How emojis will help the future of cat healthcare in latest study

Owners of cats diagnosed with cancer participating in a food trial are set to report their feedback via emojis. 

Digital vet care firm, Joii Pet Care, is undertaking a study throughout 2023 to test how nutrition can play an active part in helping cats to live their best lives once diagnosed with malignant cancer. 

Cat owners will be asked to switch their cat’s food to a bespoke calorie-rich nutrition plan by a leading pet manufacturer. Owners will be prompted to regularly share feedback on the change in food via a range of emojis relating to their cat’s perceived enthusiasm for the food. 

The study is investigating the impact that food has on cats with a cancer diagnosis via a ten-week nutrition programme and aims to reduce weight loss experienced by cats with a malignant cancer diagnosis. 

Joii Pet Care Vet Sheila Smith said: 

“Weight loss is a real concern for any cats with a cancer diagnosis. We’re looking to see whether a bespoke diet can help them to eat and keep weight on; and the correlation that this has on their quality of life. 

“The study will involve 30 cats throughout the year, with the results then analysed to help shape the future of pet healthcare. By taking part, owners will be helping their cat, and hopefully many more that have a cancer diagnosis in the future. The food has been designed to be really tasty which encourages them to eat, it’s calorie-rich with essential nutrition and is designed specifically to support their needs.” 

Pet owners whose cats qualify will be provided with the food, weighing scales and calls with vets via digital vet care app, Joii Pet Care. The vet team will regularly check in with owners to track progress and answer any questions.

Cat owners who want to participate in the study can find out more at https://joiipetcare.com/pages/cat-cancer-support-food-study. If you’d like to speak with a Joii Pet Care vet about any pet health concerns, download the app. 

Joii Pet Care is also offering a free vet consultation for any pet owners concerned that their cat has cancer symptoms. Sheila Smith added: “Just like human healthcare, early detection and diagnosis is crucial, so we’re encouraging people to get in touch at the earliest opportunity if they are worried their cat may have cancer. Our teams will be able to provide a wealth of guidance, advice and support.”  

Anybody who would like to arrange a free consultation should email contact@joiipetcare.com to request a consultation code.

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Editors notes

Founded in early 2017 by tech expert Paul Hallett and experienced veterinarian Robert Dawson, Vet-AI is an R&D company developing a number of solutions that focus on supporting pets, vets and giving pet parents the tools to access care more affordably and conveniently when their pets need it most.

The company’s flagship brand Joii is set to launch in April 2019. Built by a team of experts with cutting-edge, bespoke technology, Joii is an app for pet parents to diagnose and receive recommended treatment for pets from the comfort of their home. Dedicated to improving and updating the animal health industry in-line with some of the ground-breaking innovations seen in human health, Paul approached one of the largest animal health companies in the UK and met his business partner, Robert Dawson.

The founders spent 18 months researching and understanding what pet parents’ needs are, and what technology is currently available for pet diagnosis. The more research Paul and Robert carried out, the more exciting their idea became.

Investors in people, the co-founders have built a team of industry experts including vets, PhD level data scientists, and technology programmers. The team consists of OBE award-winning entrepreneur Jonathan Sands alongside chief data scientist Trevor Hardcastle, a renowned computational solid-state physicist and frequent presenter at international conferences with 19 published papers to his name. Also joining the company is one of the most highly regarded veterinary dermatologists in the UK, Sarah Warren, former head of AI at push doctor Josh Sephton, and Monocle- and Forbes-featured designer Guy Buchan. With more than £500,000 investment from co-founder Robert, £100,000 investment from law firm Lupton Fawcett and £175,000 from award-winning design studio Elmwood, the firm will be seeking further investment in 2019 to support its continued growth. The firm, which launched in the UK in 2019, has its sights set on going global; Australia and the US next, followed by Europe and Asia. It has already received recognition across the UK, reaching the final in Tech Nation’s Rising Star awards and nominated for ‘Innovation’ and ‘Newcomer’ in the upcoming Yorkshire Business Masters awards. The company plans to partner with charities in the near future, with animal welfare at the forefront of Vet AI. Co-founders Paul and Robert are keen to donate part of the firm's profits to mental health and animal welfare organisations. Paul and Robert are looking to employ another 30 people in 2019 and are set on continually developing the company's AI technology to automate diagnosis, improve healthcare, and enhance how our pets live.

View the website at www.vet-ai.com and follow the consumer app on Twitter @Joii_app.