EXPRESS: Assessment of caregiver burden in feline chronic kidney disease

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate caregiver burden associated with management of cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsCaregivers who had experience managing a cat with CKD were recruited through social media to anonymously participate in an online Qualtrics survey. The modified Zarit Burden Interview (mZBI) was incorporated into the survey to objectively assess caregiver burden. An mZBI score of ≥ 18 represents clinically significant burden.ResultsA total of 339 surveys were completed. 46% of caregivers reported an mZBI score of ≥ 18. Caregivers of cats with IRIS stages 3/4 had significantly higher mZBI scores (median 20.0, range 3 - 50) than caregivers of cats with IRIS stages 1/2 (median 14.5, range 0 - 58; P = 0.0007). Caregivers who reported never to rarely sharing care responsibilities had significantly higher mZBI scores (median 20.0; range 0 - 50) than those who reported sometimes to always sharing care responsibilities (median 15.0; range 2 - 58) (P = 0.0007). Caregivers who reported the need to coax their cat to eat on a daily basis had higher mZBI scores (median 22.8, range 2 - 50) than those who never coaxed their cat to eat (median 14.5, range 0-49) or coaxed their cat 1-2 days/week (median 19.2, range 3 - 42) (both P < 0.001). Caregivers who always felt supported by the veterinary care team had lower mZBI scores (median 13; range 0-58) than those that only felt supported sometimes to never (median 23; range 5-45) (P < 0.001).Conclusions and clinical importanceSignificant caregiver burden is present in feline CKD, emphasizing the need to for clinicians to provide empathetic advice and practical support.