Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Senility Cognitive Aging Welfare

Feline cognitive aging is a spectrum - supporting older cats through environmental adaptation and monitoring maintains welfare as cognition declines.

Key Facts

Feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome affects over 35% of cats over 11 years
Night-time vocalisation, house soiling, and disorientation are characteristic signs
The DISHA framework applies to cats as well as dogs for syndrome assessment
Environmental modification (nightlights, consistent routines, easy resource access) reduces confusion
Selegiline is licensed for feline CDS in some countries with evidence of benefit

Welfare Considerations

Cognitive aging causes real distress in cats who become confused, anxious, and unable to navigate their environment reliably. Environmental adaptation that reduces confusion and maintains predictability significantly improves welfare in cognitively declining cats.

What You Can Do

Discuss cognitive dysfunction assessment with your vet for cats over 10 years showing behaviour changes
Install nightlights to help disoriented cats navigate at night
Maintain consistent routines and predictable resource locations for cognitively aging cats