Try to keep her daily routine as consistent as possible. Whatever your neediness issues, they can be easily modified with the right tools and techniques, as well as patience and persistence from you, the caring cat owner. (Please see our article, Meowing and Yowling, for more information about excessive vocalizing and how to resolve it.) Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy, © 2021 American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Older cats may vocalize excessively for a number of reasons, including disorientation, loss of hearing and pain due to one or more medical conditions. This deterioration can cause disturbances in sleeping patterns, disorientation or reduced activity. If your cat shows any of the symptoms or changes listed above, your first step is to take her to the veterinarian to determine whether there is a specific medical cause for her behavior. … While it is possible for cats to live into their 30s, like Crème Puff, who died at age 38, a more likely estimate of your feline’s … FCD anxiety can improve with drug therapy. Any number of medical problems can contribute to inappropriate elimination, including sensory decline, neuromuscular conditions that affect mobility, brain tumors, kidney dysfunction and endocrine system disorders. Exclusive Subaru VIP offer for ASPCA Guardians & Founders. FCD anxiety can improve with drug therapy. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, Eliminates in sleeping areas or by eating areas, Sometimes seems unable to recognize familiar people and pets, Stares or fixates on objects or simply stares into space, Gets stuck and can’t navigate around or over obstacles. The idea of a cat yowling at all hours of the night and waking up the house may sound funny, but senior cats who begin to yowl like this may be suffering from something serious — and … Often these effects can contribute to behavior changes that only look like cognitive decline. Cats are creatures of habit. You can also seek advice from a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB or ACAAB) and your veterinarian, or a veterinary behaviorist (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior, Dip ACVB). Some older cats will develop this altered sleep-awake cycle, as well. Dying cats typically lose their appetite. A distinct feature of geriatric anxiety is that it can manifest as nighttime anxiety. If your cat’s veterinarian rules out medical problems, the following suggestions may help: Please see our article, Litter Box Problems, for additional suggestions and detailed information about resolving litter-box issues. The skin of an older cat is thinner and less elastic, has reduced blood circulation, and is more prone to infection. With age comes knowledge, acceptance, inner peace, and serenity, even for cats. Some effects of aging aren’t related to cognitive dysfunction. An increased need to eliminate combined with a decreased ability to locate or access a litter box can prompt your cat to wake up and wander around. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), the onset of dementia-like behavioral changes in older dogs and cats, makes cats … FCD generally increases vocalizations related to anxiety, disorientation and separation distress. If medical problems are ruled out, and if primary behavior problems unrelated to aging are ruled out (for example, problems that started years before your cat began aging), your cat’s behavior may be attributed to the effects of aging on the brain. Understanding the changes your cat is undergoing can help you compassionately and effectively deal with behavior problems that may arise in her senior years. While some elderly are clear-minded and … Pain, the need to urinate or defecate more often, the loss of vision or hearing, changes in appetite, and neurologic conditions can contribute to this behavior. She may be less active and sleepier, points out Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. It’s better to treat increased vocalization by increasing your cat’s activity during the day and gradually reestablishing her proper sleep-wake cycle. Older cats may have a hard time grooming themselves, and paired with a declining appetite, may lose weight or become dehydrated. The following behaviors may indicate cognitive dysfunction in your senior cat: Sleep-Wake Cycles and Reversed Day-Night Schedule. If medical problems are ruled out, and if primary behaviorproblems unrelated to aging are ruled out (for example, problems that started years before your cat began aging), your cat’s behavior may be attributed to the effects of aging on the brain. Few people want to admit that their beloved “kitten” is approaching her twilight years. A cat’s sleep-wake cycle can be impaired by FCD. A: When I was a young veterinarian, you didn’t see older cats. All rights reserved. Inappropriate elimination is a common symptom of FCD. Another common senior cat behaviour is changed interest in playing. It’s estimated that cognitive decline-referred to as feline cognitive dysfunction, or FCD-affects more than 55% of cats aged 11 to 15 years and more than 80% of cats aged 16 to 20 years. “In senior cats, decreased grooming may be attributable to senility,” she adds. Place additional litter boxes where they’re easy to find and easy to get into. It’s best to increase her activity level by engaging her in play during the day and in the evening so she’ll want to sleep at night. You’ve probably already noticed an increase in catnaps, another indication that your cat is getting a little older. However, as with most symptoms of FCD, there are also many alternative reasons for increased nighttime activity. Doing this will make it easy for her to find everything she needs. It can increase their anxiety and tendency to react aggressively. Vision and hearing loss are also common. Disorientation may be reduced by increasing the predictability of your cat’s environment and schedule. Behavioral Changes to Expect in a Senior Cat. Be sure to report all changes you see to your cat’s veterinarian. But now I know a cat-only hospital in San Antonio, Texas, where, every time a cat reaches its 20th … She has definitely slowed down physically (relative to her prime adult years)and may have developed a number of health problems. Ask your cat’s veterinarian to do a complete examination to identify medical problems that could cause restlessness, discomfort or an increased need to eliminate. In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats … Abnormal/unusual/unacceptable behavior associated with disease. Sensory changes, such as eyesight or hearing loss, can affect your cat’s depth of sleep. There are also some medicines that may help cats with FCD, such as selegiline hydrochloride (brand name Anipryl®). Any number of medical problems can contribute to inappropriate elimination, including sensory decline, neuromuscular conditions that affect mobility, brain tumors, kidney dysfunction and endocrine system disorders. These side effects … This can give your cat an unkempt or scruffy appearance. Needs constant contact, becomes overdependent and clingy, Explores less and responds less to things going on around her, Vocalizes more and/or in a more urgent tone, Sleeps restlessly, wakes up during the night. Your senior cat’s vocalizing can become a problem if she does it too often or at inappropriate times, like when you’re sleeping. Another common change in a senior cat's behavior happens with indoor/outdoor cats. As they age, cats often suffer a decline in functioning, including their cognitive functioning. Place at least one litter box on every floor of your house in case your cat is having trouble going up or down stairs. As they age, cats often suffer a decline in functioning, including their cognitive functioning. It’s best to increase her activity level by engaging her in play during the day and in the evening so she’ll want to sleep at night. Cats are living much longer now than was the case 20 years ago, thanks to better nutrition, veterinary and home care. Hyperthyroidism. However, as with most symptoms of FCD, there are also many alternative reasons for increased nighttime activity. It can also change their social relationships with you and with other pets in your home. Please see our article, Finding Professional Behavior Help, to locate a professional behaviorist in your area. Anti-anxiety medication can also help reduce vocalizations. Try to keep her daily routine as consistent as possible. Older cats tend to … Place additional litter boxes where they’re easy to find and easy to get into. 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