American Association of Feline Practitioners

Veterinary Hospice Care for Cats Position Statement

2010 Veterinary Hospice Care for Cats

The American Association of Feline Practitioners supports hospice care as an important resource that allows clients time to make decisions and prepare for the impending loss of a terminally ill cat companion. 1 Palliative or hospice care is a relationship-centered philosophy all veterinarians can use in practice. Hospice care provides a loving alternative to prolonged suffering either in the isolation of an intensive care setting or without treatment at home. 2

Hospice is a system for providing comfort care to animals nearing the end of their life and emotional support for the clients who love them.
Palliative care focuses on the relief of suffering while providing for the best quality of life regardless of the disease outcome.