Cat Cancer and Quality of Life | Animal Welfare Hub

Cancer is a leading cause of death in older cats. Balancing treatment efficacy with quality of life requires careful veterinary assessment and owner engagement throughout the disease course.

Key Facts

Cancer accounts for approximately 32% of deaths in cats over 10 years old
Lymphoma is the most common feline cancer, accounting for around 30% of all feline tumours
Chemotherapy protocols for cats are generally lower intensity than human regimens to preserve quality of life
Feline injection-site sarcoma occurs at an estimated rate of 1-3.6 per 10,000 vaccines
Pain assessment in cats with cancer is challenging due to stoic behaviour masking discomfort
Palliative care for cats with terminal cancer can maintain comfort for months with appropriate support

Welfare Considerations

Cancer treatment decisions for cats must centre on quality of life rather than maximising survival time. Cats experience pain, nausea, fatigue, and anxiety during illness, and these welfare dimensions deserve equal weight alongside tumour response. Veterinary oncologists increasingly use validated quality-of-life scales to guide treatment decisions, and palliative and hospice care approaches are growing in availability for cats with advanced disease.

What You Can Do

Discuss quality-of-life goals explicitly with your vet when cancer is diagnosed
Ask about palliative care options alongside curative treatment
Learn to recognise pain signs in cats including hiding, reduced grooming, and appetite changes
Consider a quality-of-life journal to track good and bad days during treatment
Support feline cancer research through donations to veterinary schools or welfare charities