Cancer is the leading cause of death in cats over ten years old, and veterinary oncology has advanced rapidly — but navigating treatment decisions requires balancing genuine welfare considerations against treatment burdens and quality of life.
Cancer treatment decisions in cats require careful attention to welfare throughout. The question is not simply whether treatment can extend life, but whether the additional life time is experienced as good quality by the cat. Treatment protocols that involve frequent clinic visits, handling stress, medication administration, and physiological side effects impose real welfare costs that must be weighed against survival benefits. Cats are particularly sensitive to environmental stress, and some respond to treatment protocols with anxiety and reduced quality of life even when experiencing few physical side effects. Veterinary oncologists and general practitioners play a crucial role in helping owners navigate these decisions honestly — including when palliative care or euthanasia represents the welfare-maximising choice.