Cat Quality of Life Calculator
Assess your cat's well-being using the veterinary HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale
HHHHHMM Quality of Life Assessment
📋 Assessment Guidelines
Scoring: Rate each criterion from 1 (unacceptable) to 10 (excellent)
Be Objective: Try to assess your cat's current condition honestly
Professional Guidance: This tool supports but doesn't replace veterinary consultation
Hurt (Pain Control)
Pain management and breathing ability
Is pain well managed? Can your cat breathe properly?
Hunger (Appetite)
Eating habits and nutritional intake
Is your cat eating enough nutritious food?
Hydration (Fluid Intake)
Adequate fluid consumption
Does your cat consume adequate fluids?
Hygiene (Cleanliness)
Personal hygiene and grooming
Can your cat be kept clean, especially after elimination?
Happiness (Emotional Well-being)
Joy and emotional responsiveness
Does your cat respond to family and express emotions?
Mobility (Movement)
Ability to move around
Can your cat move around or show interest in activities?
More Good Days Than Bad
Overall day-to-day experience
Do good days outnumber bad days?
Quality of Life Assessment Results
Individual Scores
Assessment
Excellent Quality of Life
Continue current care - your cat is living comfortably
Strengths (Score ≥ 8)
- Hurt (Pain Control)10/10
- Hunger (Appetite)10/10
- Hydration (Fluid Intake)10/10
- Hygiene (Cleanliness)10/10
- Happiness (Emotional Well-being)10/10
- Mobility (Movement)10/10
- More Good Days Than Bad10/10
Recommended Next Steps
Continue providing excellent care and regular veterinary check-ups
📊 Scoring Guide
0-35 points: Not acceptable quality of life - Consider end-of-life discussion
36-69 points: Acceptable quality of life - Continue hospice care
70 points: Excellent quality of life - Perfect score!
💡 Developed by Dr. Alice Villalobos for veterinary hospice care assessment
Understanding the HHHHHMM Scale
Hurt
Pain control and breathing ability are primary concerns
Hunger
Appetite and nutritional intake assessment
Hydration
Adequate fluid consumption and intake
Hygiene
Personal cleanliness and grooming ability
Happiness
Emotional well-being and responsiveness
Mobility
Movement ability and interest in activities
More Good Days
Overall balance of good versus bad days
Example Assessment
Senior Cat with Arthritis
Hurt: 6/10 (mild pain, managed with medication)
Hunger: 8/10 (good appetite)
Hydration: 7/10 (drinking adequately)
Hygiene: 5/10 (needs assistance grooming)
Happiness: 7/10 (still enjoys attention)
Mobility: 4/10 (limited movement)
Good Days: 6/10 (more good than bad)
Total: 43/70 (Acceptable quality)
Assessment Outcome
Score 43/70: Acceptable quality of life. Continue with pain management, consider mobility aids, and provide grooming assistance. Regular veterinary monitoring recommended.
Improving Quality of Life
Environment
Modify home for easier access
Raised bowls, non-slip surfaces
Pain Management
Work with vet on pain control
Medications, acupuncture
Hygiene Support
Assist with grooming
Regular brushing, cleaning
Important Notice
This tool supports veterinary decision-making
Does not replace professional veterinary consultation
Reassess regularly as conditions change
Seek immediate help if cat is in distress
Understanding Quality of Life Assessment
What is the HHHHHMM Scale?
The HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale was developed by Dr. Alice Villalobos specifically for veterinary hospice care. It provides a systematic way to evaluate seven critical aspects of your cat's daily experience to help guide care decisions.
When to Use This Assessment
- •Senior cats with chronic conditions
- •Cats receiving palliative or hospice care
- •Evaluating end-of-life care options
- •Monitoring treatment effectiveness
Interpreting Results
Excellent (70 points)
Perfect score - continue current excellent care
Acceptable (36-69 points)
Good quality of life - maintain hospice care with monitoring
Not Acceptable (0-35 points)
Poor quality of life - discuss end-of-life options
Remember: Quality of life can fluctuate. Regular reassessment helps ensure your cat receives the most appropriate care throughout their journey.