Treatment of cognitive disorders in older cats

Cognitive disorder in cats is a common neurodegenerative disorder that occurs in both dogs and cats. Is compared to Alzheimer's disease in humans. Clinical signs include increased stress, decreased defecation, disorientation, increased vocalization, decreased activity levels, anxiety and socializing changes.

With good medical care, improved nutrition, and protection, cats will have a longer life expectancy. As cats age, the systems of hearing, vision, kidneys, muscles, and joints change, causing degeneration to occur, leading to reduced function.

Diagnosis of cognitive disorder in elderly cats

Since there is currently no test for diagnosing cognitive dysfunction in animals, the diagnosis is made by eliminating all other potential causes of dementia. Cats also suffer from neurological diseases, kidney and liver disease, leukemia (FELV), cat immunodeficiency virus (FIV), vision loss, hearing loss and arthritis may show signs of confusion with cognitive dysfunction.

Treatment options

Treating cognitive disorders in cats focuses on slowing the progression of the disease through a combination of nutritional therapy, medication, and keeping the animal's brain active through training, exercise, and toys and social interaction. Nutritional therapy includes supplementing a pet's diet with antioxidants, specific vitamins and essential omega-3 fatty acids.

Other options include making the cat's environment comfortable to easily change the cat's behavior. You can make your cat's environment comfortable by keeping the furniture in your home. Sleeping areas should be comfortable and accessible, and you should close areas where your cat may be trapped or injured.

The litter box should be in a place that is visible and appealing to your cat. Try placing at least one sandbox on each floor or in each area of ​​the house. Make sure you place the sand pots in a quiet place, away from noisy devices like clothes dryers. Keep the litter box clean and make sure it is low enough for the cat to enter and exit the box comfortably. KittyGoHere, a low-profile toilet bowl product works great for cats who have trouble getting in and out of a box.