Incorporating video telehealth for improving at-home management of chronic health conditions in cats: a focus on chronic mobility problems

Overall, the results suggest caregivers were interested in and preferred video telehealth appointments to assist with managing their cat's chronic mobility challenges. In addition, undergoing the synchronous video telehealth appointments increased participant knowledge of their cat's mobility challenges and perceived helpfulness of their at-home management strategies. This suggests that from the caregiver's perspective, the video telehealth appointments were beneficial for both themselves and their cat. There was also evidence that caregivers whose cats were more mobility impaired (higher Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index - short form score) were associated with increased interest in using veterinary telehealth for at-home management of their cat. Further research should assess the impact of common environmental modifications implemented to improve cat comfort, on health and behavior outcomes for cats living with chronic mobility problems.