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Many cat owners do not realize that just like humans, cats may cause pain dementiaA recent paper has found many similarities between feline and human dementia, suggesting that cognitive impairment may develop in similar ways.
Some of the symptoms of dementia in cats are similar to those we see in humans – although, of course, not all of them. It’s important to know what signs to look out for so you can provide your cat with the best care during this stage of his life.
Feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome (also known as feline dementia) is an age-related decline in a cat’s cognitive abilities. It is usually characterized by behavioral changes that cannot be attributed to other medical conditions.
Feline dementia is thought to be very common in older cats. One study found that by age 15, more than half of cats started showing signs of dementia. However, some of the behaviors associated with the condition have also been identified in cats as young as seven years old.
A separate survey of cat owners also found that about 28% of cats aged 11 to 14 years displayed at least one behavioral change related to dementia.
Changes in behavior are often the first sign that something may be wrong. There are eight signs to watch out for that may indicate your cat has dementia.
- Unusual singing: Your cat may start vocalizing excessively or in new situations. A common example of this is loud meowing at night.
- Changed interactions: Cats suffering from dementia sometimes seek more attention or become “clingy.” Equally, cats suffering from dementia may interact less than before, appear irritable or not recognize familiar people.
- Changes in sleep: You may notice changes in your cat’s sleeping habits – becoming restless more often at night and sleeping more during the day.
- Dirtying the house: Changes in toilet habits can be a sign of many different conditions, but defecating outside the litter tray can be a common sign of dementia in cats.
- Disorientation: Like people suffering from dementia, cats may also show signs of confusion or wandering behavior. They may appear to be losing their balance, staring at walls, getting stuck behind objects or walking to the wrong side of a door.
- Changes in Activity Levels: A cat with dementia may be more or less active than normal. They may play less often or be less inclined to explore. You may also notice that they spend less time taking care of themselves, for example, grooming or washing themselves less.
- Look worried: A cat with dementia may show signs of anxiety in situations they were previously confident about – such as around familiar people, places or sounds. An anxious cat may often hide under the bed or on top of the cupboard to escape.
- Learning Problems: Cats suffering from dementia may be less able to perform previously learned tasks, such as finding their food bowl, and may have difficulty learning new tasks.
caring for your cat
There is significant overlap between the symptoms of feline dementia and other common conditions such as arthritis and kidney disease. So if you notice any of these behavioral changes in your cat, you should talk to your veterinarian to rule out these other conditions.
Research on feline dementia is limited. Much of what we know about prevention and treatment comes from research conducted on humans and dogs. And, like these other species, there is no cure for dementia in cats. But there are ways to limit the effects of the disease.
About the author
Emily Blackwell is Senior Lecturer in Animal Behavior and Welfare at the University of Bristol.
Sarah Lawrence-Mills is a postdoctoral researcher at the Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. read the original article,
Some environmental modifications can help stimulate cats, activate their brains, and develop nerves. But the severity of your cat’s dementia should be considered before making any of these changes.
In healthy or mildly affected cats, promoting play or simulating hunting with interactive toys and encouraging exploration using hide-and-seek games delays the progression of cognitive dysfunction.
But in cats with severe cognitive impairment, changing their environment can cause confusion and anxiety – worsening behavioral symptoms.
Changes in diet – particularly the addition of supplements containing antioxidants (vitamins E and C) and essential fatty acids – may also help reduce inflammation in the brain, thereby slowing disease progression.
However, only dog-specific supplements have been tested in scientific research and proven to enhance cognition in dogs. But if you want to try giving these supplements to your cat, make sure you only give them supplements approved for cats. Cats should not be given dog supplements because they may contain substances that are toxic to cats – such as alpha lipoic acid.
Feline dementia is a condition that is highly prevalent and challenging to manage. Knowing what symptoms to look out for can ensure that your cat is diagnosed early. This will also ensure that you will be able to make necessary changes in his environment or diet which will ultimately improve his quality of life.