Feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is an age-related brain condition analogous to Alzheimer's disease in humans. It causes confusion, altered sleep, and distress in elderly cats and is significantly underdiagnosed.
CDS causes genuine suffering. Disoriented cats — particularly at night — show signs of distress including persistent vocalisation, apparent confusion about their location, and failure to recognise familiar spaces or people. Night calling can be severe, suggesting that cats may experience something analogous to the fear and confusion reported by humans with dementia. Sleep disruption affects both the cat and the owner, sometimes leading to inappropriate euthanasia decisions or rehoming. Pain from concurrent arthritis commonly compounds CDS behavioural signs. Many cats with CDS are managed with inadequate support because their symptoms are normalised. Early recognition allows environmental modifications and supplementation that can meaningfully improve quality of life in the months to years before severe decline.