---
title: "Assessing Your Senior Cat’s Quality of Life"
description: "Several aspects must be considered to determine if your senior cat is enjoying their life. Learn how to assess your cat’s quality of life."
date: "2022-11-21T18:58:30Z"
author: "Just Cats Clinic"
image: "/img/94978694"
canonical: "/assessing-your-senior-cats-quality-of-life/"
---

# Assessing Your Senior Cat’s Quality of Life


End-of-life care for your senior cat can be difficult, and you must consider several aspects to determine if they are
still living a fulfilling life. Our **Just Cats Clinic** [team](/meet-our-team/) wants to help
with this information about assessing your cat’s quality of life (QOL) and ensuring you are making the best decision
for your feline family member.

## Conditions that can affect your cat’s quality of life

As your cat ages, they are at higher risk for conditions that can negatively affect their QOL, including:

- **Chronic kidney disease (CKD)** — Your cat’s kidneys play an important role in filtering waste products from
  their body, and when aging damages the kidneys, these products accumulate in your cat’s bloodstream. Signs include
  weight loss, increased thirst and urination, decreased appetite, and vomiting.
- **Heart disease** — Heart disease is a common problem for senior cats that affects their heart’s ability to pump
  blood effectively through the body, resulting in congestive heart failure (CHF). Signs include lethargy, weight loss,
  decreased appetite, respiratory distress, and sudden collapse.
- **Arthritis** — Studies have shown that approximately 90% of cats over age 12 have radiographic evidence of
  arthritis, which causes pain and mobility issues, although many cats don’t exhibit overt lameness. Signs include
  decreased activity, irritability, and an unwillingness to access elevated surfaces.
- **Cancer** — Senior cats are at higher risk for numerous cancers, and their signs will depend on the cancer type.

## Quality of life scale for cats

Dr. Alice Villalobos, a veterinary oncologist, developed a QOL scale to help pet owners make the right decision for
their pet as they approached their end of life. The scale evaluates seven categories, scoring each parameter from 1 to
10, with 10 being ideal. An overall score above 35 suggests that your cat’s QOL is acceptable, and continued
end-of-life care and support is justified. Categories evaluated include:

- **Hurt** — You must determine if your cat’s pain is controlled, and if they can breathe properly. Cats have a
  strong natural instinct to hide pain, so factors to consider include:
  - **Change in activity level** — Your cat may be less active and sleep more, or they may become restless and have
    difficulty finding a comfortable position.
  - **Self-mutilation** — Painful cats frequently lick and bite at painful areas, and the repetitive activity may
    result in hair loss and wounds.
  - **Purring** — Purring is typically associated with contentment, but some cats purr when they are in pain.
  - **Change in daily routine** — If your cat suddenly loses their appetite or stops using their litter box
    consistently, they may be in pain. In addition, your lap cat who suddenly doesn’t want to be held is likely
    signaling a problem.
  - **Aggression** — Out-of-character aggression may indicate your cat is in pain.
  - **Poor coat** — Most cats are meticulous about grooming, but pain may make the task difficult.
- **Hunger** — Many cats stop eating when they are in pain or feel unwell. If your cat is not eating enough to
  maintain their body condition, our veterinary team may recommend placing a feeding tube to ensure they get the
  necessary nutrition.
- **Hydration** — Conditions such as CKD and heart disease can make drinking enough to stay hydrated difficult for
  your cat. If your cat is dehydrated, our veterinary team may recommend subcutaneous fluids to supplement their fluid
  intake.
- **Hygiene** — If your cat cannot properly groom themselves, you must ensure you maintain their coat, and keep them
  clean and dry.
- **Happiness** — Evaluate your cat’s happiness by determining if they express joy when you offer a favorite toy,
  and if they are still interacting with family members. You may need to move your cat’s bedding closer to the family
  so they can remain engaged in activities.
- **Mobility** — If your cat has mobility issues, consider fitting them with a mobility device, which will help your
  cat remain mobile and prevent them from being bedridden.

Monitor these factors daily, and when your cat has more bad days than good, their QOL is compromised.

## Tips to maintain your senior cat’s quality of life

![Senior cat resting comfortably](/img/d9115dad)

The following tips should help you maintain your cat’s QOL for as long as possible:

- **Schedule regular wellness visits** — A veterinary professional should evaluate your senior cat at least every six
  months, because regular [wellness](/preventive-exams-and-care/) visits help detect health
  complications in the early stages when treatment is easier.
- **Pay attention to behavioral changes** — Don’t ignore changes in your cat’s behavior. Notify our veterinary
  team, so we can determine if the changes indicate a medical condition.
- **Monitor your cat’s weight** — Weigh your cat every three to four weeks to ensure you take note of any weight
  changes. Weight increases can put your cat at risk for obesity, and decreases can indicate other health complications.
- **Make resources accessible** — Ensure your cat can easily access their food, water, litter box, and bedding. Place
  ramps to help them reach their favorite elevated position, and provide low-sided litter boxes to ensure they can get
  in and out without difficulty.
- **Groom your cat regularly** — If your cat has difficulty grooming, brush them daily—this is also a good way to
  spend quality time with your cat.

Knowing how to assess your senior cat’s quality of life will help you make the right decision as your cat nears the
end. If you are concerned about your cat’s behavior, [contact](/contact-hospital/) our American
Animal Hospital Association ( [AAHA](/aaha-accredited/))-accredited team at **Just Cats
Clinic**, so we can help you assess their health and happiness.