Can cats get Alzheimer’s? Cats suffer from dementia rather than Alzheimer’s. Dementia in cats looks similar to that of human Alzheimer’s, however, as there is a similar effect of the brain.
What Are the Signs of Dementia in Cats?
Many of the changes that Alzheimer’s disease causes in the human brain also occur in the feline brain when a cat has dementia. Dementia in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, but research indicates that one of the main causes is an accumulation of specific proteins in the brain. As your cat ages, you should watch out for the following symptoms of dementia in cats:
- Lack of interest in playing
- Spatial disorientation
- Wandering away from home
- Disorientation or confusion
- Change in appetite or loss of interest in food and water
- Changes in sleep patterns or sleeping too much
- Going to the bathroom outside of the litter box
- protracted meowing or vocalizing, especially at night, that seems to have no purpose
- focusing for extended periods of time either on the walls or into space
Memory loss may become apparent in different ways. It’s possible that your cat will no longer obey commands that they have previously learned. Additionally, memory loss may make them lose their way in familiar areas or forget basic information like the location of their litter box. Your cat might become indifferent to food or become overindulgent because they fail to realize they’ve already eaten.
What Is Dementia in Cats?
Some elderly cats suffer from dementia, also called cognitive dysfunction, which impairs their memory, reasoning, behavior, and sense of reason. This condition is like Alzheimer’s disease in people.
A common term for dementia is “becoming senile,” and it can cause abrupt behavioral changes in your cat.
Over 25% of cats between the ages of 11 and 14 exhibit dementia in one form or another. Cats who are older are more likely to experience it; half of cats over 15 exhibit cognitive dysfunction.
Age-related brain degeneration and the subsequent death of neurons, the brain’s powerhouse cells, result in dementia. Among other things, these neurons are required for memory, learning, attention, regular sleep cycles, and spatial awareness.
Senior cats frequently suffer from a variety of other illnesses that can cause behavioral changes that resemble dementia. See your senior cat’s veterinarian if you notice any changes in their behavior so that common medical conditions affecting older cats can be ruled out. Many of these conditions are manageable with early intervention.
Dementia is not considered a medical emergency. However, get in touch with your veterinarian if your cat exhibits additional symptoms, such as vomiting, lethargy, or lack of appetite, in addition to behavior changes.
Symptoms of dementia in cats include:
- Acting disoriented or lost
- Vocalizing, often at night
- gazing at a wall or corner and looking off into space
- not drinking or eating until food bowls are placed in front of them
- Going to the bathroom outside the litterbox
- shifts in sleep patterns, such as waking up and moving around in the middle of the night
- Unusual interactions (growing more needy, reactive, or distant) with family members or other pets
- Asking to eat again despite having just been fed and forgetting to eat
- Poor grooming habits
- Sleeping more than usual
What Is the Treatment for Cat Dementia?
Take your cat to the veterinarian if you observe these changes in them to ensure that other factors aren’t the source of their behavior. Your veterinarian will only identify CDS in your cat after all other possible diagnoses have been made, as these symptoms can be mistaken for a number of different conditions. Despite the fact that there is no known treatment for feline dementia, it’s crucial to obtain a diagnosis in order to provide your cat with the best possible care and comfort.
Although there is no cure for feline dementia, there are strategies to help your cat manage Maintaining a consistent schedule for your cat is the best course of action to prevent further confusion or disorientation. To help them avoid mishaps or getting lost, you might need to make a few minor adjustments around your home. Adding more litter boxes without relocating the existing one is one example of this.
Medication. Anipryl is a drug that your veterinarian may recommend because it increases dopamine levels in the brain. This may help to improve their memory. Another option is an anti-anxiety medication. While it won’t improve your cat’s memory, it will help them maintain their composure when they’re lost or confused.
Diet. A diet rich in antioxidants may help enhance memory and brain function, according to research. Aim to include foods high in unsaturated fats and essential fatty acids to prevent further brain deterioration in your cat.
Comfort. Give your cat plenty of attention. If they’ll allow it, give them a hug or a stroke to let them know you’re there. Keep your cat clean and brushed if they are unable to groom themselves. Your cat might be sleeping more, so give them soft spots to curl up in, like pillows or blankets.
FAQ
How long can a cat live with feline dementia?
What is cat Sundowners syndrome?
Why is my old cat meowing all the time?