Feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a common but under-recognised condition in senior cats, causing welfare compromise through disorientation, anxiety, and disrupted sleep that is amenable to management.
Feline cognitive dysfunction is a genuine welfare issue that receives insufficient attention compared to its prevalence and impact. An elderly cat disoriented in her own home, vocalising at night, unable to find her litter box, and showing disrupted sleep is experiencing real suffering that owners may attribute to normal aging rather than a treatable condition. Early recognition and intervention — both environmental and medical — can significantly improve quality of life. Environmental adaptations including nightlights, consistent furniture placement, easily accessible litter boxes, and calm routines reduce distress for cognitively impaired cats. The parallel to human dementia makes this a condition that many owners intuitively understand once it is explained to them.