As a cat owner, it’s up to you to monitor your furry friend’s quality of life. While outdoor cats can live for 10 to 15 years and indoor cats can thrive for 20, every feline will eventually experience a decline in health. Regardless of whether this decline occurs suddenly or gradually, it will hinder the animal’s quality of life. If you know the signs of suffering, though, you can arrange for pet hospice as soon as it becomes necessary. Providing your cats with this kind of compassionate end-of-life pet care will allow them to live out the rest of their days with love and as much comfort as possible. 

How to Know Your Cat’s Quality of Life Is Undesirable

1. Cancer

If your cat is diagnosed with cancer, you can be sure their condition will gradually deteriorate unless treatment is a viable option. Naturally, the earliest symptoms will depend on the type and location of the disease. As the malignant cells spread, though, virtually every bodily system will be affected, hurting their overall quality of life significantly. While it may be possible to live with slow-growing tumors for years, more aggressive forms of the disease can cause death in a matter of weeks. 

2. Impaired Senses 

Losing vision or hearing over time is incredibly disorienting for older animals. If your cat is blind or deaf—or both—and wasn't born that way, they’re likely experiencing considerable stress and anxiety as a result. While impaired senses alone do not necessarily warrant pet hospice, they could be indicative of underlying health issues that do.  

3. Limited Mobility 

Arthritis, obesity, and other conditions that are common during old age can make it very difficult to move around. Limited mobility and poor flexibility do not only make cats unhappy but also prevent them from grooming themselves as needed. As such, their quality of life and hygiene inevitably lessen. Depending on the circumstances, wheeled carts can help, but such devices typically need to be accompanied by an effective pain management strategy to restore the cat’s vitality. 

If your cat’s quality of life is declining rapidly and you think it may be time to arrange for pet hospice, turn to the compassionate team at Sweet Dreams In-Home Pet Euthanasia. Located in Woodstock, GA, and serving families across North Metro Atlanta, this clinic has been providing end-of-life pet care for a decade. Their team will work with your regular veterinarian to ensure your best friend receives the quality care needed to remain comfortable to the end. To learn more about their compassionate pet hospice services, visit the website or call (770) 880-1596.