Cat Dementia: What Are the Signs And What Can You Do?
The ageing process is one that we are all familiar with, as we educate ourselves on the signs of senility and take steps towards maintaining our own health and preparing ourselves for the future.
But have you ever stopped to consider how the ageing process may impact your four-legged friends?
Feline Cognitive Dysfunction or ‘Cat Senility’ is a health condition that affects older cats, specifically those over the age of 15.
As your cat ages, they may develop a starch-like waxy protein deposit in the brain, known as ‘beta-amyloid.’ This impacts the brain’s ability to function similarly to the way that Alzheimer’s disease can impact the human brain.
While there are signs and symptoms, they can be difficult to spot as, obviously, your cat isn’t going to tell you that something’s going on.
What to Watch For
Early signs of decreased cognitive behaviour are often seen as small changes in their daily routine brought about by memory loss, confusion or disorientation.
These signs are highly individual from cat to cat, but you know your cat best!
Be sure to pay attention and don’t discount any possible changes as simply ‘old age,’ as it may be a bigger problem.
If you notice the following signs, contact your veterinarian. They will be able to rule out any major illnesses or concerns, providing you with peace of mind, or arming you to better care for your pet if there are health issues to consider.
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Excessive licking
- Tremors
- Cries or yowls for no obvious reason
- Acting restless or confused
- Aimless wandering or appearing lost
- Slow to learn new tasks/react to new situations
- Extreme irritability
- Increased licking of the floor or random objects
- Inability to navigate familiar spaces
- Getting ‘stuck’ in corners
- Decreased desire to play
- Avoidance or dislike of being touched or petted (assuming your cat enjoyed attention previously)
- Lack of self-grooming
- Fecal and urinary incontinence
- Litterbox training is forgotten/disregarded
- No longer greeting family members
- Changes in interaction with other pets in the house
What Can You Do?
The first step, if you have any concerns, is to speak with a veterinary professional.
Many of these signs can be attributed to a list of other health problems, including urinary infections or more serious neurological conditions. Your veterinarian will be able to run the necessary tests to rule these out, arming you with the knowledge to best treat your cat moving forward.
Be sure to walk into this appointment with a thorough and detailed medical history, providing any information that may assist in diagnosis.
While Feline Cognitive Dysfunction cannot be cured, there are steps that you can take to improve your cat’s life quality.
There are some medical options that may offer some relief, for example, the drug selegiline hydrochloride, brand name Anipryl, has been FDA-approved for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction in dogs.
Research into its impact on cats with the same condition has been positive, however, it has been found to be completely ineffective in approximately 1/3 of cases.
Similar to the steps that are often taken to prevent cognitive decline in humans, by stimulating your cat’s mind, or ‘exercising the brain,’ you can slow or delay the development of dementia.
Provide your cat with a stimulating environment by purchasing brain-teasing puzzle-type toys to keep their mind sharp. Puzzles that dispense treats as they figure them out are great at keeping attention for longer periods of time.
Larger cat furniture, like elaborate cat trees, can provide cats with lots of hiding spots and space to explore.
Furthermore, the placement of birdbaths and feeders outside of accessible windows will create ongoing entertainment.
Try to stick with a regular routine to ensure that things remain consistent for your cat. For example, feed him/her at the same time each day, in the same location, or include regularly scheduled playtime or cuddle time.
This will assist a cat that may otherwise be struggling with memory issues to establish some sense of ‘normalcy’ that can be counted upon, lowering the chance of confusion.
Consider the location of litterboxes, food dishes, etc., and how difficult it may be to access them. For example, if the pathway to the litterbox is difficult to manoeuvre then you are more likely to experience bathroom accidents or difficulties.
Moving these items to easier-to-reach areas will make it easier for your cat to keep up with their daily routine.
Remember to be patient. We don’t know how long our cats will be with us, but as they reach their senior years we know that this time is getting shorter.
Dedicate yourself to spending more time loving on and paying attention to him/her, and don’t take any time for granted.
I love that you give tips for not only how to recognize the symptoms, but also how to improve quality of life
It’s important for pet owners to know that it doesn’t mean the end of a good quality life. Sure, there are going to be some additional considerations and hurdles along the way, but nothing you can’t overcome at this stage (unless there are other underlying health issues to consider).
Wow this is an amazing resource. So our dog has been sick on and off for a few months. He has a few symptoms off this list. Wondering if dogs get this too? Thanks, for sharing. I’m gonna do some research.
Yes, dogs definitely can get dementia as well!
It’s hard to grasp that our pets can get this. It’s hard to watch.
It is hard to watch, but doing our research and ensuring we’re prepared for what we may face is a great way to ensure that we’re still able to provide our cats with a great quality of life even if they show signs of dementia as they get older.
I didn’t even know this was a thing! How sad. At least I know what to look for
It is sad. Unfortunately, the struggles of ageing like this aren’t exclusive to humans. However, as you said, knowing what to look for is an important first step.
I didn’t even know cats could get this! I don’t have a cat, but want one someday so this is good to know
They actually go through a VERY similar ageing process to people as they get older, complete with a lot of similar challenges. It’s definitely one of those conditions that can be managed and still provide a great quality of life, but only if you know what you’re dealing with.
I wasn’t aware cats could get dementia. I’ll have to share this with my sister
It’s something that I think a lot of people don’t realize!
I never realized that cats can also experience dementia. I have 9 cats but, they are still young. I need to watch out fort these symptoms as they grow older.
I’ve had cats all my life and personally haven’t had a cat that did, but a friend’s cat dealt with this. It was sad to see BUT she knew what was happening and was able to take steps to still give him a great quality of life for the years he had left.
My cat is 14 years old now, and definitely suffering with memory loss I think? And like you said a change in interaction with other family pets….. she used to go crazy at the dogs if they came anywhere close to her! Now she just stares at them….
My biggest problem is she is very much an outdoor cat. And meows to go out all the time when I keep her in….. I worry that she will.come into harm or get lost or something if I dont start keeping her in…. luckily we are the last house in a no through road, but when I drive into the driveway she walks right in front of the car!! She seems to have forgotten any dangers? How do I keep her in when she doesnt want to be in?!
Have you tried adjusting her to using a harness so that she can have outside time, but controlled? That or the construction of a ‘catio’, an enclosed outdoor patio space that she can use? Just getting that time outdoors with her feet in the grass may be enough to help her deal with staying inside at this stage in her life.
Sounds horrible. My grandmother has age based dementia and it is very hard, with a pet it must be pretty much the same. It is great you do not leave people alone in this
It can definitely be a challenge, but recognizing what is happening is the first step to providing the extra care that’s needed. A cat can still leave a full life, just a slightly different one.
Sad and a bit horrible, I’m not aware that they could suffer from dementia too
It is sad, but the good news is that it can be managed to a degree. You may not be able to erase the symptoms, but you can make changes to allow them to still lead a great life.
my heart hurts, I have two cats, it is good to be aware about the signs of cat dementia.
It’s not something that we ever want to see a cat go through BUT if we’re aware of the signs and how to best take care of a cat while they are living with this, they can still have a full and happy life.
Those are such useful tips! I definitely don’t take my cats for granted and always try to play with them 🙂
Cats can live a happy, full life even with dementia as long as we educate ourselves on how to identify it and the changes that we would need to make for them.