College of Veterinary Medicine - Cornell University

Dr. Louis J. Camuti Memorial Feline Consultation Service

The Dr. Louis J. Camuti Memorial Feline Consultation Service was established to honor the memory of the late Dr. Louis J. Camuti. Known affectionately to many as "THE CAT DOCTOR," Dr. Camuti was the first veterinarian in the United States to devote his entire practice to cats, making house calls for his feline patients for more than 60 years. Since his death in 1981, friends have sought to honor his lifework through the Dr. Louis J. Camuti Memorial Endowment Fund, which continues his tradition of compassion, dedication, and a pioneering professional commitment to the health and well-being of cats. Contributions to help maintain this fund are welcome.

Consultation Service

Information on feline diseases and health care has burgeoned during the last few years. However, this abundance of information makes it very difficult for practitioners and cat owners to stay current on the newest developments in feline health care. In response to this need, the service attempts to make information available in a timely, efficient and accessible manner. The Cornell Feline Health Center's consulting veterinarians answer your specific questions, giving up-to-date advice based on the most current information available in feline medicine.

How the Service Works

The service is currently available to both cat owners and veterinarians on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon Eastern time (excluding holidays). When you call, a member of our staff will assist you in obtaining information and, if consultation is requested, guide you through a brief intake process. The information will be provided to the consultant who will then contact you directly once your questions and concerns have been reviewed. Calls are typically returned within 48 hours (excluding weekends), however, some calls may take up to 72 hours or longer, especially around holidays.

It is important to note that this service is intended for informational purposes only. Consultants cannot diagnose or treat your pet over the telephone. Conversations with the consulting veterinarians should not replace the relationship that you and your cat(s) have with your local veterinarian, especially in urgent and emergency situations. Any recommendations you receive should be discussed with your local veterinarian to decide if they are appropriate for your cat.

Consultation Rates

Consultations with our veterinary consultants are provided for a fee of $55 per call, which helps the Center defray the operational costs of this service.  Oncology (cancer) consultations with a member of the Oncology Department at Cornell are $75 per call since these calls are complex and require more time and expertise.  Behavioral consultations with a Cornell veterinary behaviorist range from $115 including 90 days follow-up. 

Professional and Supporting members of the Cornell Feline Health Center receive a 20% discount on consultation fees. The discount does not apply to oncology and behavior consultations. Payment can be made by MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express credit/debit cards.

If you wish to have your cat seen by a veterinarian at Cornell, you may contact the Cornell University Hospital for Animals at (607) 253-3060, option 2, to schedule an appointment.

Diagnostic Services

The Center is privileged to have the readily available services of the Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Presently, a new 125,000 square foot facility, and future home of the AHDC, is under construction within the Veterinary College complex. This new facility will feature the latest in diagnostic equipment to aid veterinarians in obtaining accurate and rapid diagnosis of diseases. These state-of-the art diagnostic tools enhance your veterinarian's ability to prescribe the most effective treatment for feline ailments. Veterinarians can contact the AHDC for guidance and assistance in submitting samples for diagnostic tests by calling (607) 253-3900.