End-of-Life Care: Quality-of-Life Assessment and Hospice Basics

Score quality of life daily across pain, hunger, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, and the ratio of good days; sustained downward trends inform decisions better than single bad days. Scales only assist: final judgments including euthanasia belong in full discussion with a trusted vet, and families need not carry them alone.

Hospice execution: pain and nausea control strictly per prescription without self-stopping; place food and water within reach of the resting spot, warm soft food for acceptance, and never force-feed against dignity. Change bedding for dryness, assist cleaning when self-care fails, and keep a quiet warm space with familiar scents and soft company.

Prepare early to avoid panic: learn in-home hospice and euthanasia processes, aftercare options, and costs before the final day. Caregivers need support too, so rotate duties among family; there is no standard goodbye, only the cat's comfort and the family's capacity.