Cats, like people, are also vulnerable to age-related diseases. Their organs, for example, gradually become less effective as they age, and the power of their immune systems naturally diminishes. Cognitive decline, a perplexing, increasingly debilitating syndrome with symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease and senile dementia in humans, is one of the most distressing age-related feline ailments. However, the amount and type of anomalies can help establish if it is actual cognitive impairment or simply a slowing down due to age. The following are common indicators of cognitive impairment in cats.
Disorientation
Senior pets look lost or bewildered, sometimes wandering and overlook their owners.
Diminishing social interaction
Senior cats having cognitive impairment may cease greeting their family members and friends or participate in attention-seeking activities.
Varying sleep cycle
A cat's sleep-wake cycle will vary noticeably, sleeping during the day and roaming at night, and engaging in excessive and frequent vocalization.
Housetraining failure
Afflicted cats forget where the litter box is.
Pet owners need to give love and care more than ever to their senior cats to help them get through the effects of age-related conditions.
Your vet Cincinnati, OH is a valuable resource when it comes to issues that affect your pet’s health and behavior. Read more here.
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