The Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine mourns the passing of Dr. Fredric W. Scott, D.V.M. ’62, Ph.D. ’68, professor emeritus and founding director of the Cornell Feline Health Center (CFHC), who died on April 24, 2025. A pioneering figure in feline medicine, Dr. Scott leaves behind a transformative legacy of research, education, and compassion that will continue to shape the future of veterinary care for cats around the world.

Dr. Scott’s career was defined by a relentless commitment to improving feline health. In 1974, he founded the Cornell Feline Health Center—the first institution of its kind dedicated solely to advancing feline medicine. Under his visionary leadership for 25 years, the Center became a global leader in research, outreach, and public education, particularly in the fields of feline infectious diseases such as feline panleukopenia, feline leukemia, and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

“Fred’s steadfast support of the college, even in retirement, left a lasting mark on the community. His passing is a profound loss not only for feline medicine but also for the broader veterinary profession,” said Dr. Lorin D. Warnick, Austin O. Hooey Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “During my service as Dean, I’ve been very appreciative of Fred’s consistent support and encouragement for the college. I extend my sincere condolences to Fred’s family, friends, and colleagues around the world.”

Dr. Scott’s work laid the foundation for CFHC’s enduring mission: to enhance the health and well-being of cats everywhere through cutting-edge research, training of future veterinarians, and public outreach. His efforts in developing vaccines and diagnostic tools revolutionized the field and significantly improved feline healthcare worldwide.

“Fred built a foundation that allows us to ask better questions—and find better answers—about the diseases that affect cats today,” said Dr. Bruce Kornreich, current director of the Cornell Feline Health Center. “His legacy lies not just in what he discovered, but in the generation of scientists he continues to inspire.”

That legacy is clearly visible in the CFHC’s ongoing initiatives. The Center has invested over $7 million in feline-focused research and programming at Cornell in the past 25 years alone. Through scholarship funding and its support of the Veterinary Investigation and Leadership Program (VILP), the CFHC empowers students to carry forward Dr. Scott’s vision of a future where science-driven care transforms the lives of cats and their caregivers alike.

The Center’s impact is also celebrated through the Fred Scott Feline Symposium, an annual event that brings together experts and practitioners in feline medicine. Originally launched in the late 1980s and renamed in Dr. Scott’s honor in 1997, the symposium continues to be a cornerstone of continuing education and collaboration in the field.

In 2024, Dr. Scott participated in the CFHC’s 50th anniversary celebration, reflecting on the Center’s humble beginnings and remarkable growth. Even in retirement, he remained deeply involved, offering mentorship and wisdom to students, colleagues, and alumni.

From his early work in virology to his decades of leadership, Dr. Fredric Scott’s legacy is etched into the heart of Cornell and the broader world of veterinary medicine. His contributions continue to guide the CFHC as it enters its next 50 years—driven by the same spirit of scientific excellence and compassion he embodied every day.

For more about Dr. Scott’s legacy, see the original article: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/professional-education/legacy-dr-fredric-w-scott