Feline senile dementia: signs you might spot in your cat
Also known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), this condition is characterised by several key behavioural changes which may occur when cats are between 7 to 10 years old (though it varies cat to cat as each are individual, and age at different rates just as humans do). It is also important to note that the below changes in behaviour can also be associated with other chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, renal failure and more. Therefore, it is important that the cat is seen by the vet for health check-ups on a regular basis (every 6 months is recommended for a senior cat) to rule out any other diseases or illnesses. Dementia can only be diagnosed once any other possible chronic illnesses have been ruled out.
Some of the signs associated with feline senile dementia are:
- Increased vocalisations (this may occur at greater frequency during the night when the house is quiet and dark)
- Seemingly lost and easily confused, especially when looking for food/water bowls or litter tray
- Changes in activity levels
- Increased irritability
- Decreased desire to groom, coat greasy and unkempt, long-haired cats may suffer with matting and need help from the owner or a cat groomer
- Changes in activity levels
- Excessive licking (one or more parts of body)Increased anxiety and restlessness
- Temporal disorientation
- A lack of spatial awareness
- Incontinence or constipation
- Random new phobias
- Changes in sleep/wake cycle
- Inappropriate toileting location (both urination and defecation)
- Forgetting commands or other tricks the cat might have learned
- Altered relationship with owner and other pets in the house (either an increase in attention seeking behaviours or a decrease in these with more aggression seen in an otherwise friendly/sociable cat)
- Changes in activity – pacing, wandering and aimlessly staring at walls
CDS cannot be cured but negative symptoms can be reduced through correct diagnosis and care. Through making changes to the environment, supplementing their diet and possibly drug therapies, your cat can go on to live a comfortable life (iCatCare, 2018). We can help cats suffering with this condition by firstly feeding them a species-appropriate diet which is high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Routine veterinary care is vital at this stage in a cat’s life. It is recommended that a senior / geriatric cat is brought in for check-ups twice yearly, this is where the vet will be able to pick up any health conditions you might have missed and advise on environmental alterations that may be made to provide the cat with as much support as is possible during their senior years.
