- Researchers developed and validated the FelQoL feline quality-of-life questionnaire.
- The studies included data from more than 1,300 cat owners in the United States and United Kingdom.
- The tool evaluates physical and emotional wellbeing and produced consistent results across different cat populations.
- Findings were published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
Researchers from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, in collaboration with Mars Veterinary Health, Royal Canin and the University of Bristol, have developed and scientifically validated a new feline quality-of-life questionnaire designed to help assess both the physical and emotional wellbeing of cats.
The two-part study, published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, analyzed responses from 1,324 cat owners in the United States and United Kingdom to identify factors influencing feline wellbeing and validate the new FelQoL assessment tool.
The researchers found that age, underlying health conditions and a cat’s living environment all influenced quality-of-life scores. Older cats and those with medical conditions were generally less active and social, while environmental features such as elevated perching spaces were associated with higher activity levels. The questionnaire also produced consistent results when the same cats were evaluated multiple times.
“The notion that cats can be difficult to read is well known,” said Janet Patterson-Kane, DVM, Global Veterinary Science Partner at Mars Science & Diagnostics. “This science-backed, practical tool could help better identify cats’ welfare needs and improve their day-to-day quality of life.”
According to the researchers, the validated questionnaire is intended to provide veterinarians and pet owners with a standardized way to monitor feline wellbeing and support clinical decision-making. The tool is already being used through the Mars Petcare Biobank alongside a previously developed canine quality-of-life assessment.
Studies:
- Part 1: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X261448700
- Part 2: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X261447559
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
