Companion Animals

Cat Senior Wellness: Quality of Life Assessment

Quality of life assessment for senior cats enables informed decisions about ongoing care and end-of-life timing, supporting dignity and welfare.

Key Facts

Cats may live to 20+ years, with welfare needs changing substantially in older age
Validated quality of life scales for cats assess appetite, pain, mobility, and social interaction
Veterinary geriatric assessment identifies multiple concurrent conditions common in senior cats
Owner calibration of quality of life is often poor without veterinary guidance, with both over- and under-estimation documented

Welfare Considerations

Quality of life assessment in senior cats is both a welfare and an ethical responsibility for owners and veterinarians. Structured tools provide objective frameworks that reduce the bias of emotional attachment and ensure decisions are made in the animal's best interest.

What You Can Do

Use validated quality of life scales such as HHHHHMM to monitor your senior cat
Establish a geriatric wellness check schedule with your veterinarian
Discuss quality of life openly with your vet, including end-of-life planning