Cat Quality of Life Calculator

A compassionate tool using the HHHHHMM Scale to help you make difficult decisions for your beloved cat with clarity and love.

HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale

Rate each criterion on a scale of 0 to 10.
0 = Very Poor, 10 = Excellent/Ideal

Is your cat's pain successfully managed? Is she breathing easily? Oxygen is necessary for life, so difficulty breathing is a huge source of distress.

Is your cat eating enough? Does she need hand-feeding? A feeding tube may be an option, but malnutrition leads to weakness.

Is your cat dehydrated? Subcutaneous fluids can help, but are they well-tolerated? Dehydration can cause nausea and weakness.

Can your cat keep herself clean? Does she soil herself? Is she suffering from pressure sores? Brushing and cleaning can show love, but matted fur is painful.

Does your cat express joy and interest? Is she responsive to you, toys, or her environment? Is she depressed, lonely, or anxious?

Can your cat get up without assistance? Can she satisfy her desires (like getting to the litter box or favorite spot)? Seizures or stumbling affect mobility.

When bad days outnumber good days, quality of life may be too compromised. Bad days include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, frustration, or seizures.

Understanding the HHHHHMM Scale

The HHHHHMM Scale was developed by Dr. Alice Villalobos, a renowned veterinary oncologist. It provides a standard way to evaluate a pet's quality of life, helping owners objectively assess their pet's condition during palliative or hospice care.

A score above 35 is generally considered acceptable. A score below 35 may indicate that the pet is suffering and that end-of-life assistance should be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use this calculator?

If your cat has a chronic or terminal illness, it can be helpful to use this scale weekly or even daily. Tracking the score over time can help you see trends that are hard to notice day-to-day.

What is palliative care for cats?

Palliative care focuses on relief from pain and other distressing symptoms rather than a cure. It aims to keep your cat comfortable, hydrated, and loved for as long as possible.

How do I know if my cat is in pain?

Cats hide pain well. Signs include hiding, decreased appetite, lack of grooming, irritability, flattened ears, and reluctance to move or jump. "Grimace scales" can also help assess pain based on facial expressions.

References

  1. Villalobos, A.E., Kaplan, L. "Canine and Feline Geriatric Oncology: Honoring the Human-Animal Bond." Blackwell Publishing (2007).
  2. The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center - "How Do I Know When it's Time?"
  3. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - Quality of Life Assessment.

Written & Reviewed by

Khem Raj

Cat Care Specialist & Developer

Our content is grounded in veterinary science and regularly updated to reflect the latest nutritional guidelines for feline health.