Why are you running this study?
The purpose of this study is to evaluate a newly developed, complete and balanced diet for cats with cancer, to see if it has any effect on appetite, body shape/weight and quality of life. It is possible there is a link between cancer, loss of appetite, body weight/condition and the animal’s quality of life and we wish to try to maintain a good quality of life for your pet.
Why will you ask me questions?
We need to ask questions to have some background information about your cat and their condition in order to understand as much as we can about them. We will do this through Joii app questionnaires or during the video consultations with the vet or vet nurse.
We will ask about their hunger and interest in eating as well as weight measurements. We will also ask some questions that relate to their quality of life. Our vets will record your cat’s body condition and muscle conditions scores during video calls too. All this information helps us to build a picture to understand if this food really can help support cats like yours and prevent any deterioration in its quality of life.
Do I have to pay?
No, the food, pet scales, food scales and Joii video consults that are part of the study will be provided free of charge to you for the duration of the study. If your pet needs any additional products or medicines for their health as a result of a veterinary consultation, these will be charged for at the standard rates by your primary care practice. However, you have free of charge access to remote vet and vet nurse video calls via the Joii app at any time of day or night.
What will happen to the results of the study?
We, along with the pet food manufacturer, may decide to publish the results and to use them in promotional materials. All your answers to our questions will be kept strictly confidential. Results from the study may be printed in veterinary journals and also in the non-veterinary press, but you and your cat will not be identifiable from any published work.
Do I have to be a Joii customer to participate?
Yes, you’ll need to have the Joii app downloaded and register your cat.
Will a vet be able to give me advice on my cat's health?
Yes. During video consultations with your Joii vet you can ask for advice. In some instances our vets may recommend referral to your primary care veterinary practice if they are unable to provide
adequate care remotely. If you are worried about your cat's health between video consultations, it is best to seek advice from your normal vet. You can request a vet video consultation instantly via the Joii app or make an appointment to speak with your usual vet practice.
My cat only eats wet food, can they still participate in the study?
The cancer support food only comes in a dry kibble/biscuit formulation, if your pet will not eat dry kibble then unfortunately they will not be able to participate in the study. However, clean fresh water should always be given.
My cat is an outdoor cat, is this a problem?
If your cat lives outdoors only, unfortunately they will not be able to participate in the study.
If your cat lives inside but has access to the outdoors, providing they can be present during the video consultations and you can adhere to the other terms of the study then they can participate.
Can I feed my cat treats and other food during the study period?
After the transition period we ask that you feed solely the food that is provided as part of the study, as directed and nothing else to your cat during the study. If you feed anything else during this time it may cause our results to be inaccurate. If you have any concerns about your cat eating please call through the Joii app to discuss this with a vet or nurse. If your cat accidentally eats something else during the study, we'd ask that you let us know at your next vet or vet nurse video call (this is so we can record this), if it happens regularly it may cause our results to be inaccurate.
What happens if my cat becomes pregnant or needs to feed kittens with her milk? If your cat becomes pregnant or is feeding kittens, you must notify us and they will be withdrawn from the study.
What happens if my cat's health declines during the study period?
If your cat’s health declines during the study period we’d ask you to inform us as soon as possible, the food may no longer be suitable to feed your cat. The best way to do this is to notify us in the Joii app, via a video call with a vet and your primary care practice. They will both assess your cat and a decision will be made if they need to leave the study or not.
Signs of declining health may appear as:
a) Occasional or more howling as if in distress, than usual.
b) Illness/vomiting/diarrhoea/coughing
c) Inactive or has had low energy e.g. not playing or less affectionate or other changes d) No longer appearing happy, affectionate, not bright or alert, not making sounds that indicate happiness, not curious or interested in surroundings, not kneading/pawing as usual.
e) Drinking an abnormal amount of water compared to usual
f) Poor Appetite
g) Losing weight or feeling more bony or light when picked up
h) Sleeping more than normal
i) Not grooming himself/herself
j) Developed new medical condition or accident
You can request a vet video consultation instantly via the Joii app
Is there a risk to my cat?
The cancer support food is a complete and balanced dry food intended to be consumed by cats only. It is not expected to cause any harm at all to any of the cats participating in the study.
What if my cat starts a new medication or develops a new condition? If your cat starts a new medication or develops a new health condition during the study period we’d ask you to inform us as soon as possible, the food may no longer be suitable to feed your cat. The best way to do this is to notify us in the Joii app, via a video call with a vet. They will assess your cat and a decision will be made if they need to leave the study or not.
What happens if my cat passes away or needs to be put to sleep (euthanised) during the study period?
We would obviously offer our sincere condolences if this happens, but if in the sad event that your pet dies or is put to sleep during the study period we would ask you to inform us as soon as possible. The best way to do this is to notify us in the Joii app, via a video call with a vet, alternatively you can email us programmes@joiipetcare.com
When do I need to contact you outside the scheduled video calls and app questionnaires? How do I do this?
We ask that you contact us via Joii video call, or email in the following circumstances:
a) Your cat has been prescribed appetite stimulating medication
b) Your cat has not eaten for 24 hours
c) Your cat has lost Weight of >10%
d) Your cat has development of condition that requires management with therapeutic food e) Your cat becomes pregnant, or is feeding kittens.
f) You become concerned about your cat’s health
g) Your cat won't eat the food
h) You're unable to feed the new food or check its weight
i) You can for some reason no longer agree to the terms and conditions of the study j) Your cat’s diagnosis has changed (applicable to those enrolled with a tentative diagnosis)
What can I do if my cat refuses to eat the food?
If your cat refuses to eat the food we'd ask that you contact us through a Joii app for a vet or vet nurse video call to discuss this in more detail.
If this is during the transition period from the old food to study food, it may help to offer the food in separate bowls next to each other as some cats don't like mixing foods. At any stage of the study your cat stops eating the food it may help to try the following ● Try feeding your cat in a quiet area
- Offer the food whilst stroking your cat
- Try hand feeding some of the food.
If the above suggestions don't work then it may help to soak/soften the food and warm it slightly to help make it more appealing.
If your cat still refuses to eat the food we'd ask that you let us know through a Joii vet or Joii vet nurse video call who will be able to advise you of the next steps, you may need to contact your primary vet for an assessment, your cat may need to be withdrawn from the study
What can I do if my cat accidentally eats something else during the trial? If your cat accidentally eats something else during the study, we'd like you to let us know at your next vet video call (this is so we can record this), if it happens regularly it may cause our results to be inaccurate or your cat may need to be withdrawn from the study. NOTE: occasional treats up to 10% daily calories are allowed.
How do I get the food?
The food will be sent to you free of charge via courier after you’ve completed your first onboarding questionnaire on the app. We will need you to provide your delivery address in this questionnaire for that purpose. You will receive 2 bags of the study food, which will be enough for the study duration. On completion of the study you will receive further food should you wish to continue feeding it, until it becomes available commercially.
My other cat/pet has accidentally eaten some of the food, is this safe?
The cancer support food is a complete and balanced dry food intended to be consumed by adult cats only. It is not expected to cause any harm to any of the cats participating in the study or other healthy cats that may accidentally eat some. The food is not complete and balanced nutrition for kittens or dogs & puppies but would not cause any harm if consumed by accident. It is not an appropriate diet for cats with chronic kidney disease. If you have other pets that have eaten the study food by accident we recommend you call us through the Joii app to discuss this in more detail.
What should I do if the food becomes damaged/spoilt/eaten by my other cat/pet? If you suspect the food has become damaged/spoilt/eaten by the other pet and you have run out, please contact us through the Joii app or email address programmes@joiipetcare.com to discuss this in more detail.
I would like to stop participating – who should I tell?
If you decide you want to withdraw from the study, you may do so without explanation, and without penalty to you or your pets (your use of Joii products and services will not be affected). Any information you have given can be destroyed. If you do wish to withdraw, please let one of our vets or nurses know, or email us at programmes@joiipetcare.com
How will the data be stored?
Videos and clinical information (but not any personal information) obtained during the study may be retained for at least 20 years and possibly used in future research projects, and for training and education purposes. All data will be stored in a secure database only accessible by people working on the study. Some of the information will be shared with the pet food manufacturer. Please note that any video consultation taken in your home will be visible to us. If you are unhappy with any aspect of this you can request to have your personal and clinical data (the video and other data) removed and permanently deleted without penalty to yourself or your pet.
Will you share my data with anyone?
If you give us express permission, we will share your contact details (name, cat’s name and email address) with Colgate Palmolive group of companies (who are the food manufacturer) so that they can contact you at the end of the study for a testimonial about the study food. If you do not wish to provide a testimonial it will not affect your involvement in the study or your use of Joii.
What if I change my mind?
If you decide you want to withdraw from the study, you may do so without explanation, and without penalty to you or your pets (your use of Joii products and services will not be affected). Any information you have given can be destroyed. If you do wish to withdraw, please let one of our vets or nurses know, or email us at programmes@joiipetcare.com
