Companion Animals

Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome: 2025 Welfare Update

Updated 2025 welfare guide for cognitive dysfunction syndrome in cats -- dementia-like changes causing significant welfare impact.

Key Facts

Feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome affects an estimated 28% of cats aged 11-14 and 50% of cats over 15
Signs include spatial disorientation, altered sleep-wake cycles, reduced social interaction, and inappropriate elimination
Night-time vocalisation is one of the most distressing signs -- for both cat and owner
The condition is analogous to early Alzheimer disease -- involving amyloid deposition and neuronal loss
Welfare impact includes anxiety, confusion, and loss of the positive experiences that define cat quality of life
Selegiline (Selgian) is licensed for use in cats in some countries -- with modest evidence for benefit
Environmental enrichment and structured routines may slow progression and maintain welfare
2025 research is investigating novel dietary and pharmacological interventions including antioxidant supplementation

Welfare Significance

Feline cognitive dysfunction causes genuine suffering -- the confusion, anxiety, and loss of spatial orientation are distressing for cats that previously navigated their world confidently. The welfare challenge is recognising that an older cat increasing vocalisation at night or getting lost in familiar spaces is experiencing dementia, not just ageing, and deserves active welfare support.

What You Can Do

Use the DISHAA questionnaire (Disorientation, Interaction, Sleep-wake, House soiling, Activity, Anxiety) to screen cats over 11
Consult your vet about pharmacological and nutritional interventions if CDS is suspected
Maintain consistent routines and environmental layout -- reduce changes that increase confusion
Provide nightlights to reduce disorientation anxiety in cats with disrupted sleep-wake cycles