Prognosis for Feline Dementia

Feline dementia or "kitty Alzheimer's," is properly known as feline cognitive dysfunction or feline cognitive disorder. According to veterinarian Dr. Nicholas Dodman, feline cognitive dysfunction affects each cat in a slightly different way.

Poisoning

Low-dose lead poisoning can lead to senility, lack of coordination and lack of bowel control in cats. The cat should be tested for lead poisoning, and treatment for the poisoning may alleviate the symptoms.

Worst Case Scenario

According to Dr. Dodman, brain tumors can cause the symptoms of feline cognitive dysfunction. These are very hard to treat.

Medication

If not caused by lead poisoning or brain tumors, then the cat can be put on deprenyl (brand name Anipryl). Dr. Dodman notes that cats can make a partial or full recovery on Anipryl.

Weight

According to Mansfield Animal Clinic, putting a cat on a diet can help reduce the symptoms of feline cognitive dysfunction.

Warning

According to "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," symptoms of feline dementia are the same as for a dysfunctional thyroid, kidney or liver.

References

• PetPlace.com: Cognitive Dysfunction in Cats
• Mansfield Animal Clinic: Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs and Cats
• Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook; Delbert G. Carlson, DVM, et al; 1995

Resources

• Older Cat Care
• Find a Veterinarian
• Lead Poisoning in Cats

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Photo Credit

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Sylvia