The term “caregiver burden” is often applied to people taking care of human loved ones who are very sick and possibly dying. Such caretakers experience greater stress, depression, and anxiety than those in the general population as well as a reduced quality of life. But researchers have also found that those who care for chronically ill or dying cats experience the same levels of distress.
Working out of Kent State University and two Ohio veterinary hospitals, investigators compared the owners of healthy cats (and dogs) to those with sick or dying pets who were suffering from such illnesses as cancer, musculoskeletal problems, heart disease, and other sicknesses. The study consisted of 238 people, 119 with a healthy companion animal and 119 with a sick one.
All-too-telling results
In looking at virtually the same parameters used to assess caregiver burden for those who take care of sick loved ones who are people, the researchers found that the responses all pointed in the same direction when it came to cats. Those with a chronically sick or dying pet had significantly greater levels of depression and anxiety, felt greater stress, and had a poorer quality of life than those with healthy cats, meaning they experienced worse moods along with dips in their relationships with other people.
It should be noted that most of the people participating in this study, published in the journal Veterinary Record, were generally well educated, with college or graduate degrees, and had an average annual income greater than $75,000 a year. If more people making less money had participated in the research, the differences in psychological and social wellbeing between those with sick pets and those with well ones might very well have been even greater. Financial concerns during a pet’s illness could ratchet up anxiety and difficulty coping, increasing caregiver burden considerably.
Tufts veterinary social worker Eric Richman, MSW, LICSW, could have guessed the findings. “I see the issue of caregiver burden daily at our animal hospital,” he says. In fact, he goes on to say, “I now have a support group for our clients. Typically, owners of cats and other companion animals with cancer carry the most burden in caring for chronically ill and terminally ill patients.”
His advice for those caring for a loved cat who is sick or in hospice with an ongoing illness:
Recognize the burden and seek support through a mental health professional, support group, or both. “With human medicine and chronic illness,” Mr. Richman says, “about 25 percent of caregivers report health problems of their own as a result of the stress associated with caregiving. And up to 50 percent report mental health problems.” Professional help allows caregivers to balance work and family and to make room to care for themselves while caring for a sick pet.”
Additionally, Mr. Richman advises practicing self-care principles to avoid burnout. These include the following:
A) Set limits on what you can and cannot do.
B) Work in periods of rest and renewal each day or week.
C) Give yourself permission not to be perfect.
D)
Build support from family and friends.
E) Make sure to eat well, get enough sleep, and practice good exercise habits.
F) Keep a sense of humor.
