End-of-life welfare for cats encompasses palliative care, quality of life assessment, and euthanasia decision-making, all of which profoundly affect the final welfare of companion cats.
Cats that live in pain because euthanasia decisions are delayed out of owner grief experience unnecessary suffering. The ability to provide timely, peaceful euthanasia when quality of life cannot be maintained is one of the most important welfare advantages of companion animal status. Open conversations with veterinarians about quality of life, and engagement with validated assessment tools, help owners make timely and compassionate decisions.