Cats are great at hiding pain and discomfort so it's no surprise that signs of aging and cognitive decline can be easy to miss. Just like humans, cats experience mental and physical changes as they age. One moment they're chasing toys and scaling cat trees and the next they're sleeping more, eating less, or acting a little off.
If your senior cat seems different, it could be due to more than just their age. They might have feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD), a progressively debilitating condition also known as cat dementia. FCD affects their memory, critical thinking, ability to learn, attention span, and behavior and it can make everyday life confusing and stressful for your cat.
Knowing what to look for can help you support your senior cat in this new stage of life and catch any medical issues early. Early intervention can improve some of the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Disorientation
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Getting lost in familiar locations
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Staring into space while looking at a wall or corner
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Wandering aimlessly
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Inability to navigate around or over obstacles
Behavioral Changes
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Losing interest in social interactions
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Behaving more irritably
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Becoming more reactive or aggressive
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Not recognizing familiar people or animals
Changes in Sleep Habits
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Sleeping more during the day and wandering at night
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Meowing or pacing at night
Changes in Eating Habits
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Forgetting where the food bowl is
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Losing interest in food
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Forgetting to eat or drink unless the bowls are placed right in front of them
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Forgetting they have just been fed and asking to eat again
Increased Vocalization
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Yowling and meowing more than usual, especially at night
Litter Box Issues
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Forgetting where the litter box is
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Having accidents outside the box
Reduction in Grooming
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Having a dull, matted coat
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Poor grooming habits
Diagnosis
Schedule your cat a vet appointment to determine if there is a medical reason for their behavioral changes. If other health problems are ruled out, their behavior may be attributed to cognitive dysfunction.
Your veterinarian may suggest an anti-anxiety or an antidepressant medication to alleviate some of their symptoms. A senior-specific diet rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and omega-3s may also be recommended to help slow the effects of aging.
Treatment
Treatment for dementia in cats typically consists of making changes to your cat’s environment and keeping their daily routine consistent and predictable.
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An automatic feeder for scheduled feeding and if they’re hungry during the night.
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A night light to help for nighttime wandering or getting lost
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Pheromone diffusers to keep them calm and reduce confusion
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A low-entry litter box to make getting in and out easier for a senior cat
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Adding more litter boxes to prevent accidents outside of the box
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Treat dispensers or puzzle feeders to stimulate their mind
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Access to a smaller space in the home to reduce the likelihood of getting lost or disoriented
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Increase playtime during the day to encourage sleeping at night
Watching your cat decline can be emotional, but it’s a privilege to let your beloved cat age with dignity and grace. With love, patience, and proper veterinary care, you can help your senior cat stay comfortable and content even if their memory starts to fade.
Love, Nala
