Caregiver burden in cat owners: A qualitative study of chronic illness management

Abstract

Background : Research into pet caregiver burden (PCB) has commonly focused on dog owners, with limited research on cat caregiving experiences. Existing studies comparing PCB between dog and cat owners have produced mixed findings. The aim of this work was to provide an in-depth exploration of cat owners providing care for a cat with chronic illness, with a particular focus on their experiences managing their cat’s illness, how they navigate caregiving challenges, and the role of the human-cat bond in PCB. Methods : Adult participants currently caring for a cat diagnosed with osteoarthritis, chronic kidney disease, or cancer were recruited. Interviews followed a semi-structured format, lasted up to 60 minutes, and were completed using Microsoft Teams. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach with a combined deductive-inductive framework. Results : Participants ( n = 10) reported being female (100%), mean age 40.6 years (range 29–65), white (90%) and non-Hispanic (90%), with their cats having comorbidities with the targeted conditions of osteoarthritis ( n = 7), chronic kidney disease ( n = 9), and cancer ( n = 1). Caregiving demands were complex, involving emotional, social, financial, and practical challenges that included hypervigilant monitoring, uncertainty, and disruptions to daily life. Participants invoked several strategies to manage these challenges through problem solving, adapting routines, and relying on support systems. The human-cat bond played a dual role, both motivating sustained caregiving (e.g., caregiver and cat receiving care are bonded) and being reshaped by caregiving tasks (e.g., cat avoiding caregiver) and illness-related changes (e.g., osteoarthritic behavioral changes). Conclusions : Caring for a cat with chronic illness involved caregiving responsibilities that may not be fully captured by existing measures for PCB. These findings highlight the need for assessment tools that better reflect cat caregiving experiences and for interventions to support owners managing long-term caregiving demands.