LONDON, July 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A team from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, in collaboration with Mars Veterinary Health, Royal Canin, and the University of Bristol, has developed and scientifically validated a new tool designed to assess cats' physical and emotional wellbeing. This initiative, highlighted in a two-part study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, addresses the challenge of cats often hiding discomfort, which complicates veterinary diagnoses.
Read More
The study utilized data from 1,324 cat owners across the United States and the United Kingdom to create the feline quality of life (FelQoL) questionnaire. This comprehensive data set helped identify crucial factors influencing feline wellbeing, allowing the questionnaire to be effective for cats from diverse backgrounds and living situations.
Key findings reveal that a cat's age, health status, and environment significantly affect its quality of life. Older cats and those with medical issues tended to exhibit less activity and social behavior, while cats with access to perching spots were generally more active. The results were consistent with clinical expectations and earlier research, affirming the validity of the FelQoL questionnaire. It also demonstrated reliability by providing consistent evaluations for the same cat upon re-assessment.
Janet Patterson-Kane, Global Veterinary Science Partner at Mars Science & Diagnostics, emphasized the importance of the FelQoL, stating that it serves as a crucial resource for both veterinary professionals and pet owners. This scientifically validated tool aims to better identify the welfare needs of cats, potentially enhancing their quality of life.
The FelQoL questionnaire is user-friendly and offers insights that pet owners can implement at home. It is currently employed in studying cat wellbeing through the MARS PETCARE BIOBANK, alongside a similar tool developed for dog wellbeing.