Feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome and other neurological conditions in senior cats present significant welfare challenges that are often underrecognized by owners.
Neurological decline in senior cats causes genuine suffering through confusion, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and loss of learned behaviors. Many owners attribute signs of cognitive dysfunction to normal aging rather than a treatable or manageable condition, delaying intervention. Assessment using validated scales like the FELINE questionnaire allows early detection when interventions are most effective. Quality of life assessment must weigh the cumulative burden of neurological signs, and end-of-life discussions should be initiated proactively rather than waiting for crisis presentations.