Cat Feline Cognitive Dysfunction: Dementia in Senior Cats

Feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD) is an age-related neurological condition causing confusion, anxiety, and disorientation in senior cats.

Key Facts

FCD affects approximately 28% of cats aged 11-14 years and over 50% of cats aged 15 or older
Signs include vocalisation at night, altered sleep patterns, reduced grooming, house soiling, and disorientation
The condition progresses over months to years with gradual decline in cognitive function
Environmental support, routine maintenance, and cognitive enrichment can slow apparent progression
Selegiline is licensed for cognitive dysfunction in dogs and used off-label in cats with some benefit
Distinguishing FCD from pain-related behaviour changes requires comprehensive veterinary assessment

Welfare Considerations

Feline cognitive dysfunction causes genuine confusion and anxiety that affects a cat's daily experience — cats with FCD may be distressed by environmental changes they previously handled easily, vocalise through the night from apparent disorientation, and lose previously reliable skills. Welfare-centred management maintains routine and familiar environments, provides litter trays in multiple easily accessible locations, reduces environmental complexity to minimise disorientation, and manages secondary anxiety with appropriate support. Medical management options are limited but worthwhile in appropriate cases. End-of-life planning should incorporate honest assessment of quality of life as FCD progresses.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary assessment if your senior cat shows night-time vocalisation or disorientation
Maintain consistent routine and avoid unnecessary household changes for affected cats
Provide litter trays on every floor and in easily accessible locations
Ask your vet about selegiline and dietary supplements as supportive management
Use quality of life scoring to guide end-of-life decisions as FCD progresses