A lot of people don’t know, but cats can also suffer from dementia, as are human beings. The problem is known as feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome and is related to the aging of the animal.
More than half of cats with 15 years of age have some symptom of dementia. However, even younger felines, from the age of seven, may begin to manifest cognitive changes.
According to experts at University of Bristol, Emily Blackwell and Sara Lawrence-Mills, in an article published in The Conversation, understanding the signs of the disease is essential to offer a better quality of life to your cat:
1.
One of the first signs is when the cat goes over excessively, often in different situations than usual. It is common, for example, that cats with dementia Miem loud at night No apparent reason.
2. Change in interactions
The change in social behavior is frequent. Some cats can become Most needy and Melosseeking constant attention. Others may be irritated, avoid contact or even seem that they do not recognize family people.
3. Sleep changes
Sleep deregulation is also an indication. The cat can get more active and restless at nightwhile sleeping more during the day, which can confuse tutors and affect the routine of the house.
4. Dirty out of the sandbox
When the cat starts do needs outside the box Of sand, without apparent medical reason, it may be a sign of mental confusion related to dementia. This behavior also occurs in other diseases, but it is an important warning.
5. Disorientation
Cats with dementia can LOSE-IN THE HOUSEstand still looking at the wall, choose the wrong side of the door or even secure behind furniture. This spatial confusion is similar to what happens to people who suffer from dementia.
6. Changes in activity level
You may notice that the Cat jokes lessexplores little or simply loses interest in activities I once loved. Some may also stop cleaning themselves frequently, showing failures in personal hygiene.
7. Anxiety
Common situations, such as listening to a known noise or finding a close person, can cause fear and insecurity in cats with dementia. They can seek to hide under the bed, inside cabinets or in high places.
8. Learning difficulty
Another sign is the Loss of learned skills. The cat may have difficulty finding the pot of food, forgetting tricks that you already knew or cannot adapt to new habits.
Although there is no cure for dementia in cats, researchers say some measures can improve the cat’s quality of life. Encourage the animal with interactive toys, promoting games that simulate hunting and offering cat -specific supplements can help slow the disease progression.
