Feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is the cat equivalent of dementia, affecting a significant proportion of cats over 15. Recognition and management substantially improves quality of life in affected cats.
Cognitive dysfunction in senior cats is underdiagnosed because owners attribute signs to "just getting old" and because the gradual onset makes behavioral changes easy to overlook. An affected cat that is confused, disoriented, and distressed at night — howling in apparent confusion — is experiencing significant welfare impairment. Early recognition allows earlier management, and maintaining routine, environmental predictability, and cognitive stimulation slows progression. The welfare goal for cats with CDS is to maintain the longest possible period of good quality of life while being prepared for honest quality of life assessment when the disease becomes severe.