Companion Animals

Companion Cat Senior Cognitive Dysfunction

Recognizing and managing feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome in older cats to maintain quality of life.

Key Facts

Feline cognitive dysfunction affects up to 50% of cats over 15 years
Signs include disorientation, altered sleep patterns, house soiling, and reduced interaction
The condition is often under-diagnosed because signs are attributed to normal aging
Dietary supplements and prescription diets may slow progression
Environmental modifications and routine maintenance support affected cats

Welfare Considerations

Cognitive dysfunction causes significant distress through disorientation, anxiety, and loss of learned behaviors. Many cats with the condition live with preventable suffering because the signs are misread. Diagnosis enables management that substantially improves quality of life.

What You Can Do

Discuss cognitive changes in your older cat with your veterinarian rather than dismissing them
Maintain routine and predictable environments to reduce disorientation in affected cats
Ask your vet about dietary and medical options to support cognitive health