Authors: Albergante L., Harding., King T., Schoeman T. , Blackwell E., Spofford N., Einerson N., Davey E., Patterson-Kane J., De Risio L.
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, June 2026; 1098612X261447559.
doi.org/10.1177/1098612X261447559
Share on social media
The aim of this study was to analyse how demographics (breed, age, sex, neutering status), health and the environment (access to environmental features, weather and emotional state of the owner) affect the quality of life (QoL) of cats as measured by the Feline Quality of Life (FelQoL) questionnaire and its associated instrument. The result of this analysis was used to investigate the validity of the FelQoL questionnaire and instrument to inform pet owners and clinicians on the quantitative effects of different factors on feline wellbeing.
Responses from 1324 cat owners in the USA and UK were collected and used to compute the wellbeing dimensions characterised by FelQoL and to identify the demographics, health and environment of pet cats. Participants were clients of Banfield Pet Hospital, participants in the Bristol Cat Study or Mars employees. Statistical analysis was used to assess how demographics, health and environment affect the wellbeing scores and to further evaluate the validity of FelQoL.
Results showed the effects of sex, age, health and environment on feline QoL that were compatible with clinical expectations and previous findings. Reference intervals that can be used to identify expected feline QoL across different circumstances and highlight potential causes of reduced wellbeing were also produced.
Our analysis suggests that FelQoL may be able to provide guidance on factors causing reduced feline wellbeing. FelQoL can also be used by cat owners to track QoL at home, instigating more intentional veterinary consultations when the wellbeing of a cat decreases even without obvious illness or injury. Further research, including targeted analysis of specific diseases and the exploration of longitudinal changes in FelQoL scores within individual cats over time will have the potential to assist with screening and quantification of effects of various factors on wellbeing and monitoring of targeted health plan interventions.