Cats Get Dementia, Too: What Cat Parents Need to Know

Cats can get dementia, a condition similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans. This condition, also known as feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD), is a progressive and degenerative brain disorder that affects cats as they age.

## Symptoms of Feline Cognitive Dysfunction

The symptoms of FCD can be challenging to identify, as cats can't communicate their problems to their owners. However, there are several behavioral changes that may indicate cognitive dysfunction. These changes can be summarized using the acronym VISHDAAL:

| Symptom | Description | | --- | --- | | Vocalization | Excessive meowing and yowling, especially at night | | Interactions | Noticeable changes in interactions between the cat and its owner or other pets | | Sleep-wake cycle | Noticeable changes in the cat's sleep patterns, such as restlessness during the night | | House-soiling | Urinating or defecating outside the litter box, sometimes in front of the owner | | Disorientation | Wandering aimlessly while seeming confused or lost | | Activity level | Either a marked increase (pacing, wandering) or decrease (sleeping a lot, not playing much) in the cat's activity level | | Anxiety | Visible indicators of stress and nervousness | | Learning and memory | Forgetting where items, such as the food dish and litter box, are located or forgetting previously learned behaviors |

## Diagnosing Cognitive Dysfunction

Diagnosing FCD can be challenging, as cats can't communicate their symptoms. Veterinarians rely on owners to notice and report changes in their cat's behavior. The first sign that owners often notice is night yowling, which disrupts their sleep. Other signs may include problems with litter box use and difficulty eating.

## Caring for a Cat with Cognitive Dysfunction

To help a cat diagnosed with cognitive dysfunction, owners should minimize changes in the home's physical layout. This means avoiding major changes such as knocking out walls, rearranging furniture, or adding or removing pets or family members. A clear daily routine can be helpful, and owners should provide ready access to several food dishes, water bowls, comfy sleeping areas, and litter boxes.

Providing puzzle toys, engaging play, and toys can help keep cats with FCD engaged in their environment. Some supplements and nutritional changes can also be advantageous, such as adding omega-3 fatty acids or DHA to their diet. Cats that often become confused or agitated, especially at night, may be prescribed gabapentin to help ease anxiety.

In some cases, simple adjustments to the cat's environment can make a big difference. For example, providing a brightly colored mat to catch the cat's attention or keeping the food bowl in the same place can help reduce stress. Owners should also consider providing a catio or a window shelf to give their cat visual access to the outdoors.

While there is no cure for FCD, any improvement should be counted as a win. By understanding the symptoms and how to care for their pets, cat owners can help their cats live a more comfortable and happy life.

In one case, a 15-year-old domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed with FCD. The cat's owners established a calm bedtime routine, which included a small bedtime treat and gentle petting. They also added a SAMe-based cognitive supplement and left dim night-lights on in the hall. While the cat's yowling didn't disappear completely, it reduced to a few brief calls each night.

Another case involved a 17-year-old Persian cat that began sitting near her food bowl but not eating. The owner made practical adjustments, such as keeping the food bowl in the same place and using a brightly colored mat to catch the cat's attention. The owner also began gently guiding the cat to the bowl at set mealtimes and hand-feeding a little food to help remind her it was dinner time.

In both cases, the cats' owners made adjustments to their environment and provided support to help their cats live a more comfortable life. By understanding the symptoms of FCD and how to care for their pets, cat owners can make a big difference in their cats' lives.