6 Things I Wish Everyone Knew About Understanding Their Cat’s Quality of Life
Have you ever worried that your cat is silently suffering? Or wondered why your cat suddenly avoids you when trying to take care of them? Or argued with family members about the right path to take for an aging or declining pet?
These experiences can be difficult (and sometimes heartbreaking), but they are a normal part of living with furry family members. The first step to making medical decisions that support your pet’s best interest is understanding their quality of life.
Here are the top things I wish every pet owner understood about what quality of life really means for our pets.
6 Things to Know About Your Cat’s Quality of Life
Quality of life is very subjective.
There is no right or wrong answer as to what makes a good quality life. There can be vastly different opinions within the same family, and within your circle of friends. The person doing the majority of caretaking may see things very differently from the college student who just comes home on the weekends.
Our past experiences also shape our perceptions. Someone who has witnessed the prolonged suffering of a previous pet may view things very differently than someone who hasn’t. When there are conflicting ideas about the quality of your cat’s life, inviting a knowledgeable third party in to offer perspective is the best way to get the answers you need – and keep the peace.
Quality of life is not static.
The issues you see now may not last forever. Incontinence, pain, vomiting, and other symptoms can often be treated to improve your pet’s quality of life. Palliative care is all about improving quality of life by treating symptoms, even if the disease itself is not treatable. If you think your cat’s life is poor due to chronic pain, reach out to your veterinarian even if your cat is already on pain medication. You might be surprised at the additional options that are available. Don’t ever assume that you are doing everything you can.
Quality of life is not just about physical symptoms.
Your pet’s mental health matters too. Are they happy, or at least content, most of the time?
“Caretaker aversion” can develop when a cat begins to dread our attempts to help them. This can include administering medications, lifting, maintaining good hygiene, or even frequent trips to the veterinarian. Caretaker aversion can cause cats to avoid you, which can break down the precious bond that you have spent a lifetime growing.
Lack of sleep (which can occur for many reasons) can also make cats irritable and grumpy, just like it does to us!
As cats age, their world often becomes smaller. Interests wane, walks/playtimes are shorter or non existent. It is important to continue to engage with and include them in our daily lives to support their mental and physical health.
Small changes in the environment can often make a big difference.
Sometimes it’s not about the what, but the how. You can make a huge difference in your pet’s quality of life simply by making their environment more comfortable, or by taking extra steps to make uncomfortable necessities (like giving medications) less stressful. For instance, placing litter boxes in more convenient locations can help with inappropriate urination. Providing surfaces with good traction can help cats relieve their anxiety about slipping and falling. These are just a few things that can be life changing.
Understanding your pet’s medical condition is key.
To really understand your cat’s current quality of life, it’s necessary to have a grasp on their medical condition and the likely progression of the disease. Some diseases (like dementia) will have a slow, steady decline. Other diseases (like congestive heart failure or cancer) may come out of the blue and have a sudden decline.
Depending on your cat’s condition, there may be things you can learn to assess regularly that can help mitigate having an emergency on your hands. The more you know, the better you can understand if it’s just a bad day, or the beginning of something more serious.
Your quality of life matters too.
It is important to be honest with yourself about both the time and the financial resources you have available to care for your cat. The physical and mental toll of being a caretaker is real. Take care of yourself, ask for help, and be the best person you can be for your pet.
If you’re confused about your pet’s quality of life or struggling to come to a decision that the whole family agrees on, you’re not alone. Understanding what our pets are going through isn’t easy! But, taking these tips into account will help you make changes that improve your pet’s quality of life.
If you and your family have arrived at a euthanasia decision for your cat, Forget Me Not feline in-home euthanasia can make everything a little easier for you and your treasured furry family member.