future, July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018.
California Animal Hospital of Walnut The Cat Care Clinic Kensington Veterinary Hospital Veterinary Specialty Hospital Dr. Kristine Yee Colorado Cat Specialist Connecticut Aspetuck Animal Hospital Bolton Veterinary Hospital Burlington Veterinary Center Chippens Hill Vet Hospital Easton Veterinary Fairfield Veterinary Hospital Georgetown Veterinary Hospital Manchester Veterinary Clinic Middletown Veterinary Hospital New England Cat Care Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital Schulhof Animal Hospital South Windsor Veterinary Clinic Suffield Veterinary Hospital Delaware Lums Pond Animal Hospital Florida A Country Cat House All Cats Healthcare Clinic The Cat Hospital at Palm Harbor For Cats Only
16
Georgia The Cat Care Clinic Illinois Animal Hospital of Woodstock Brumley Veterinary Clinic The Cat Practice Chicago Cat Clinic Lombard Animal Clinic Town And Country Animal Hospital Louisiana The Cat Hospital of Metairie Massachusetts Brockton Animal Hospital Cape Ann Veterinary Hospital Easthampton Animal Hospital The Feline Hospital Granby Animal Clinic Linwood Animal Hospital Mattapoisett Animal Hospital West Roxbury Animal Hospital Maryland Cat Hospital at Towson Flower Valley Veterinary Clinic Layhill Animal Hospital Maine Coastal Cats Feline Health Care Windsor Veterinary Clinic
Michigan Cat Care The Visiting Vet Minnesota City Cat Clinic North Carolina Cat Care Hospital Cat Clinic of Greensboro Mayfair Animal Hospital New Jersey Bryan Animal Hospital Edgewater Animal Hospital Exclusively Cats Veterinary Hospital Green Pond Animal Care Center Larchmont Animal Hospital Marsh Hospital For Animals Oradell Animal Hospital Park Ridge Animal Hospital Vet On Wheels New Mexico Albuquerque Cat Clinic New York Animal Hospital of Niskayuna Animal Kind Veterinary Hospital Briarcliff Animal Hospital Brook Farm Veterinary Center The Cat Doctor Central Animal Hospital Central Veterinary Hospital
Cheektowaga Veterinary Hospital Clark Animal Care Center Clarkson Veterinary Hospital College Point Animal Hospital Doorbell Vet Eastview Veterinary Clinic Feline Health Felton Veterinary Services Dr. Jean Ferreri Forest Hills Cat Hospital Fountain House Veterinary Clinic Greenpoint Veterinary Hospital Dr. Raymond Hayes Highland Animal Hospital Hilton Veterinary Hospital Jacobson Veterinary Clinic Jeffersonville Animal Hospital Just Cats Veterinary Clinic Lyndon Veterinary Clinic Main Street Cat Hospital Manetto Hill Animal Clinic Manlius Veterinary Hospital Meadowridge Veterinary Hospital Moriches Hospital for Animals Nanuet Animal Hospital New York Cat Hospital Newburgh Veterinary Hospital North Castle Veterinary Hospital North Country Veterinary Services Otterkill Animal Hospital Pleasant Plains Animal Hospital Pleasant Valley Animal Hospital Ridge Animal Hospital Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital
Saugerties Animal Hospital Sleepy Hollow Animal Hospital South Towne Veterinary Hospital Springville Animal Hospital Steinway Court Veternarian Thorn Avenue Animal Hospital Three Village Veterinary Hospital University Animal Hospital Veterinary Center of East Northport West Chelsea Veterinary Hospital Woodbury Animal Hospital Wrights Corners Animal Care Center Your Happy and Healthy Pet
Utah Pet Stop Vet
Ohio Cat Care Hospital Cats Only Veterinary Clinic Veterinary Oncology and Referral Clinic
Washington Woodhaven Veterinary Clinic
Virginia Franklin Farm Veterinary Clinic Godspeed Animal Care Montrose Animal Health Center Pet Medical Center of Springfield Roanoke Animal Hospital Vienna Animal Hospital Vermont Otterside Animal Hospital
Pennsylvania Bloomsburg Veterinary Hospital Doylestown Animal Medical Clinic Milford Animal Hospital Thornwood Veterinary Hospital University Drive Veterinary Hospital South Carolina Creekside Veterinary Clinic Texas Dr. Kathy Carlson Cats Love Housecalls
A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 018
17
Honor roll of donors Working together to make the world a better place for all cats
Thank you to our donors at all levels over the past year. While space prevents us from listing all names, please know that your support is deeply appreciated. $50,000 and above Ms. Susan M. Seidman*
$25,000 - $49,999 Dr. Andrew Faigen Ms. Constance J. Melodie Hewes*
$10,000 - $24,999 Dr. Beth J. Benson Mr. Coleman P. Burke Mrs. Mary Ann Clifford and Mr. Patrick J. Clifford Draper Foundation Fund Mr. Michael E. Kroboth and Ms. Suzanne Kroboth Ms. Joan A. Maurer* Mr. George O. Monnig* Paul and Lea Levine Foundation Ms. Renee Sabreen* Dr. Tina Louise Waltke and Ms. Mary Jane Constant Mrs. Janet H. Wesson Mr. Robert B. Zoellick and Ms. Sherry L. Ferguson Jeffery Trust
$5,000 - $9,999 Ms. Martha Jane Dodge Dr. Jay Gould Mr. Kenneth J. Sharigian and Ms. Patricia M. Armstrong Ms. Kay Stocker
$1,000 - $4,999 Dr. Alan C. Baum and Mrs. Andrea Baum Ms. Janice N. Bechtel Mr. James D. Calore Ms. Jane E. Clifford Dr. Steven J. Cohen and Mrs. Deborah L. Cohen Mr. Gerald R. Cook Col. Lawrence Carroll Crockett and Mrs. Ellen V. Crockett
18
Ms. Sylvia D’Aprix and Mr. Barry R. D’Aprix Mr. John Datto* Ms. Barbara Ditman and Mr. Roger D. Ditman Mr. Jules H. Drucker* Mr. Paul A. DuCommun Ms. Madeleine Frankel Ms. Frances A. Frey Dr. Mark N. Frolick and Ms. Emily S. Frolick Mr. W. Gregory Gallagher Mr. Francis J. Gasparik Mrs. Eleanor Govesky Ms. Marie L. Hedbavny Mr. James B. Hirsch Mr. Wesley W. Hoffmaster and Mrs. Lyn Hoffmaster Mr. Ronald W. Hull Ms. Alice Hutchinson Ms. Rose-Marie Jacobius Ms. Sharon A. Kapple Ms. Rosemary D. Karaka and Dr. Robert N. Swanson Mr. Bernard Karwick Dr. Jennifer A. Koga Dr. Peter L. Malnati Jr. and Mrs. Gail Malnati Ms. Nancy J. McMullen Mr. James E. Mills and Mrs. Marian K. Mills Mrs. Gloria J. Modrell Ms. M. Josette Mowlem Ms. Jennifer Neel Mr. Charles C. Philipp Dr. Donald C. Powell and Mrs. Rita L. Powell Dr. Richard W. Reid Mr. Mark Rosen and Ms. Tamara Kirson Ms. Regina M. Rubenstein Mrs. Randi Ellen Scholnick-Philippidis and Mr. Adam Philippidis Dr. Fredric Winthrop Scott and Mrs. Lois Scott Ms. Frances M. Shloss Dr. Barbara J. Siepierski Dr. David D. Stahl and Ms. Marcia Stahl
Mrs. Lois E. Thompson Dr. Carvel G. Tiekert and Mrs. Lorraine Tiekert Dr. Ann Marie Warner Lill and Mr. Charles G. Lill Mrs. Joanne M. Williams Mr. J. D. Woods
$500 - $999 Holly Averyt-Gunnerson Dr. Gary Mark Baum and Mrs. Judith Solomon Baum Mr. Richard L. Canel Jr. Mr. Theodore Chu Ms. Deirdre Claiborne Dr. Colleen E. Currigan Ms. Carol W. Dean Dr. Robert H. Foley Jr. Mr. Michael J. Franconi Ms. Christine A. Guy Mr. Dave Harmon Mr. Steve Hill Mr. Tim Hopkins Ms. Susan Hostler Ms. Maria A. Hudson and Mr. David S. Hudson Esq Dr. John R. Kennedy Ms. Susan M. Kieta Ms. Judy Gleklen Kopff and Mr. Gary Kopff Ms. Angela Lennox Kay Ms. Michele Lisi Ms. Alline Matheson Ms. Susan S. Menson Dr. Elinor Miller Mrs. Irene R. Penney and Mr. Brian J. Penney Ms. Hillary L. Pettegrew Mr. Christopher R. Picaut and Ms. Patrice Molnar Picaut Ms. Susan J. Pinciaro Mrs. Helen B. Putre Mr. Richard N. Reciniello Ms. Diane Reed Mr. Jeffrey Reynolds Ms. Suzanne Rieder
Dr. Carole A. Sack Mrs. Lauren Schairer Dr. Donald Schnell Mrs. Mary Jane G. Scott Ms. Sandra L. Simpson Dr. Mariko H. Soto Ms. Ingrid A. Spatt Ms. Jaclyn A. Spear Ms. Nancy H. Stetson Ms. Joan Susha Mr. Gregory W. Warmuth and Ms. Paula J. Warmuth Mr. Thomas R. Yarborough
$250 - $499 Dr. Robert J. Adams Ms. Elizabeth N. Allred Ms. Kathleen T. Arnold Ms. Nancy Barber Van Gieson Ms. Cheryl J. Bard Mr. William D. Bastow and Ms. Patricia A. Green Mr. Kurt Bauer Dr. Peter W. Bloch Ms. Elisabeth M. Bolduc Mr. Louis M. Borgia Dr. Barbara Altman Bruno and Mr. Joseph Peter Bruno Dr. Barbara J. Burde* Ms. Susan M. Burger Ms. Margaret M. Burt Ms. Maryanne Byrnes Mr. Thomas E. Carroll Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Cashman Mr. Randy Cepuch Ms. Christine Simon Coats Ms. Allison W. Coleman Ms. Kelly Conaty Mrs. Diane Crain Ms. Cecelia Daher Mr. Peter Dobler Mrs. Carol S. Duesi Mr. John Dwyer and Mrs. Rita Dwyer Ms. Alyssa Tova Finkelstein Ms. Pamela Frankel Mr. James E. Gallagher Jr. Ms. Ericia Gertsch Ms. Teresa Giacalone Ms. Lisa Gluck Ms. Tamberly A. Gobert and Mr. John Hinzelman Ms. Elizabeth E. Graves Ms. Nancy Gregorich and Mr. Bryan Talbert Ms. Karen A. Gryson Mr. Isle Hodgson Ms. Victoria P. Hulick Ms. Leanna J. Jensen
Ms. Jennifer E. Jones Ms. Tiffani Kaliko Dr. Timothy A. Kneen Dr. David W. Krick Dr. Arthur I. Kronfeld Ms. Alison Kruk Mr. Donald W. Kuty Dr. Sharon P. Lachette Mr. Dennis Lash Dr. Jane E. Liller Mr. David F. Litz Ms. Roberta E. Litzinger Ms. Audrey Lobdell Ms. Aura Mager Ms. Carole Mathews Mrs. Patricia G. Meier Ms. Margaret A. Miles Dr. Douglas K. Miller Ms. Joanne Miserandino Mr. Stephen H. Mitchell Mr. Emil F. Novak Ms. Linda M. Pivarnik Ms. Danielle Prill Ms. Deborah Race Mr. Stephen Ramsey and Ms. Ann E. Jones Ms. Terri Reicher
Dr. Sharon Romm Ms. Rona Rosenberg Mr. Tim Rueger and Ms. Shelley Rueger Ms. Nancy L. Slaybaugh Dr. Gayle Elizabeth Sternefeld Mr. Shepard B. Stone Ms. Alice C. Straus Ms. Maleyne M. Syracuse Ms. Carole Rapp Thompson and Mr. Paul M. Thompson Mr. Heber Vellon and Ms. Susan Joy Lacey Mrs. Jocelyn P. Vereb Ms. Dorothy Walizer Mr. Craig Ward Ms. Laurie Watts-Amato Ms. Carol L. Weiser Ms. Claire Wichrowski Mrs. Marlene C. Winters Mr. Charles Yochim * Denotes deceased
A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 018
19
Financial information
95% of our funding comes from donor support.
Edu ca tio d U n niver ea g n e s l l ity o C Su draising a Fun nd Admin is
Research Fundin g5 1.3 % and Programs 2 , h c 4.4 a e % utr d Services 11.2 n a ,O t % or n e t m 8 p . pp 2% lo ve e D 4. tion 9% tra
20
ests 70.3% Bequ d an fts i come 24.7% G t In n me ices 5% w Serv o d an h,
En Education, Ou c tre ac
Revenue
Cayuga Society The Cornell Feline Health Center’s Cayuga Society membership includes 150 families that have made us aware that they’ve included the Center in their estate plans. The kindness of Society members has resulted in over $10 million of investment in cat-specific discovery through their trusts and estates, and we could not be more thankful to these special partners. There are a number of ways in which you, too, can help. A very important one is arranging a similar bequest in support of the Center. Such a gift allows you to establish a legacy of support for an important cause, an act of kindness that assures that your passion for cats is recognized in posterity by supporting work that benefits all cats. If you would like to be included and recognized as a member of the Cayuga Society, please let us know! You can reach us via email at FHC@cornell.edu or by phone 607.253.3093.
Expenses 76¢ of every dollar was spent on funding feline research, education and outreach initiatives, and support for our programs such as the Camuti Consultation Service and Cats for Comfort.
Ms. Lila R. Abeles Ms. Janet Alger Mr. Bill Anderson Dr. Beth J. Benson Dr. Jane Bicks Ms. Mira Bieler Mr. Erich C. Boehm Ms. Cherry P. Brown Ms. Linda K. Brown Ms. Connie J. Canode Mr. Tony Carbonell Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Cashman Ms. Marilyn L. Cassidy Mr. George Chronakis and Mrs. Barbara Chronakis Ms. Helen G. Ciarletto Mrs. Mary Ann Clifford and Mr. Patrick Clifford Ms. Jane C. Dent Dr. Amy Doofenbaker Ms. Mary Ann Esposito Ms. Sharon Fairchild Mrs. Melinda Fortney-Boehringer Mr. Marcel P. Gagnon and Mrs. Theresa D. Gagnon Paula Gladue, V.M.D. Ms. Carol Goodrich Ms. Penelope J. Greene Kurt and Judith Greenwald Mr. David F. Gregorski Ms. Paulette Hepworth Mr. Taylor R. Hoag Mr. Randy G. Hopkins Ms. Kathleen B. Jacklin Ms. Patricia A. Kachur Ms. Linda A. Kovalick Ms. Theresa M. Leadbeater
Ms. Audrey Lobdell Dr. Carol Lowrey Ms. Helen Magill Dr. Mark Maller Ms. Marilyn Martin Ms. Marie Matarazzo Ms. Anita Maurizio Ms. Carolyn A. Meisenzahl Ms. Jean Messick Dr. Elinor Miller Mr. Garth Miner and Mrs. Mary-Ann Miner Mr. Stephen H. Mitchell Mr. Thomas E. Morris Ms. Christine S. Negm M.S., R.D. Ms. Carol L. Peterson Ms. Susan Pinchot Ms. Linda M. Pivarnik Ms. Monica L. Prichard Mrs. Helen B. Putre Dr. Sharon Romm
Mr. Mark Rosen and Ms. Tamara Kirson Ms. Rona Rosenberg Mrs. Linda Rossi and Dr. Clifford V. Rossi Mr. Roger Schlenker Mr. Robert Schwartzberg and Ms. Marilyn L. Ross Ms. Nancy L. Slaybaugh Ms. Joan Susha Ms. Karen Swanson Professor Jean Marie Tardif Ms. Adrienne Tashjian Ms. June Tesauro Mr. Clark Tyler Thompson Dr. Tina Louise Waltke and Ms. Mary Jane Constant Ms. Fern Weiss Mr. Douglas Wolford and Mrs. Laura Wolford Mr. Charles Yochim Anonymous donors
A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 018
21
Our mission Cornell Feline Health Center 235 Hungerford Hill Road Ithaca, NY 14853 vet.cornell.edu/FHC 607.253.3414
To improve the health and well-being of cats everywhere by: • Finding ways of preventing and curing diseases of cats by supporting breakthrough feline health studies • Educating veterinarians and cat owners about feline health by providing timely medical information and by promoting public understanding and awareness of feline issues • Providing timely expert guidance and support when unforeseen feline diseases or health crises emerge