Telehealth for cats with arthritis

Telehealth may improve care for cats with arthritis by reducing clinic stress and offering personalized advice for home management and comfort.

Arthritis is common in cats. It can affect up to 30% of felines under the age of ten, and 64% to 92% of those older than ten. Because taking a cat to the vet is often stressful and challenging, many may not be getting the care they need. However, telehealth for cats with arthritis may improve care, according to a recent study from the University of California, Davis. 

Researchers worked with 106 cat parents across the US and Canada. They wanted to see if video telehealth visits could improve care and home environments for cats with arthritis. The findings showed that video calls were beneficial. They allowed cat parents to ask questions and get non-medical advice. More than 95% of participants said they would pay for telehealth visits. Most, however, expected the cost to be slightly lower than for in-clinic appointments.

“Telehealth is meant to provide advice and support for cat caregivers,” said lead study author, Grace Boone, an assistant specialist in the UC Davis Animal Welfare Epidemiology Lab. “We found that overall, everybody was quite interested in video telehealth for home management of cats and their mobility issues.”

“Cats are great at hiding signs of pain,” added Carly Moody, senior author of the paper and an assistant animal science professor. “These conditions are prevalent, and pain is a serious health and welfare issue that needs to be addressed. Telehealth is beneficial because it allows you to take out that clinic stressor for some aspects of care.”

In the home video sessions, Boone asked general questions about the cats’ wellbeing and mobility. She also suggested modifications when participants requested advice. Suggestions included elevated food and water dishes to ease neck strain. Boone also recommended larger litter boxes with shorter walls, and extra steps to access favorite spots. The study participants said the visits helped them understand their cats’ needs. They also felt more confident about their care.

“A lot of in-home modifications can be implemented to increase cat comfort,” Moody said. “Telehealth allows veterinary professionals to see and understand the cat’s home environment and make recommendations.”

She added that telehealth for cats with arthritis complements in-person veterinary care rather than replacing it. Telehealth visits don’t require a veterinarian. A registered veterinary technician or other knowledgeable staff member can conduct the calls, answer questions and give advice. 

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