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Dementia Support Kit

Holistic Support for Feline and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

USD $238.75
Dementia Support Kit USD $238.75 Add to Cart

Dementia in Cats – Care Tips

Pet Care Tips 4 min read
Identifying Dementia in Cats & Preserving Feline Cognitive Function

There can never be too many internet videos of adorable cats meowing away. But if your little one suddenly becomes extremely vocal at old age, it may be a sign of dementia in cats. However, it can be a sign of other issues as well, so if you see any behavioral changes see a veterinarian right away for a proper diagnosis.

Understanding feline cognitive disorder means being aware of possible signs of dementia in cats. Knowing natural ways to slow down the progression of this condition can help improve your senior kitty’s quality of life.

Can cats get dementia?

Dementia in cats, also known as feline cognitive dysfunction, refers to the loss of cognitive ability to understand their environment. This condition happens due to the natural aging of our kitty’s brain, which may affect their awareness of the world and cause confusion. 

Cognitive dysfunctions can happen in many mammals, such as dogs, cats, and even humans. This article will specifically address dementia in our feline friends.

What are the main cat dementia symptoms?

Signs of dementia in cats can occur at any age but are much more frequent in senior kitties over ten years old. A cat affected by dementia may experience a wide variety of symptoms ranging from joint issues to hearing problems. But the most typical manifestations can be observed in these behavioral changes: 

  • Confusion: A cat may be wandering and appear confused. This is the most predominant symptom of cat dementia. This confusion might happen because your kitty doesn’t recognize the surroundings, and doesn’t remember where the food bowl or litter box is, for example.
  • Changes in behavior: Have you noticed that your senior kitty is restless and requires more attention? Cats with dementia become more aggressive and are more irritable. 
  • Loud meowing: Sudden changes in your senior cat’s vocalness might point to feline cognitive dysfunction. When a cat meows excessively during the night, it may be expressing nervousness and anxiety caused by disorientation in the dark.
  • Changes in sleep patterns: Cats with dementia may show a loss of interest in social interactions and activities. With this, cats with feline cognitive dysfunction may spend most of the day sleeping, and on the other hand, wander around at night.
  • Hygiene changes: Our feline friends are typically very clean animals that spend most of the day grooming themselves. A cat with dementia loses interest in personal hygiene and may have accidents outside the litter box. 

If you observe any of these behavioral changes in your cats, a vet visit and further examination are essential. 

Identifying Dementia in Cats & Preserving Feline Cognitive Function

Is there a way to prevent dementia in cats?

Keep your kitty active throughout their lives.

Dementia is a genetic condition, which means unfortunately there is no way to fully prevent your cat from having it. However, here are some ways to slow down the symptoms and progression of feline cognitive dysfunction: 

  • Increased playtime: Keep your feline’s brain and body active throughout their lives. Mind and environmental enrichment games, like puzzles, and active playtime, may help to keep your furbaby’s mind sharp. 
  • High-quality diet and supplementation: Feeding your furkiddo good quality food, full of omega 3 & 6 and antioxidants can also be beneficial in addressing cat dementia symptoms. 

Treating dementia in cats

The neurological damage in your cat’s brain, caused by old age, cannot be recovered in any way. With that, the treatment of dementia in cats will not reverse the situation but may help from cognition loss worsening. 

Only your local veterinarian can evaluate if pharmacological treatment is suitable for your cat with dementia. But there are ways you can support your kitty from home and address symptoms related to the condition. 

Natural support for a dementia cat

NHV Dementia Support Kit can be given throughout a cat’s life as proactive care and may help slow down the development of feline cognitive dysfunction. The five supplements in this bundle may also help decrease the progression of dementia in senior cats with a confirmed diagnosis.

Here are some of the supplements that can be important allies to help your cat with dementia:

  • PetOmega 3 is full of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, assumed to have a beneficial effect on the function of the brain. 
  • Turmeric is full of antioxidants that may help the brain and has historically been used to naturally aid in improving cognitive function.
  • Old Timer may also help with nerve damage and brain function. 
  • Yucca may help with addressing any discomfort, inflammation, and/or muscle stiffness that may be present. 
  • Natures Immuno contains a variety of mushroom extracts, which have historically shown valuable aids for overall cognition and immune function. For example, the Cordyceps mushroom extract has neuroprotective properties.

Helping cats with dementia live a better life

Slight tweaks at home can help improve your senior kitty’s quality of life, even before you notice any signs of cat dementia. 

  • Minimize changes in the cat’s surroundings, for example, avoid changing the distribution of furniture as this can increase confusion caused by feline cognitive dysfunction.
  • Reserve a room where your cat can remain calm when you have visitors, as excessive stimulation in the environment is not convenient.
  • Increase the frequency of play sessions but reduce their duration. It is very important that the cat remains active as much as possible during old age.
  • Clean your cat with a soft bristle brush to help keep his coat in good condition and motivate personal hygiene. 
  • Improve access to your cat’s favorite spots around the house. A good idea is to put up ramps so they can spend time in their usual places. 

We are here to help you care for your senior kitty and help you decide which supplements would be a good fit for your cat with dementia. Feel free to click on the button below to start chatting with us. Our pet experts are here for you!

Dr. Rebeca Oliveira DVM

Dr. Rebeca Oliveira DVM

Dr. Rebeca is a holistic veterinarian from Brazil with a passion for natural and integrative medicine. She’s been studying integrative medicine and alternative (and healthier) diets since 2015, and now started to study the power of herbs with the NHV Family. In her spare time, you can find her spending time with her golden retriever, Kuga.

Published: July 13, 2022

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