When Cats Forget: Recognizing Dementia and other problems in your senior cat

Understanding Behavioral Changes in Your Aging Cat

As our cherished feline friends grow older, their needs and behaviors naturally shift. Thanks to better veterinary care, nutrition, and owner awareness, cats are living longer than ever before. With increasing age, however, comes a higher risk of both physical and cognitive changes. Some of these changes are subtle, while others can significantly impact your cat's quality of life.

This article explores common behavioral changes in elderly cats, explains their underlying causes, and provides practical advice to help you support your cat through a healthy, dignified, and comfortable aging process.

Are Older Cats More Sensitive?

Yes—older cats are generally more sensitive to changes in their environment. Like all cats, they thrive on routine, predictability, and a sense of control over their surroundings. For an aging cat, disruptions in daily life—whether from new pets, a move, or renovations—can lead to stress, confusion, and behavioral shifts.

To support your senior cat:

• Minimize chaos: Keep their environment quiet and predictable.

• Offer safe spaces: Provide quiet hiding spots or elevated resting areas away from noise and activity.

• Respect their pace: Older cats need more rest and less stimulation, and that's perfectly normal.

Older cats also tend to spend more time indoors, and like senior humans, they benefit from extra love and attention to feel safe and secure.

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)

Also known as feline dementia, CDS is a progressive neurological condition that affects a significant number of senior cats. It involves the deterioration of brain cell function, often caused by a buildup of toxic proteins that interfere with nerve signals. It can affect up to 50% of cats over 15 years old and nearly a third of cats between 11 and 14.

Common Symptoms of CDS

• Memory loss: Forgetting routines, repeatedly asking for food, or appearing confused after eating.

• Emotional changes: Increased irritability, anxiety, or aggression. They may seem withdrawn or depressed.

• Disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places or forgetting the location of food bowls or litter boxes.

• House soiling: Missing the litter box, which can also be a sign of arthritis.

• Sleep disruptions: Sleeping during the day, then restlessly pacing or vocalizing at night.

• Reduced social interaction: Showing less interest in engaging with family members.

⚠️ Important: Many of these signs overlap with other medical conditions like arthritis, hyperthyroidism, or vision loss. Always consult a veterinarian to rule out or treat concurrent issues.

Diagnosing and Managing CDS

Step 1: Rule Out Other Causes

Many age-related conditions mimic symptoms of CDS. A thorough veterinary exam—including a physical exam, blood work, and urinalysis—is essential to correctly identify the cause of any behavioral changes. For example, arthritis can cause your cat to be reluctant to use the litter box or to stop playing.

Step 2: Environmental Support

• Keep the environment consistent and clutter-free.

• Stick to a regular routine for feeding, grooming, and playtime.

• Use sensory cues: a radio for sound, Feliway pheromone spray for scent, or textured rugs for touch to help your cat navigate their space.

• Provide multiple, easily accessible resources: food and water bowls, low-sided litter boxes, and comfortable resting spots.

• Use rugs or mats on slippery floors to improve traction.

• Encourage gentle, low-key social interaction.

Step 3: Nutritional and Medical Support

• Senior diets: Choose foods rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene to help protect brain cells.

• Supplements: Zylkene and Virbac Anxitane are natural calming supplements that may help reduce anxiety, and glucosamine is often used for joint support in cats with arthritis.

• Pheromones: Feliway uses calming pheromones to help reduce stress.

• Medications: Your vet may recommend certain medications that improve brain blood flow, although more research is needed on their effectiveness in cats.

No treatment can fully reverse CDS, but a combination of environmental, dietary, and medical management can significantly improve your cat's quality of life

Common Behavioral Concerns in Older Cats

Urinating or Defecating Outside the Litter Box

This may indicate pain from arthritis, confusion from dementia, or a problem with the litter box itself. To help:

• Make sure litter boxes are easily accessible.

• Place one on every floor of a multi-level home.

• Choose a low-entry box and a soft, easy-to-dig litter.

• Place boxes in quiet, safe locations.

Night-Time Vocalization ("Night Howling")

A common complaint, with 28% of owners reporting their senior cats meow more at night. Causes can include CDS (confusion, anxiety), hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, or hearing loss.

Cats vocalizing at night are often seeking comfort. While you may want to comfort your cat, this can unintentionally reinforce the behavior. Instead:

• Ensure all their needs are met before bedtime (food, play, litter box).

• Provide a warm, secure sleeping spot near you.

• Try calming supplements or pheromone diffusers.

• If vocalization is persistent, consult your vet.

The Sleeping (or Inactive) Cat

Owners often assume their older cat is "just sleeping more." While older cats do need more rest, excessive sleeping or inactivity can signal pain, illness, or boredom. Common causes include:

• Arthritis

• Dental issues

• Ingrown claws (from reduced grooming)

• Lack of mental stimulation

Regular grooming, claw trims, and vet checkups are essential. Senior cats still need mental and physical enrichment!

Improving Quality of Life for Senior Cats

You can make life easier and more fulfilling for your aging cat in several ways:

• Comfortable Resting Areas: Provide multiple soft, warm beds throughout the home. Use ramps or steps to help them reach elevated spots.

• Accessible Litter Boxes: Use low-sided boxes and place them on every floor.

• Elevated Food and Water Bowls: This reduces strain on their neck and joints. Provide several water sources to encourage hydration.

• Enrichment and Play: Use puzzle feeders to keep their minds sharp. For visually impaired cats, use toys with scent (catnip) or sound. For those with reduced mobility, try interactive play with toys that move slowly, like a feather wand.

The Importance of Senior Cat Diet

As cats age, their nutritional needs change significantly. The primary concern in geriatric cats is unintentional weight loss, often due to a reduced ability to digest fats and proteins. An older cat's body requires a diet that is highly digestible and nutrient-dense to maintain muscle mass and prevent a loss of body condition.

• Balanced Protein: While senior cats need adequate, highly digestible protein to maintain muscle mass, the amount must be carefully balanced. Excessively high protein can strain the kidneys, which are often a concern in older felines.

• Kidney-Protective Formulations: Many senior cat foods are specifically designed with controlled protein and lower phosphorus levels to be kidney-protective. This helps reduce the workload on the kidneys and supports their long-term health.

• Enriched with Omega-3s: Look for diets enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids, which have a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect. These nutrients are excellent for supporting both joint mobility in cats with arthritis and overall kidney health.

• Palatability: The senses of taste and smell can decline with age, leading to a lack of appetite. To encourage eating, try warming their food slightly to enhance the aroma or switching to a wet food with a more appealing texture and scent.

When to Call the Vet

It is essential to consult your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following signs:

• Sudden or rapid weight loss.

• Significant changes in eating or drinking habits.

• Inability to get into the litter box or frequent "accidents."

• Excessive, new, or worsening vocalization.

• Any signs of pain, such as limping, hiding, or reluctance to be touched.

• Noticeable changes in behavior that seem out of character.

Final Thoughts

Behavioral changes in elderly cats are not simply signs of aging; they are often signals of treatable conditions. With attentive care, supportive routines, and guidance from your vet, you can help your older cat live a long, happy, and comfortable life.

Aging doesn’t have to mean suffering. It can mean slowing down with grace, comfort, and love.

Foto: Danist Soh