Feline Cognitive Health: Keeping Your Cat’s Mind Sharp

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France

As our feline companions age, they may experience cognitive decline, similar to humans. Studies show that cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) can affect both dogs and cats, akin to human Alzheimer’s disease¹. According to the ASPCA, a staggering 55% of cats aged between 11 and 15 suffer from Feline Cognitive Dysfunction (FCD)². Cats may start exhibiting changes related to cognitive decline starting at about 10 years of age¹.

Early identification of cognitive decline in cats, along with quick and appropriate steps to support feline cognitive health, is the best way to help control or slow the signs of disease and improve quality of life for both cat and owner. Twice-yearly veterinary health checks are recommended for middle-aged and senior cats to identify signs of CDS¹. By understanding the symptoms of FCD, providing a balanced diet, encouraging mental stimulation through play and socialization, and creating an enriching indoor environment, we can help keep our cats’ minds sharp well into their senior years.

Understanding Feline Cognitive Dysfunction (FCD)

As our feline companions age, they may experience cognitive decline, similar to dementia in humans. It is estimated that a significant percentage of senior cats experience some degree of cognitive decline³. With cats living longer due to improved home care, nutrition, and veterinary medicine, some even reaching the age of 20 or 21, cognitive dysfunction typically becomes noticeable in cats aged 10 years or older⁴. In fact, cats aged 15 years or older have a >50% chance of developing signs of dementia⁵.

Symptoms of FCD in Cats

Feline Cognitive Dysfunction (FCD) is associated with specific behavioral changes that must be carefully evaluated to ensure they are not due to other medical conditions. These behavioral changes are summarized by the acronym VISHDAAL⁴³⁵:

• Vocalization (inappropriate vocalization, especially at night)
• Social Interaction (altered interactions with the family, especially attention-seeking)
• Sleep/wake cycle changes
• House soiling
• Disorientation (spatial and temporal; forgetting where the litterbox is or that they have been fed)
• Activity changes (wandering aimlessly)
• Anxiety
• Learning and memory deficits

Other common symptoms of FCD include increased clinginess, reduced appetite, zoning out, and reduced self-grooming⁵. It’s important to note that FCD symptoms may overlap with other health conditions, such as soiling in the house being a sign of chronic kidney disease or diabetes⁵.

Prevalence of FCD in Senior Cats

According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), there are currently about 94 million cats in U.S. homes, an increase from 85 million in 2016⁴. With this growing population of senior cats, it’s crucial for pet owners to be aware of the prevalence of cognitive decline and its associated symptoms.

Studies have shown that motor performance of cats typically changes around age 10 or 11, but brain structure changes have been seen in cats as young as 6 years old. Thus, noting your cat’s overall behavior and interactions is critical, and if you suspect a change, discuss it with your veterinarian at your earliest opportunity.

Many older cats with FCD signs may have another disease as well, thus diagnosing and managing both diseases is essential to providing your cat with the best supportive care. If you notice changes in your cat’s behavior associated with any of the VISHDAAL categories, discuss these changes with your veterinarian for an in-depth evaluation of your cat’s cognitive health.

Strategies to Support Feline Cognitive Health

As our feline companions age, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to support their cognitive health and well-being. By implementing a combination of dietary adjustments, mental stimulation, and environmental enrichment, we can help our cats maintain sharp minds and enjoy a high quality of life well into their senior years. While feline dementia, also known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), cannot be cured, early intervention and management can delay its progression⁶.

Providing a Balanced Diet and Proper Nutrition

A nutritionally balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential vitamins plays a vital role in supporting feline cognitive health⁶. Look for cat food formulas that include brain-boosting ingredients like fish oil, which is packed with EPA and DHA – omega-3 fatty acids that enhance brain development and enrich the nervous system. Wet cat food tends to be higher in nutrients compared to dry kibble, so consider diets inspired by the nutrients found in a cat’s natural prey.

Many commercial cat foods now include added medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which provide ketones – an alternative brain fuel for aging cats whose brains may struggle to efficiently use glucose⁷. Antioxidants like vitamins E, C, and B, as well as L-carnitine, have also shown benefits for cats with cognitive health concerns⁷.

Encouraging Mental Stimulation through Play and Socialization

Keeping your cat mentally stimulated is key to maintaining cognitive health. Regularly engage your cat in challenging activities like chasing a laser pointer, playing with interactive electronic toys, or solving food puzzles. Introducing new toys on a rotational basis and exposing your cat to novel scents can also provide mental enrichment.

Socialization is another excellent way to give your cat’s brain a workout while improving their overall behavior. Consider adopting a feline companion to provide your cat with daily social interaction and play opportunities. Just be sure to supervise their interactions, as cats with dementia may become anxious or aggressive⁶.

Creating an Enriching Indoor Environment

Transforming your home into a feline-friendly oasis can significantly contribute to your cat’s cognitive well-being. Set up climbing structures, perches, and cozy sleeping areas to encourage exploration and activity. Placing a cat tree or hammock near a window with a bird feeder outside can provide hours of mental stimulation by tapping into your cat’s natural predatory instincts.

Ensure your senior cat has easy access to essential resources like food, water, and litter boxes. Provide better lighting, appropriate footing, and a quiet, protected sleeping area. Maintaining consistent schedules, particularly around feeding times, can also help reduce stress and anxiety in cats with CDS⁷.

Implementing Food Puzzles and Scavenger Hunts

Encouraging your cat to work for their food is an excellent way to keep their mind sharp and satisfy their natural hunting instincts. Simple DIY food puzzles, like hiding treats inside a paper towel roll with small holes, can provide mental stimulation as your cat works to retrieve the rewards.

Create scavenger hunts by hiding treats around your home, allowing your cat’s predatory senses to take control as they search for their food. Occasionally moving their food bowl to different locations can also encourage your cat to stay alert and mentally engaged.

By implementing these strategies and working closely with your veterinarian to monitor your cat’s health, you can help support your feline friend’s cognitive well-being and ensure they enjoy a high quality of life well into their golden years. Regular check-ups are essential for early detection and management of any age-related health issues, including cognitive dysfunction syndrome⁶.

Conclusion

Maintaining your cat’s cognitive health is crucial, especially as they age. By providing a balanced diet, encouraging mental stimulation through play and socialization, creating an enriching indoor environment, and implementing food puzzles and scavenger hunts, you can help keep your feline friend’s mind sharp. Remember, the saying “use it or lose it” is important in the management of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) in cats, as actively engaging your cat daily in stimulating activities will help maintain their cognitive health and slow the progression of the disease⁸.

Early identification of cognitive decline in aging cats is essential, as approximately 28% of cats aged 11–14 years and 50% of cats aged 15 years or older show behavior changes unattributed to underlying disease⁹. Partnering with your veterinary health care team and scheduling twice-yearly health checks for middle-aged and senior cats can help identify signs of CDS and allow a plan to be put into action sooner, which can hopefully improve your cat’s brain aging process⁸.

It is important to note that there are no registered medications specifically for treating feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD) in cats, and success with off-label treatments varies¹⁰. However, by taking proactive steps to support your cat’s cognitive health through a combination of a balanced diet, mental stimulation, and regular veterinary check-ups, you can help improve your cat’s quality of life and slow the progression of cognitive decline in your beloved feline companion.

Source Links

1. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nutrition-for-cats-with-cognitive-dysfunction-syndrome-cds – Nutrition for Cats with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome CDS | VCA Animal Hospitals
2. https://www.drelseys.com/2023/08/13/four-ways-to-boost-your-cats-brain-health/ – Four Ways to Boost Your Cat’s Brain Health | Dr. Elsey’s
3. https://www.kittyspout.com/fr/blogs/blog/feline-cognitive-dysfunction-understanding-senior-cat-brain-health – Feline Cognitive Dysfunction: Understanding Senior Cat Brain Health
4. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/cognitive-dysfunction – Cognitive Dysfunction
5. https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/senior-pets/feline-cognitive-dysfunction.html – 1800PetMeds
6. http://www.maxxipaws.com/cat-dementia – Cat Dementia Treatments | maxxipaws
7. https://icatcare.org/advice/senility-dementia-or-cognitive-dysfunction-syndrome/ – Senility, dementia or cognitive dysfunction syndrome
8. https://www.catster.com/ask-the-vet/cognitive-dysfunction-in-cats/ – Cognitive Dysfunction in Cats (CDS): Causes, Signs & Treatment (Vet Answer) – Catster
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11104230/ – Survey of risk factors and frequency of clinical signs observed with feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome
10. https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-020-00054-w – Feline cognitive dysfunction as a model for Alzheimer’s disease in the research of CBD as a potential treatment—a narrative review – Journal of Cannabis Research