Companion Animals

Cat Senior End-of-Life Welfare: Quality of Life Assessment

End-of-life decision-making for senior cats is improved by structured quality of life assessment tools used over time.

Key Facts

The HHHHHMM scale assesses Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More good days
Tracking quality of life over weeks identifies trends that inform euthanasia timing
Cats often signal declining quality through withdrawal, changes in grooming, and reduced interaction
Palliative care at home with vet support can maintain quality of life for weeks beyond hospital care

Welfare Considerations

The decision to euthanise a beloved cat is among the most difficult owners face. Structured quality of life assessment reduces the risk of euthanising too early or too late. Tracking scores over time makes the trend visible and separates emotional responses from welfare evidence.

What You Can Do

Establish quality of life tracking for senior cats with the HHHHHMM scale from early illness
Discuss palliative home care options with your vet to extend comfortable life
Plan proactively for euthanasia threshold before crisis - agree a plan with your vet in advance