Does your cat sometimes seem to have trouble seeing certain things in its environment? In such a case, a veterinary eye exam is strongly recommended, as these difficulties can indicate the onset of cataracts, an eye condition requiring specific treatment. In this article, we explain how to identify cataracts in cats, what treatment options are available, and what the possible outcomes are.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a neurodegenerative condition that affects the brain and progressively impairs cognitive function. This term encompasses a range of symptoms, such as memory loss, disorientation, and decreased reasoning abilities. Alzheimer's disease, on the other hand, is a specific and medically defined form of dementia.
Note: in cats, this pathology is referred to as feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS).
Which cats are most at risk of developing dementia?
Dementia can affect cats of all ages and breeds. However, the main risk factor remains age. Indeed, the likelihood of developing a form of feline Alzheimer's-type dementia increases significantly in senior cats. According to some studies, approximately one in two cats over the age of 15 shows signs of age-related cognitive decline.
Symptoms: How does dementia manifest itself in cats?
In general, feline dementia is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function. Several signs may then appear:
Changes in behavior
When mental abilities decline, a cat's behavior may change. A normally calm and sociable animal may become aggressive, anxious, or fearful, and meow more frequently than usual.
Disorientation
Cats generally know their territory perfectly. However, in cases of cognitive dysfunction syndrome, they may forget the location of their litter box or food bowl, remain motionless facing a wall, or seem to be unsuccessfully searching for the exit of a room.
Toilet training problems
Grooming, normally done regularly thanks to the cat's rough tongue, may become less frequent. Furthermore, cats with dementia may lose their cleanliness habits and urinate or defecate in inappropriate places, including inside the home.
Circadian rhythm disruption
The cat may have difficulty recognizing the times of day, which can lead to forgetting mealtimes.
Disruption of the sleep-wake cycle
Although cats are naturally more active at night and sleep more during the day, dementia can reverse this pattern. The cat then sleeps mostly at night and is very active during the day.
Decreased memory and learning abilities
Most cats recognize their name and associate certain words with actions, such as "food." Dementia affects the brain areas involved in memory and learning, leading to the forgetting of previously learned behaviors or commands.
Diagnosis: How to identify feline dementia?
To make a diagnosis, the veterinarian begins by ruling out other diseases that could explain the observed symptoms. In particular, they check for any disorders that could cause vision or hearing loss. An examination of the kidneys and bladder is also performed to rule out conditions that cause incontinence.
Treatment: Can dementia in cats be cured?
Currently, there is no cure for dementia in cats. Daily support is therefore essential. In consultation with your veterinarian, several measures can be implemented:
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Stimulate brain function by playing regularly with your cat.
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dedicate time to it and be patient,
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adapting one's environment to limit obstacles and facilitate access to rest areas,
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Place food and water in easily accessible locations.
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Install ramps to help him reach the litter box or elevated sleeping areas.
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minimize sources of stress by avoiding sudden changes, the arrival of new animals or frequent visits; if necessary, the use of calming pheromones may be considered with the advice of the veterinarian.
Forecast: What are the prospects for development?
According to current knowledge, feline dementia cannot be cured. The destroyed brain cells do not regenerate, making the damage irreversible. However, careful management, combined with a great deal of patience and understanding, can significantly improve the quality of life of an affected cat.
Causes: What are the mechanisms behind dementia in cats?
Dementia is primarily a neurodegenerative disease. It is characterized by a progressive loss of memory, orientation, and intellectual abilities. Alzheimer's disease is a specific form of dementia.
First described in humans in 1906 by the German neurologist Alois Alzheimer, this condition has since been identified in several animal species, notably dogs and cats. In dogs, it is also referred to as cognitive dysfunction syndrome, and similar disorders can affect felines.
These disorders are caused by an abnormal accumulation of proteins in brain tissue. When these proteins are deposited inside nerve cells, they are called Tau proteins; when they are located outside the cells, they are called amyloid plaques. These deposits cause the death of the affected brain tissue, leading to a progressive decline in essential brain functions and an impairment of the cat's cognitive abilities.