Companion Animals

Cat Cancer Palliative Care: Quality of Life Over Treatment

When cancer treatment is not feasible or no longer effective in cats, palliative care focused on quality of life is the welfare-centred approach.

Key Facts

Lymphoma is the most common feline cancer, often treated with chemotherapy
When owners decline curative treatment, oral prednisolone often extends comfortable life
Pain management with buprenorphine or NSAIDs is effective in many feline cancers
Regular quality of life scoring guides the timing of end-of-life decisions

Welfare Considerations

Aggressive cancer treatment can extend life at the cost of significant side-effect suffering. Palliative care that prioritises comfort, appetite, and positive engagement over tumour control is a valid, welfare-focused choice for many cats and their owners.

What You Can Do

Discuss palliative versus curative intent with your vet at cancer diagnosis
Use a quality of life scale such as the HHHHHMM scale to track your cat's welfare
Plan proactive end-of-life decision-making before crisis rather than reacting to deterioration