Can a cat get dementia? (or something similar)

lil_me

Bless her, hope everything goes ok at the vets

cuddlymarm

Hi Shelly
My cat George is 14 and has dementia. (He forgets who you are if you leave him alone for a while and spits at you and backs away and gets lost wandering around the house.) Originally he wouldn't sleep and would yowl all night (keeping us all awake) or would hide in a cupboard or would bite you if you picked him up. The vet did a blood test for geriatric cats to make sure there were no other problems for his behaviour and then put him on AKTIVAIT.
He's only been on it for a few weeks but he's a different cat. He's cuddly and friendly again (occasionally he thinks he's a kitten again and bounces around the house and I try to keep him in because he still gets lost in the house so I dread to think what would happen if he went out) but he's definately happier than he was and has a decent quality of life at the moment. The vet said that it doesn't work for all cats ( and dogs) but we thought it was worth a try. I hope this helps because I know how upsetting it is when a pet is ill. Good luck.

ka7e

We have had several cats in our little cul-de-sac start doing this. They have normally been fairly elderly, but they didn't see cars as being a threat and would only move when "honked" at - or were physically removed! It was almost an attention seeking thing.
Unfortunately one was killed by someone reversing out of their drive.

littlemissfrugal

i had a cat did just the same thing - she wasn't acting different in any other way but she was a bossyboots so we just thought she was being stroppy, unfortunately she went missing and was found nearly a week later in the verge near our house she had obviously been clipped by a car and crawled into the bushes - i was heartbroken - it still haunts me now why i didn't search harder for her. i know the vet may be costly but think how you would feel if something happened.

lushkat

Like seven-day, we had a cat with an overactive thryoid who in the end, when he was 16 had a slight stroke and then developed symptoms similar to dementia. PAcing up and down for hours, getting out and lying in the road, wandering in and out of the traffic. This lasted for a few days and then we made the decision to have him put to sleep as his quality of life was restricted. We would have had to keep him in all the time to keep him safe when he had been used to a life of freedom.

The vet said that he wouldnt have been aware that he was behaving strangely, rather like a little old man wandering about but we felt it was for the best.

shelly

I appreciate the suggestions about keeping her in but I can't see it happening. She hates not being able to come and go as she pleases. She has had freedom since we have had her which is about 12 years. If I suddenly kept her in and made her use a litter tray then I think it would make her much worse.

The staying put when cars are coming at her is the only thing thats wrong with her. She doesn't pace, is still a loving cat-always ready to be fussed, is at the door in the mornings ready to be let in (if she can't be bothered to come round the back to her cat flap ) and at weekends she's usually about close by to the house.

Hubby said not to worry about her, she's getting old and forgetful. I would go mad though if I came home one day to see her lying in the road after being run over. Think I'll definately take her up this week and get her checked over.

Thanks again everyone.

Savvy_Sue

They definitely can go deaf - so is it that she doesn't hear the cars coming? And they can also go short-sighted as well. So if she can't see or hear the cars coming, what's to move for?

Eels100

shelly wrote:

I have thought about ringing the vet but thought he might get me to take her in and do lots of tests which I can't afford right now but would have to if it came to it. Also I guess deep down I'm worried that she truly might have something wrong and need putting to sleep........ .

Firstly, there's no problem with ringing the vet and saying you're strapped for cash and you realise she's old but could you make an appointment for a consultation to discuss this problem with them? Then if they find anything which needs investigating you can discuss potential costs and your budget with them. Vets are used to this.

In relation to her 'having something wrong and needing put to sleep', that is your decision to make, and the vet will not and can not decide to do that without your consent. If she's not suffering in any way why would she be put to sleep? And if she is suffering, surely it's better that you find this out as soon as possible ...?

Yes, cats can suffer from dementia, but there are also other reasons why they may behave oddly - thyroid problems can lead to very odd behaviour, or she may simply be painful as a result of arthritis. Eaither of these problems could be treated. Don't put it off - it might well be something you can help with.

*Sparkle*_3

Let us know how you get on.

Best wishes

patchwork_cat

Hi
I am sorry if this seems confrontational, but you say that you would be devasted if she was hit, but won't keep her in. If she lies in the road and does not move it is inevitable, I am afraid that she will be hit.

I don't think that you have any choice as a caring cat owner other than to keep her in when not observed.

Not all drivers are cat lovers, but some are and may not see the cat run it over and they would be devasted too.Imagine the effect if a child saw it run over.What if a car driver didn't see the cat until the last minute swerved and was killed.Think about it.