Cat Quality of Life Calculator

Assess your cat's quality of life using the HHHHHMM scale (Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, More good days). Get guidance on hospice care and end-of-life decisions.

HHHHHMM Scale: 7 criteria rated 0-10. Total score out of 70. Good QOL: ≥50 (71%), Fair: 35-49 (50-70%), Poor: 20-34 (29-49%), Very Poor: <20 (<29%). Each criterion equally weighted.
Cat with terminal illness: Pain 3, Hunger 5, Hydration 5, Hygiene 3, Happiness 5, Mobility 3, Good Days 3 = 27/70 (39%) = Poor QOL. Recommendation: Discuss hospice care or humane euthanasia with vet.

What is a quality of life scale for cats?

A quality of life (QOL) scale assesses a cat's overall wellbeing using criteria like pain, appetite, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, and good vs bad days. Scores help owners and vets make informed decisions about continuing treatment, starting hospice care, or considering humane euthanasia. Common scales: HHHHHMM (Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, More good days).

When should I consider euthanasia for my cat?

Consider euthanasia when: Quality of life is poor and not improving, pain cannot be controlled, cat refuses food/water for extended periods, cannot perform basic functions (toileting, walking), no pleasure in life, suffering outweighs good moments, or terminal illness with no hope of recovery. This is one of the hardest decisions - consult your vet and trust your knowledge of your cat.

What is hospice care for cats?

Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life for terminally ill cats, rather than cure. Includes: pain management, nutritional support, hydration assistance, gentle handling, familiar environment, family time, monitoring for distress. Goal: keep cat comfortable and dignified until natural death or humane euthanasia becomes necessary. Discuss options with your vet.

How do I know if my cat is in pain?

Pain signs in cats (often subtle): Hiding, decreased activity, poor grooming, hunched posture, reluctance to jump/climb, aggression when touched, decreased appetite, rapid breathing, dilated pupils, vocalization, litter box avoidance. Cats hide pain instinctively - changes in behavior often indicate discomfort. Consult vet for pain assessment and management.

What quality of life score indicates it's time for euthanasia?

General guideline: Score <35/70 (50%) suggests poor quality of life and warrants serious discussion. Score <20/70 (30%) indicates severe suffering. However, no magic number exists - consider: trends over time, individual circumstances, your cat's personality, and your veterinarian's assessment. Quality over quantity of life is paramount.

Can quality of life improve with treatment?

Yes, often. Pain management, medication adjustments, dietary changes, environmental modifications, and supportive care can significantly improve QOL. Re-assess regularly (weekly or biweekly). If score improves and stabilizes >35-40, continue care. If declining despite treatment or plateaus <35, discuss next steps. Keep quality of life journal to track trends objectively.