Dementia is a distressing disease affecting older cats. Symptoms include increased meowing, attention-seeking and disturbed sleep patterns. Around 55% of cats between 11 and 15 years old have symptoms of dementia and more than 80% of cats aged 16 or over. It can affect cats of any breed, sex or size.

Dementia is a progressive disease in older cats, similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. The symptoms can be just as distressing for everyone affected. There’s no cure for dementia, but medication sometimes helps to slow down the progression of the disease. Cats might live with dementia for years, but this will depend on the age when symptoms start and how quickly the condition progresses.

Patience and supportive care help cats with dementia enjoy a good quality of life for as long as possible.

What is dementia in cats? >What is dementia in cats? [Overview

Symptoms of dementia in cats >Symptoms of dementia in cats [Symptoms

Cats at higher risk of dementia >Cats at higher risk of dementia [Risk

Diagnosis of dementia in cats >Diagnosis of dementia in cats [Diagnosis

How do vets treat dementia in cats? >How do vets treat dementia in cats? [Vet treatment

How to look after a cat with dementia at home >How to look after a cat with dementia at home [Home treatment

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Living with a cat with dementia

Be patient and calm

Make practical allowances for your cat being slower, confused, forgetful and clumsy

• plug in night lights

• provide additional litter trays around the house

• give cuddles and reassurance if your cat wants these

• Try not to redecorate or move furniture around

Avoid change or prepare well in advance if it’s unavoidable Travelling, for example.

• Use stress relief measures (pheromone sprays or diffusers, prescription medicine from a vet)

• Take along a familiar bed or blanket

Give your cat space when they don’t want to interact

• Eventually, your cat may stop wanting to interact with you and even stop wanting cuddles.

• Let them choose and be there for them if they’re looking for attention

Quality of life in cats with dementia

Dementia is a progressive illness. It can’t be cured. It worsens over time and eventually will end in death. Death may be due to dementia itself, or to another illness. And one illness may make the other worse. Common illnesses seen in older cats include:

• chronic kidney disease

• overactive thyroid gland

• arthritis

Worsening Dementia

It’s very hard to see a loved one decline and seem to be in distress. You start to wonder if they have any quality of life. If your cat doesn’t have quality of life any more, it may be kindest to bring their life to an end through euthanasia. Vets do this by giving them an overdose of anaesthetic, so it is peaceful and pain free.

When to say goodbye

You may worry how you’ll know when it is time to say goodbye as your cat’s illness advances.

It’s a decision that’s very hard to make and distressing for everyone involved. The best any of us can do is focus on what’s best for our beloved companion. We can start by thinking about their quality of life.

• Do good things outweigh the bad?

• Is your cat still interested and responsive?

• Is pain or distress controlled?

• Is giving medication straightforward or is it a fight that’s worsening quality of life for both you and your cat?

There are guides available online to help you assess your cat’s quality of life.

Talk things through with a vet if you are concerned about your cat’s quality of life.

Assess quality of life

Tips on how to delay dementia in cats >Tips on how to delay dementia in cats [How to delay

When to worry about your cat with dementia >When to worry about your cat with dementia [When to worry