Some senior cats can suffer from age-related cognitive decline which is characterized by the slowing down of their mental ability which can significantly impair their everyday lives. While some of the symptoms can be attributed to the normal aging process, the extent and nature of the abnormalities can help determine whether it is true cognitive dysfunction or just slowing down as a result of the aging process. The typical signs of cognitive dysfunction in cats include the following. To make it easier to remember, the acronym for the symptoms is DISH.
D - Disorientation
Affected senior pets appear lost or confused, wandering aimlessly at times, and fail to recognize their humans.
I - Interactions
Senior cats with cognitive dysfunction have noticeably reduced social interactions. They may stop greeting even their favorite humans or stop engaging in attention-seeking behaviors.
S - Sleep Cycle
There will be a distinct change in the cat’s sleep-wake cycle. They spend the day sleeping while wandering aimless at night. They may also engage in frequent and excessive vocalization.
H- Housetraining
Loss of housetraining is imminent as affected cats forget the location of the litter box.
Your vet Aurora, CO is a valuable source of information when it comes to important issues that affect the health and well-being of pets.
