Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Senior Quality of Life Assessment

Frameworks and tools for assessing and improving quality of life in senior and geriatric cats.

Key Facts

Quality of life (QoL) in senior cats is influenced by pain, cognitive function, social connection, and sensory ability
The HHHHHMM Scale and similar tools provide structured QoL assessment for veterinary and owner use
Regular QoL assessment guides decisions about ongoing treatment intensity and end-of-life planning
Proactive enrichment, pain management, and environmental modification can maintain high QoL into old age

Welfare Considerations

Quality of life assessment is fundamental to ethical care of senior cats - both to maximise wellbeing during life and to guide humane end-of-life decisions. QoL frameworks give owners and vets shared language to evaluate welfare honestly and compassionately.

What You Can Do

Download and use a validated cat QoL assessment tool for senior cats over 12 years
Discuss QoL scores with your vet at each senior wellness visit
Make end-of-life decisions based on QoL evidence, not emotional avoidance