National Kitten Coalition

Prepare for Kitten Season
2025-03-18 16:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York)
‘Kitten Season’ is almost here, and in some places it has already arrived– or never stopped! Get prepared for kittens now in order to help all your kittens in the future.
This webinar will cover what you can do now to prepare and will provide need-to-know information to save more kittens! From administrative level planning, to increasing your foster care team, to essential kitten-care information (whether in the field, in foster homes or in the shelter), this session will address preparation and best practices, leaving you with plenty of ideas to make this kitten season one of your best yet!
There will be time for questions, and information about where to find additional, trusted kitten resources will also be included.
Click here to register for this free webinar!
Presenter: Rosemarie Crawford, LVT
Director of Educational Programs,The National Kitten Coalition
Rosemarie Crawford has long had a passion for helping animals–particularly kittens. She is a licensed veterinary technician, co-founder of The National Kitten Coalition and has almost 20 years’ experience in animal welfare. As a medical staff member in a high-volume, open-access shelter, Rosemarie worked closely with the shelter veterinarian to provide for the animals’ medical and surgical needs. She assisted in developing and implementing successful protocols for the care of kittens in the shelter’s nursery as well as for those in foster care. Additionally, Rosemarie served in two shelters as the foster coordinator and understands the challenges of creating, expanding and maintaining foster programs. In addition to presenting national and international training sessions for The National Kitten Coalition, Rosemarie works at a six-doctor veterinary practice in northern VA and also fosters kittens needing medical care.

Fading Kitten Syndrome: Fight the Fade
2025-04-25 13:00 - 14:00
Join us for a comprehensive webinar on Fading Kitten Syndrome (FKS), designed specifically for kitten fosters and caregivers. This session, presented by Rosemarie Crawford, LVT, will delve into the critical aspects of FKS, including its signs, causes, treatments, and prevention strategies.
With the information provided in the webinar, attendees will understand these aspects of FKS and be better able to help kittens by recognizing early signs of “fading,” taking immediate and appropriate actions, and knowing what can be done to prevent some cases of fading kitten syndrome from ever occurring in the first place. Empower yourself with the knowledge to save precious lives and provide the best care possible for vulnerable kittens.
Click to register for this FREE webinar.
Presenter: Rosemarie Crawford, LVT

Panleukopenia 101: A Guide for Fosters and Caregivers
2025-05-21 19:30 - 20:30
Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to learn from Dr. Emily Coleman as she explores the life-saving strategies for panleukopenia in kittens. Specifically designed for foster families and kitten caregivers, this webinar will provide you with crucial knowledge on recognizing early symptoms, accessing care for treatment, and implementing effective vaccination and cleaning protocols to stop the spread of this devastating disease. Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to protect vulnerable lives and provide the best care for kittens in need.
Click to register for this FREE webinar.
Presenter: Emily Coleman, DVM

Incubators—All of Your Questions Answered
2025-10-08 19:30 - 20:00
Join us for a fast-paced, informative webinar designed specifically for kitten caregivers: Incubators—All of Your Questions Answered. In just 15 minutes, we’ll walk through the essentials of incubator use for neonatal kittens—what to look for, how to set up and monitor safely, and common troubleshooting tips. Then, stay for a live 15-minute Q&A session where you can ask your own questions or listen in as others share theirs. Whether you’re fostering, working in a shelter, or supporting fragile feline lives in any capacity, this session is for you.
Can’t attend live? No problem—register anyway! All registrants will receive a recording link after the event so you can watch on your own time. Click here to register for this FREE webinar!
Presenter: Emily A. Coleman, DVM
Dr. Emily A. Coleman grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and acquired a Bachelor of Science at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 2005. She then attended the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, graduating and receiving her DVM in 2009. After over ten years in private practice and shelter medicine, Dr. Coleman decided to think outside of the box and to start her own mobile feline spay/neuter/TNR and preventative care practice dedicated to supporting 501c3 nonprofit rescue organizations in Central Virginia. The Celtic Cat, LLC opened in November 2021 and has since assisted over twenty organizations with their veterinary care of cats and kittens.
Dr. Coleman’s veterinary interests include neonatal kitten care, preventative surgery and medicine, as well as geriatric care. Dr. Coleman serves as the IACUC veterinarian at the University of Mary Washington and has served on the Board of Directors for The National Kitten Coalition since 2023. Dr. Coleman has spoken on behalf of NKC at national veterinary conferences, and she regularly hosts NKC webinars.
She currently lives in Spotsylvania, Virginia with her husband, cats, dogs and chickens and fosters the most vulnerable neonatal kittens from surrounding counties each year, typically receiving them at just a few days old. When not busy with her foster kittens she enjoys attending live music events, reading, gardening and practicing yoga.

Classroom to Clinic: Neonatal and Early Kittenhood Emergencies
2025-11-05 19:30 - 20:30
Are you a veterinary student or faculty member with a passion for feline health and welfare? Join the National Kitten Coalition this February for our RACE® CE-Approved Neonatal and Early Kittenhood Emergencies webinar tailored especially for you!
Sign up for our Classroom to Clinic mailing list to receive the registration link and stay updated on our future events and initiatives.

Sanitation and Cleaning for Kitten Caregivers
2025-12-03 19:30 - 20:00
With thorough cleaning and sanitation, you can significantly lower the risk of virus and disease transmission in your shelter or home.
Join us for a presentation on the current protocols and best practices for cleaning and sanitization when handling and caring for kittens. We will discuss effective products and procedures for disinfecting rooms, cages, bedding, and litter boxes to help keep your kittens safe and healthy.
In this concise 30-minute session, Dr. Emily Coleman, DVM, will share essential cleaning protocols and product recommendations to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases. The presentation will be followed by a live Q&A, giving you the chance to ask questions and get advice on your sanitation challenges.
Click here to register for this free webinar!
Speaker: Emily Coleman, DVM
Dr. Emily A. Coleman grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and acquired a Bachelor of Science at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 2005. She then attended the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, graduating and receiving her DVM in 2009. After over ten years in private practice and shelter medicine, Dr. Coleman decided to think outside of the box and to start her own mobile feline spay/neuter/TNR and preventative care practice dedicated to supporting 501c3 nonprofit rescue organizations in Central Virginia. The Celtic Cat, LLC opened in November 2021 and has since assisted over twenty organizations with their veterinary care of cats and kittens.
Dr. Coleman’s veterinary interests include neonatal kitten care, preventative surgery and medicine, as well as geriatric care. She serves as the IACUC veterinarian at the University of Mary Washington and has served on the Board of Directors for The National Kitten Coalition since 2023. In 2025, Dr. Coleman became the Executive Director of The National Kitten Coalition. She has spoken on behalf of NKC at national veterinary conferences and regularly hosts NKC webinars.
She currently lives in Spotsylvania, Virginia with her husband, cats, dogs and chickens and fosters the most vulnerable neonatal kittens from surrounding counties each year, typically receiving them at just a few days old. When not busy with her foster kittens she enjoys attending live music events, reading, gardening and practicing yoga.

Kitten Development–Fast Tracked
2026-01-21 16:00 - 16:30
Join us for this quick, 30 minute webinar covering the important milestones kitten caregivers need to know about. This live session will not only help you accurately determine the age of kittens, but it will also provide you with essential information to know what’s expected with for the first 12 weeks of a kitten’s development.
Gain the confidence to know what physical characteristics kittens should be showing as they grow and develop. You’ll also have a chance to ask questions!
Register now for this free webinar! This webinar will be recorded and made available through NKC’s eLearning soon after the live event.
Presenter: Rosemarie Crawford, LVT
Rosemarie Crawford is a licensed veterinary technician who has worked in animal welfare for more than 15 years. She has experience in public and private shelters and in veterinary practices. As a medical staff member in a high-volume, open-access shelter in Illinois, Rosemarie worked closely with the shelter veterinarian to provide for the animals’ medical and surgical needs. She assisted in developing and implementing progressive, proactive protocols for the care and treatment of kittens in the shelter’s kitten nursery room as well as for those in foster care.
Additionally, Rosemarie served in two shelters as the foster coordinator and understands the challenges of creating, expanding and maintaining a foster program as well as the rewards such a program can reap via the involvement of volunteers. During times of disaster, she serves as an emergency responder with several national organizations to provide rescue, shelter, veterinary care and transport for affected animals. For many years, she also served as a volunteer instructor for Humane Society University, teaching extended workshops in the United States and Canada on Emergency Animal Sheltering, Disaster Animal Response and Animal First Aid. Prior to focusing her efforts on animal welfare, Rosemarie taught high school and college English for 10 years, and her passion for teaching comes through in the workshop presentations.
Rosemarie is the Co-founder and Director of Educational Programs at the National Kitten Coalition, where she leads initiatives to improve outcomes for kittens through education and training. Currently, she also works at a large, six-doctor veterinary practice in the greater Washington D.C. area and fosters neonatal, injured or debilitated kittens for several local shelters and rescue groups.

Understanding Your Kitten or Cat: Recognizing Pain and Knowing When to Seek Veterinary Help
2026-01-31 12:00 - 14:00
Join us for a special two-part webinar event designed to help cat and kitten owners and caregivers recognize the subtle signs of pain and discomfort in their felines and understand what circumstances, both painful and non-painful, require care from a veterinarian.
Presenters:
Emily Coleman, DVM
Tracey Deiss, DVM
In the first session, Emily Coleman, DVM, will share how everyday changes—like grooming habits, posture, activity levels, or even the way your cat’s ears and eyes communicate—can reveal when they are experiencing pain or discomfort.
In the second session, Tracey Deiss, DVM, will guide you through situations that require veterinary intervention (and how urgently), so you’ll know when to act. By the end, you’ll feel more confident in spotting signs of pain and early warnings requiring veterinary care to protect your cat’s health and well-being.
You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and get clarity and understanding that will give you peace of mind and will help your cat or kitten live their best life.
Hosted by The EveryCat Health Foundation and The National Kitten Coalition
This webinar is offered at no cost thanks to the generous support of our sponsor, Zoetis.

Click to register for this FREE webinar!
About Our Speakers:
Emily Coleman, DVM
Dr. Emily A. Coleman grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and acquired a Bachelor of Science at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 2005. She then attended the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, graduating and receiving her DVM in 2009. After over ten years in private practice and shelter medicine, Dr. Coleman decided to think outside of the box and to start her own mobile feline spay/neuter/TNR and preventative care practice dedicated to supporting 501c3 nonprofit rescue organizations in Central Virginia. The Celtic Cat, LLC opened in November 2021 and has since assisted over twenty organizations with their veterinary care of cats and kittens.
Dr. Coleman’s veterinary interests include neonatal kitten care, preventative surgery and medicine, as well as geriatric care. Dr. Coleman serves as the IACUC veterinarian at the University of Mary Washington and has served on the Board of Directors for The National Kitten Coalition (NKC) since 2023. In 2025, she was appointed Executive Director of NKC, where she continues to advance education and advocacy for kittens and their caregivers nationwide. Dr. Coleman has spoken on behalf of the NKC at national veterinary conferences, and she regularly hosts NKC webinars. She currently lives in Spotsylvania, Virginia with her husband, cats, dogs and chickens and fosters the most vulnerable neonatal kittens from surrounding counties each year, typically receiving them at just a few days old. When not busy with her foster kittens she enjoys attending live music events, reading, gardening and practicing yoga.
Tracey Diess, DVM
Dr. Tracey Deiss attended Texas A&M pursuing a BS in Biochemistry and Genetics with a Chemistry minor. She received her DVM from Texas A&M University in 1998. During veterinary school, she worked at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Lab Animal Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Deiss completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery prior to practicing emergency medicine for 15 years in Grapevine, Texas. She returned to her hometown of Rosenberg, TX joining a large SA practice where her special interests included ultrasonography, soft tissue surgery, feline medicine, and pain management.
Dr. Deiss joined Zoetis as the professional services veterinarian for the Houston and surrounding areas in 2018 and is currently serving as the veterinary medical lead for Feline Anxiety and Pain. Knowing that cats are masters at hiding pain and illness, she is passionate about partnering with their humans in providing consistent comprehensive health screens in clinical practice. She shares her life with a couple of adult kiddos and a menagerie of pets including a Doberman named Sapphira, a Schnauzer named Ms. Ives, and a naughty Borzoi named Jezzie. There is seldom a dull moment in the Deiss Family Circus.
About the Organizations:
EveryCat Health Foundation is the world’s only nonprofit focused solely on feline health research. Since 1968, we’ve awarded grants for cutting edge research in feline medicine, ranging from clinically applicable proposals to long shot investigations with game-changing potential. Arguably, no organization has changed the way feline medicine is practiced as much as EveryCat Health Foundation. EveryCat Health Foundation advances feline health by supporting groundbreaking research and education that benefits every cat, every day, everywhere.
The National Kitten Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing survival rates of kittens. We achieve our mission by educating and training animal shelter staff, rescue groups, veterinary communities, volunteers and fosters to provide high-quality, cost-effective care; providing outreach and educational materials to animal welfare and veterinary professionals and the public; and promoting cooperation and information sharing within the animal welfare community.
Click to register for this FREE webinar!

Starting Strong: How to Perform a Kitten Intake Exam
2026-02-25 19:30 - 20:00
Welcome kittens with confidence – join us for a 30‑minute webinar on the essentials of intake exams.
Dr. Emily Coleman, DVM, Executive Director of The National Kitten Coalition, will guide you step‑by‑step through how to perform a kitten intake exam. Designed for rescue and shelter staff, as well as fosters and caregivers, this session covers what to look for during intake, how to spot potential health concerns, and the importance of documenting baseline stats to track changes over time.
You will gain simple, practical strategies to build confidence in monitoring kitten health, along with ready‑to‑use intake and tracking materials to support your caregiving journey. The webinar concludes with a brief Q&A, giving you the chance to get your questions answered and leave prepared to welcome kittens safely and successfully. When you register, you will also have the opportunity to submit your questions in advance—helping us ensure the session covers the topics most important to you.
Click here to register for this free webinar!
Presenter: Emily A. Coleman, DMV
Dr. Emily A. Coleman grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and acquired a Bachelor of Science at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 2005. She then attended the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, graduating and receiving her DVM in 2009. After over ten years in private practice and shelter medicine, Dr. Coleman decided to think outside of the box and to start her own mobile feline spay/neuter/TNR and preventative care practice dedicated to supporting 501c3 nonprofit rescue organizations in Central Virginia. The Celtic Cat, LLC opened in November 2021 and has since assisted over twenty organizations with their veterinary care of cats and kittens.
Dr. Coleman’s veterinary interests include neonatal kitten care, preventative surgery and medicine, as well as geriatric care. Dr. Coleman serves as the IACUC veterinarian at the University of Mary Washington and has served on the Board of Directors for The National Kitten Coalition (NKC) since 2023. In 2025, she was appointed Executive Director of NKC, where she continues to advance education and advocacy for kittens and their caregivers nationwide. Dr. Coleman has spoken on behalf of the NKC at national veterinary conferences, and she regularly hosts NKC webinars.
She currently lives in Spotsylvania, Virginia with her husband, cats, dogs and chickens and fosters the most vulnerable neonatal kittens from surrounding counties each year, typically receiving them at just a few days old. When not busy with her foster kittens she enjoys attending live music events, reading, gardening and practicing yoga.

Springtime Safety: Preventing Toxic Exposures in Kittens
2026-03-18 14:00 - 14:30
Join us for an essential 30-minute webinar, Springtime Safety: Preventing Toxic Exposures in Kittens, led by Rosemarie Crawford, LVT.
While our focus extends beyond lilies, it’s crucial to note that a staggering 53% of cat owners are unaware that lilies are toxic to their pets*. With Easter approaching, many households are likely to display lilies and other seasonal items that pose serious risks to kittens.
This webinar aims to equip fosters and caregivers with the knowledge needed to navigate these hazards and to emphasize the importance of educating new adopters about the safety of their adorable spring kittens.
We’ll cover the most prevalent holiday hazards, including toxic plants, festive foods, and household decorations, while providing effective prevention strategies and guidance on how to respond in case of exposure. Attendees will walk away with clear, actionable insights to ensure the safety of kittens during the holiday celebrations, along with the opportunity for a live Q&A. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance the well-being of our furry friends!
* Cats Protection, 2025 (https://www.cats.org.uk/media/onnnmi1h/cats-report-uk-2025_digital.pdf)
Click here to register for this free webinar!
Presenter: Rosemarie Crawford, LVT
NKC Co-Founder and Director of Educational Programs
Rosemarie Crawford is a licensed veterinary technician who has worked in animal welfare for more than 15 years. She has experience in public and private shelters and in veterinary practices. As a medical staff member in a high-volume, open-access shelter in Illinois, Rosemarie worked closely with the shelter veterinarian to provide for the animals’ medical and surgical needs. She assisted in developing and implementing progressive, proactive protocols for the care and treatment of kittens in the shelter’s kitten nursery room as well as for those in foster care.
Additionally, Rosemarie served in two shelters as the foster coordinator and understands the challenges of creating, expanding and maintaining a foster program as well as the rewards such a program can reap via the involvement of volunteers. During times of disaster, she serves as an emergency responder with several national organizations to provide rescue, shelter, veterinary care and transport for affected animals. For many years, she also served as a volunteer instructor for Humane Society University, teaching extended workshops in the United States and Canada on Emergency Animal Sheltering, Disaster Animal Response and Animal First Aid.
Prior to focusing her efforts on animal welfare, Rosemarie taught high school and college English for 10 years, and her passion for teaching comes through in the workshop presentations. Rosemarie is the Co-founder and Director of Educational Programs of The National Kitten Coalition, where she leads initiatives to improve outcomes for kittens through education and training. Currently, she also works at a large, six-doctor veterinary practice in the greater Washington D.C. area and fosters neonatal, injured or debilitated kittens for several local shelters and rescue groups

Protecting Kittens Through Vaccination: A Webinar for Rescues, Shelters, and Caregivers
2026-04-15 19:30 - 20:00
Join us for a practical 30 minute webinar designed to help rescue organizations, shelters, fosters, and caregivers understand the essentials of kitten vaccination. Led by Emily Coleman, DVM, this session will walk you through the recommended vaccination schedule, explain why vaccines are critical for young kittens, and provide a clear overview of the diseases they protect against.
Whether you’re caring for a single foster kitten or managing a busy shelter, this webinar will give you the confidence to support healthy starts and prevent outbreaks. With easy to follow guidance and real world tips, you’ll leave with the knowledge you need to keep kittens safe and thriving on their journey to adoption.
Click here to register for this free webinar!
Presenter: Emily A. Coleman, DVM
Dr. Emily A. Coleman grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and acquired a Bachelor of Science at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 2005. She then attended the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, graduating and receiving her DVM in 2009. After over ten years in private practice and shelter medicine, Dr. Coleman decided to think outside of the box and to start her own mobile feline spay/neuter/TNR and preventative care practice dedicated to supporting 501c3 nonprofit rescue organizations in Central Virginia. The Celtic Cat, LLC opened in November 2021 and has since assisted over twenty organizations with their veterinary care of cats and kittens.
Dr. Coleman’s veterinary interests include neonatal kitten care, preventative surgery and medicine, as well as geriatric care. Dr. Coleman serves as the IACUC veterinarian at the University of Mary Washington and has served on the Board of Directors for The National Kitten Coalition (NKC) since 2023. In 2025, she was appointed Executive Director of NKC, where she continues to advance education and advocacy for kittens and their caregivers nationwide. Dr. Coleman has spoken on behalf of the NKC at national veterinary conferences, and she regularly hosts NKC webinars.
She currently lives in Spotsylvania, Virginia with her husband, cats, dogs and chickens and fosters the most vulnerable neonatal kittens from surrounding counties each year, typically receiving them at just a few days old. When not busy with her foster kittens she enjoys attending live music events, reading, gardening and practicing yoga.

Understanding, Managing and Preventing Diarrhea in Kittens
2026-05-06 14:00 - 14:30
Diarrhea is one of the most common health challenges in kittens, and it can quickly become serious if not managed properly. In this 30‑minute webinar, Rosemarie Crawford, LVT, will guide fosters, caregivers, pet owners, and shelter volunteers through the key causes of diarrhea, how to recognize when it’s minor versus when urgent care is needed, and practical steps you can take to provide supportive care at home, along with simple things you can do to help prevent many cases of diarrhea.
Whether you are fostering for the first time or supporting a busy shelter program, this session will equip you with clear, actionable tools to protect kitten health and improve outcomes.
Click here to register for this free webinar!
Presenter: Rosemarie Crawford, LVT
NKC Co-Founder and Director of Educational Programs
Rosemarie Crawford is a licensed veterinary technician who has worked in animal welfare for more than 15 years. She has experience in public and private shelters and in veterinary practices. As a medical staff member in a high-volume, open-access shelter in Illinois, Rosemarie worked closely with the shelter veterinarian to provide for the animals’ medical and surgical needs. She assisted in developing and implementing progressive, proactive protocols for the care and treatment of kittens in the shelter’s kitten nursery room as well as for those in foster care.
Additionally, Rosemarie served in two shelters as the foster coordinator and understands the challenges of creating, expanding and maintaining a foster program as well as the rewards such a program can reap via the involvement of volunteers. During times of disaster, she serves as an emergency responder with several national organizations to provide rescue, shelter, veterinary care and transport for affected animals. For many years, she also served as a volunteer instructor for Humane Society University, teaching extended workshops in the United States and Canada on Emergency Animal Sheltering, Disaster Animal Response and Animal First Aid.
Prior to focusing her efforts on animal welfare, Rosemarie taught high school and college English for 10 years, and her passion for teaching comes through in the workshop presentations. Rosemarie is the Co-founder and Director of Educational Programs at The National Kitten Coalition, where she leads initiatives to improve outcomes for kittens through education and training. Currently, she also works at a large, six-doctor veterinary practice in the greater Washington D.C. area and fosters neonatal, injured or debilitated kittens for several local shelters and rescue groups.
