Commentary
As animal health pros address the needs of aging pets, feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome becomes a consideration for cat owners and their veterinarians. The sources shared here address cat dementia and are worth veterinary teams’ reviews in support of cat owners as their cats age. Share both on social media or in newsletters.
Feline dementia is a condition both highly prevalent and challenging to manage, according to University of Bristol authors. It is an age-related decline in a cat’s cognitive abilities generally characterized by behavioral changes that cannot be attributed to other medical conditions. The article lists eight signs for cat owners to watch for that might indicate a cat has dementia, noting a significant overlap between symptoms of feline dementia and other common conditions, such as arthritis and kidney disease.
Source: The Conversation, September 3, 2025. Link.
Also see: Cognitive dysfunction, Cornell Feline Health Center, 2024. Link.
The behavioral signs of cognitive dysfunction tend to become clearly noticeable in cats that are 10 years of age or older.”
Related: Why understanding pet mental health matters more than ever, Vet Advantage, August 2025. Link.
Image: Link.