Scottish veterinary surgeon, Dr Danièlle Gunn-Moore, of the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, has researched feline dementia, which could affect 28% of pet cats aged 11 to 14, and 50% of older cats.
Dr Gunn-Moore and fellow researchers at the Universities of Edinburgh, St Andrews, Bristol and California have identified a key protein which can build up in the nerve cells of a cat's brain and cause mental deterioration.
Sticky plaques form on the outside of the cat’s brain in the same way that plaques form on the brains of people who develop Alzheimer’s disease.
As in humans suffering from Alzheimer's disease, the protein creates ‘tangles’ inside the nerve cells which inhibit messages being processed by the brain.
Her research was published in the Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery
Cardhu, the Cat with CDS
Dr Gunn-Moore’s interest in feline dementia was sparked when her own cat, Cardhu developed cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), a group of symptoms that can lead to feline dementia.
12-year-old Cardhu had chronic kidney failure and controlled hypertension, and showed signs of senility -- inappropriate vocalisation and occasional episodes of disorientation.
His condition spurred her on to research diseases of ageing in cats, particularly CDS and dementia
Cardhu lived for two more years after being diagnosed, but developed progressive CDS despite anti-hypertensives, food supplements and environmental changes to make life easier for him.
Treatment Options for Feline Dementia
Cats with CDS or feline dementia can still enjoy life if their symptoms are recognised early enough. Treatment options include:
- food fortified with antioxidants and vitamins,
- a stimulating environment with toys and playtimes with their favourite human
- medications prescribed by the vet.
However cats who have advanced dementia or CDS need to feel safe, and might not cope with changes to their food or routine that could frighten or confuse them.
Such cats should have a safe quiet space, perhaps just one room, where they can find everything easily and feel in control.
Dr Gunn-Moore also suggests applying synthetic feline appeasement pheromone to the cat’s rug or cushion can help to calm stressed or nervous animals.
Prescription Medications for Feline Dementia
Medications that help alleviate the symptoms of feline dementia include:
- cholinesterase inhibitors to increase the availability of acetyl choline at the neuronal synapses,
- selegiline to manipulate the monoaminergic system,
- antioxidants (for example, vitamin E) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce neuronal damage
10 Clues that Your Cat Has Dementia
1. Spatial disorientation or confusion - getting trapped in corners or forgetting the location of the litter box. House-soiling is the most common reason for referral of old cats to animal behaviouralists.
2. Altered relationships either with their owners or other pets in the household - increased attention seeking or aggression
3. Increased irritability or anxiety, or decreased response to stimuli
4. Changes in sleeping patterns
5. Inappropriate vocalisation such as loud crying at night
6. Loss of memory, such as forgetting commands or breaking house training
7. Changes in activity - aimless wandering or pacing, or reduced activity
8. Lack of interest in food, although some cats actually want more food.
9. Decreased grooming
10. Confusion about time, such as forgetting that they have just been fed
Your Cat Might be Unhappy Rather than Demented
For information on the emotional needs of cats see Is Your Cat Unhappy?
You might also like to read: Acupuncture for Cats and Dogs
