Cornell Feline Health Center

10/13/2026

Halloween is just around the corner! It is important to remember that Halloween can be lots of fun, but sometimes it's stressful for our pets. 🎃👻

Here are some Halloween Do's & Don'ts for our feline friends. 🐱

Do make sure your cat is microchipped with up-to-date information, wears a collar and ID tag, and stays indoors on Halloween.

Don't feed pets Halloween treats! Sugars and fats can cause more than an upset stomach, some are poisonous to cats like those containing raisins, chocolate, and candies containing xylitol (a common sugar substitute).

Do keep your cat in a safe space in a room of your home away from the front door and trick-or-treaters so that they don’t get nervous and try to run out the door. Offer enrichment items and play some calming music in their room.

Don't allow access to Halloween decorations such as jack-o-lanterns, glow sticks, costume parts or other decorations that may present a hazard if chewed on.

Do make sure to allow your cat time to get comfortable wearing a Halloween costume if you chose to have them wear one. It should fit properly and not have any pieces they can easily chew off or block their eyes, ears, mouth or movement. Do not leave your cat unsupervised in their costume.

09/28/2026

The World Rabies Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness about rabies prevention and the fight to defeat this fatal disease. Safe and effective animal and human vaccines are among our most important tools, alongside raising awareness in our communities.

Rabies is spread by saliva from an infected animal & can spread from infected pets to people.

What can you do to prevent rabies?
• Make sure all pets are up to date on their rabies vaccines
• You and your pet should avoid contact with wildlife, as well as stray/unknown dogs and cats
• Seek medical attention immediately if you or your pet were bitten by wildlife or a stray/unknown dog or cat.

Prevention is key as there is no effective cure for rabies.

09/26/2026

It's ! Don't be shy, let's see those cats! Help us celebrate with pictures of your favorite feline friends. 📷🐱

09/24/2026

Today is Day 1 of the 2025 FelineVMA Annual Conference, September 24-27, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Come see us at our booth. We would love to meet you and talk all things feline 🐱

09/22/2026

Do you know how to tell if your cat is in pain? September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. Animals often express pain differently than people. Here are the most common signs of pain in cats; decreased activity, decreased appetite, and/or overgroom or licking a particular area.

In recognition of Animal Pain Awareness Month, here’s another look at Cornell’s Comparative Pain Program. The initiative was launched by Dr. Jordyn Boesch, anesthesiologist, pain management specialist and associate professor at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. The goal of the program is to offer unique treatment for pets with chronic pain or severe acute pain, while contributing to research that will advance our understanding of pain, test novel drug treatments and generally advance animal and human health.

To learn more about the program click the link below ⬇️
https://hubs.la/Q04x4Pg80

09/20/2026

Cornell Cinema is hosting an afternoon of laughter in service of our feline friends! Cat Video Fest is a joyous experience that raises money for local cats in need.

When:
Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 4:30pm
Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 2:30pm

Learn and purchase tickets at https://hubs.la/Q04xNlrX0

A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to the SPCA of Tompkins County.

09/19/2026

Meow, Meow, Meow! 🐱⚓
National Meow Like a Pirate Day is celebrated on September 19th each year to recognize the role cats played on the high seas in the past. Cats were often seen as good luck charms and were valued for their ability to catch rats.

09/18/2026

09/17/2026

September 17th is National Pet Carbon Monoxide Safety Day. Here are a few facts to help keep you and your pet safe.

What is carbon monoxide (CO)?
• A colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is produced from the burning of fossil fuels

Why is it dangerous?
• Reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood
• Pets can be more susceptible than people because they are smaller

Where does it come from?
• Car exhaust in garage or in a car with a blocked tailpipe
• Propane space heaters, gas fireplaces and water heaters, ovens, furnaces, camping stoves, blocked chimneys, housefires

Signs of CO poisoning:
• Can occur quickly or over longer periods of time
• Acute: difficulty breathing, seizures coma, death
• Chronic: vomiting, lethargy, weakness
• Red lips, ears, and gums

If you suspect CO poisoning:
• Evacuate with your pet to fresh air
• Call 911
• Take your pet to a veterinarian immediately

Outcome:
• Milder cases may recover with prompt treatment
• More severe cases may be fatal

For more information about CO detectors check your local hardware store or talk to your local fire department. If you have concerns about your pet being exposed, please contact your local veterinarian. Check out our website for other feline health topics.

09/16/2026

𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒑𝒂𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝑾𝒆𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒅𝒂𝒚
Celebrate with the Cornell Feline Health Center ! Tap the photo below, then tap the three dots in the top corner of the photo to save the image to your phone. 📲 🐈😺